How to register a company in the Netherlands: KVK, BV vs sole proprietorship, BSN, taxes and address

Registering a company in the Netherlands takes four steps: secure the right to be self-employed (automatic for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens; a residence permit or the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty for others), obtain a BSN, choose between a sole proprietorship and a BV, and register with the KVK for a one-off €85.15 (2026). The KVK forwards your details to the Tax Administration, which posts your VAT ID within two weeks. A Dutch visiting address that is not a PO box is required in every case.

Who can register a business in the Netherlands?

The DAFT route is the fastest for Americans: no points test, and the €4,500 can sit as capital in the business. For everyone outside the EU, apply before you sign leases or contracts; the KVK will register you, but working without the right permit is illegal.

How do you get a BSN and DigiD?

A BSN (citizen service number) is mandatory for KVK registration. Staying more than 4 months: register in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at your municipality, which requires a Dutch address and, for non-EU citizens, a valid residence permit or endorsement. Staying up to 4 months: register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI) at one of the designated municipalities; at the KVK you must then show proof of a permanent address abroad and a temporary Dutch address (business.gov.nl, BSN). With a BSN you request DigiD, the login for the KVK form and for every Tax Administration portal.

Sole proprietorship or BV: which should an expat choose?

The full comparison is in Sole proprietorship or BV; the incorporation route in Setting up a Dutch BV. A foreign company can also register a Dutch branch with the KVK instead of a new legal entity; it is registered by the parent's authorised representative and remains part of the foreign company for liability.

How does KVK registration work?

1. Complete the online form (sole proprietorship, vof) or have the notary file (BV).
2. Book an appointment at a KVK office; registration is impossible without one.
3. Bring your passport, your BSN and proof of the business address: a lease, purchase contract, service agreement with a business centre, or a signed declaration of consent from the owner.
4. Pay €85.15 and receive your 8-digit KVK number, usually on the spot (business.gov.nl, KVK registration).
5. Wait for the VAT ID (btw-id) by post, within two weeks. A BV or partnership also gets an RSIN; a sole proprietorship does not.

Timing: no later than 1 week after starting, or up to 1 week before. Earlier registration is possible when a landlord or bank needs the number first. Once registered, a BV, vof or foundation must also file its UBOs (anyone holding more than 25% of shares or votes) and report changes within a week. Anyone can look up your registration: the KVK's search on kvk.nl shows trade name, address, activities and KVK number of every Dutch business; a certified extract (uittreksel) is what banks and landlords ask for and arrives as a PDF within 10 minutes.

Which business address does the KVK accept?

Every registration needs a visiting address in the Netherlands where the business operates and where owners or directors are regularly present. A PO box is refused; an address abroad is refused; your rented flat is accepted if the landlord allows business use; a coworking space or business centre is accepted with a lease or service contract that gives access during opening hours and comes from a provider registered with the KVK for renting out business premises. Occasional hot-desk rental is not enough. The rules are in Business address for the KVK. This catalogue lists 119 buildings with a virtual office in Amsterdam from €73 a month, many with English-language contracts.

How do you open a business bank account as a foreigner?

Dutch banks are not obliged to open an account for you, and the KVK does not require one, but clients and the Tax Administration expect a separate IBAN. Banks ask for the KVK extract, your passport, your BSN and proof of address, and for a BV the deed and UBO details; non-EU founders should expect additional questions on source of funds. Apply right after the KVK appointment, because the VAT ID letter and the bank account are the two things that most often delay a first invoice.

What taxes does a new Dutch business pay?

• VAT (btw): charged on most services and filed usually per quarter. Turnover up to €20,000 a year can opt into the small businesses scheme (KOR): no VAT charged, no VAT returns, no VAT deduction (belastingdienst.nl).
• Income tax for sole proprietors: box 1 rates of 35.75% to 49.50% in 2026 on profit after deductions; the self-employed deduction of €1,200 and the starter's deduction of €2,123 require 1,225 hours a year.
• Corporate tax for a BV: 19% up to €200,000, 25.8% above (2025 and 2026); 15% dividend withholding tax on distributions.
• Annual accounts: a BV files them with the KVK within 12 months of year end, in practice by 8 November for a calendar year.

What does the first month cost, realistically?

Setting up in Amsterdam? Compare virtual offices in Amsterdam for a registered address and coworking in Amsterdam for a desk; viewing and comparing costs tenants nothing.