The most commonly known type of legal entity (worldwide) is the Private Limited, which is also called a ‘Company by Shares’.
This legal entity is called a BV (Besloten Vennootschap), and it’s the equivalent of the U.K. PLC, or the German Gmbh, the Delaware LLC, and many other similar entities worldwide.
Compared to most European Private Limited Companies, the Dutch BV is fairly simple to incorporate. There are no local shareholders and directors required, and the minimum capital requirement for a Dutch BV has been abolished per 1 October 2012. The incorporation of a Dutch BV requires the involvement of a Dutch notary. There is no requirement for each shareholder or director to visit The Netherlands and meet the Dutch notary. The incorporation can be done by Power of Attorney, although each stakeholder needs to be properly identified (using legalised copies of identification documents and signatures).
To start a Dutch BV you will need the following documents:
- Proof of identity certified unless the person visits the Dutch notary or our office (colour copy passport, national identity card (only allowed for EU nationals)).
- Proof of residential address, no more than 2 months old, certified (gas/electricity bill or credit/debit card bank statement )
- If you have corporate directors or shareholders then the extract of the Registrar of Companies, showing the authorised persons, must be delivered (notarised), as well as the Articles of the corporate body, and a Legal Opinion on the current authorities and legal structure
- Rental agreement of your office or Flexi-desk.
How long does it take to establish a Dutch BV?
The total incorporation procedure for a Dutch BV can normally be completed in a couple of days. For the entire procedure, including the gathering of necessary information and documentation, based on our experience, you should consider a period of one to two weeks. We emphasise that an accelerated procedure is possible. On our Service Page, we provide a full overview of the prices and the procedure of setting up a Dutch BV.
Alternative to the Dutch Private Limited: The Public Limited
A well-known alternative to the Private Limited company is the Public Limited Company. The Public Limited is called the NV or naamloze vennootschap in The Netherlands. It does require a paid-up share capital (45.000 EUR) and has other requirements to consider.
Let’s talk about which suits your needs better: Dutch BV or Dutch BV? Consult with our Launch crew for free!
This guide is part of Company Formation in our Launch Guide.
Let's guide you further
The Dutch Private Company Formation Timeline
The process of expanding your business to the Netherlands requires several steps before you can actually execute your business. This launch guide will explain all the steps that are needed and will give you more understanding of what is needed to start doing business in the Netherlands!
Are you ready to start your Dutch BV? Then check our prices and complete your details here!
Step 1: Start-Up Consult with a Launch Expert
It is important for you to find out what the best corporate structure is, what the process of incorporation is, and what the answers are to your questions. In our start-up consult we will go through the process, answer your questions, and elaborate on what the following steps will be in the establishment of your company in the Netherlands. Our Incorporation Consultants can involve tax and/or legal counsels when appropriate - so you'll be covered on all bases when you start your own Dutch BV.
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