Procedure for Company Registration in the Netherlands
Registering a company in the Netherlands involves a clear and efficient process, primarily overseen by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel or KvK). The most common legal form chosen by foreign investors is the private limited company (Besloten Vennootschap or BV) due to its flexible structure and limited liability protection. The first step is to choose a unique company name and draft the articles of association, which outline the company’s structure, objectives, shareholding, and governance. These documents must be notarized by a Dutch civil-law notary.
After notarization, the BV is officially incorporated and must be registered with the KvK in the Dutch Trade Register, providing details about directors, shareholders, business address, and company activities. At the same time, the company is automatically issued a VAT number and an RSIN (legal entity identification number). If applicable, further registration with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration may be required. A local registered office address in the Netherlands is mandatory.
Once registered, the company receives an extract from the Trade Register, which serves as official proof of incorporation. In most cases, the Netherlands company registration process can be completed within a few days, making the Netherlands an attractive jurisdiction for starting a business.
