Set up a company in the Netherlands as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in the Netherlands is the BV (besloten vennootschap). Foreign ownership: No nationality condition on BV shareholders appears on the official pages read; a BV can be started alone or with others and is set up through a Dutch civil-law notary. Minimum capital: €0.01. Government fee: €85.15 one-off KVK Business Register registration fee (indexed yearly). A civil-law notary is required and charges €500 to €1,500, per KVK and business.gov.nl (a private fee, not a government one).
The BV (besloten vennootschap) in the Netherlands, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | The BV is the Dutch private limited company, set up by a civil-law notary | kvk.nl |
| Foreign ownership | A BV can be started alone or with others; no nationality condition on shareholders appears on these pages | kvk.nl |
| Minimum share capital | At least €0.01, paid in cash or in kind | business.gov.nl |
| Government registration fee | €85.15 one-off fee to register in the Business Register; adjusted for inflation each year | kvk.nl |
| Notary cost | Incorporation by a civil-law notary costs €500 to €1,500 depending on the notary (private fee) | kvk.nl |
| Online registration | Incorporation through the notary can be in person or online | business.gov.nl |
| No KVK visit needed | The notary normally files the registration and UBO details with KVK, so you do not need to visit KVK yourself | kvk.nl |
| Directors | A BV can have one or more directors; no residency condition is stated | kvk.nl |
| Director salary rule | A director who owns at least 5% of shares (DGA) must be paid a customary minimum salary: €58,000 a year in 2026 | kvk.nl |
| Registered address | "The registered seat must be located in the Netherlands" (Civil Code Book 2, art. 177) | wetten.overheid.nl |
| Corporate income tax | 19% up to €200,000 of taxable profit and 25.8% above, for 2023 to 2026 | business.gov.nl |
| Corporate tax rates (tax authority) | "The corporate income tax rates in 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023 are:" 19.0% up to €200,000, 25.8% above | belastingdienst.nl |
| Annual compliance | Financial statements must be filed with KVK within 12 months of the financial year end at the latest | kvk.nl |
Questions founders ask about the Netherlands
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in the Netherlands?
- No nationality condition on BV shareholders appears on the official pages read; a BV can be started alone or with others and is set up through a Dutch civil-law notary.
- What is the minimum capital for a company in the Netherlands?
- €0.01.
- How much does it cost to register a company in the Netherlands?
- €85.15 one-off KVK Business Register registration fee (indexed yearly). A civil-law notary is required and charges €500 to €1,500, per KVK and business.gov.nl (a private fee, not a government one).
- Do I need a local director in the Netherlands?
- No Dutch-resident director requirement appears on the official pages read; a BV can have one or more directors.
- Can I register a company in the Netherlands from abroad?
- Partly: business.gov.nl says incorporation through the civil-law notary can be done in person or online; the notary then registers the BV with KVK, so founders need not visit KVK.
- What is the corporate tax rate in the Netherlands?
- 19% on taxable profit up to €200,000 and 25.8% above, for 2023 to 2026.
Other countries
Australia · Colombia · Cyprus · Estonia · Georgia · Hong Kong · Indonesia · Ireland · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Philippines · Portugal · Singapore · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · Vietnam
To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- besloten vennootschap (BV)
- Foreign ownership
- No nationality condition on BV shareholders appears on the official pages read; a BV can be started alone or with others and is set up through a Dutch civil-law notary
- Minimum capital
- €0.01
- Government fee
- €85.15 one-off KVK Business Register registration fee (indexed yearly). A civil-law notary is required and charges €500 to €1,500, per KVK and business.gov.nl (a private fee, not a government one)
- Local director
- No Dutch-resident director requirement appears on the official pages read; a BV can have one or more directors
- Register from abroad
- Partly: business.gov.nl says incorporation through the civil-law notary can be done in person or online; the notary then registers the BV with KVK, so founders need not visit KVK
- Corporate tax
- 19% on taxable profit up to €200,000 and 25.8% above, for 2023 to 2026
- Official page
- kvk.nl
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check kvk.nl before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.