Incorporate a Startup in NetherlandsBesloten Vennootschap (BV)
Holding-friendly tax regime, Innovation Box (9% on IP income), and the 30% ruling for foreign talent.
Key incorporation facts for Netherlands
10-step launch checklist
From pre-launch name reservation through first annual filing.
- 01Reserve company name and verify with KvKPre-Launch
- 02Draft articles of association with civil-law notaryIncorporation
- 03Notarize BV formation deedIncorporation
- 04Register with KvK Business RegisterIncorporation
- 05File UBO declarationCompliance
- 06Register with Belastingdienst for CIT + VAT (BTW)Tax
- 07Open business bank account (ABN AMRO / ING / bunq)Banking
- 08Apply for 30% ruling for foreign hires (if eligible)Operations
- 09Apply for Innovation Box treatment (if R&D)Tax
- 10File annual accounts with KvKCompliance
Legal & Incorporation
Notary-led BV formation, KvK registration, and standard founder/IP documents.
KvK Business Register
PORTALDutch Chamber of Commerce registration - mandatory for every Dutch entity.
BV Statuten (Articles of Association)
DOCXNotarized articles of incorporation - the constitutional document of every BV.
Aandeelhoudersovereenkomst (SHA)
DOCXShareholders agreement covering vesting, drag-along, and reserved matters.
UBO Register Filing
PORTALUltimate Beneficial Owner registration with KvK - required for all Dutch entities.
Tax & Banking
Belastingdienst registration, Innovation Box, and Dutch business banking.
Belastingdienst Tax Registration
PORTALCIT, VAT (BTW), and payroll tax registrations with the Dutch tax authority.
Innovation Box (9% IP rate)
PORTALReduce CIT to 9% on profits derived from qualifying R&D / IP - apply via your tax advisor.
30% Ruling Application
PORTALTax-free 30% allowance for qualifying foreign hires - apply within 4 months of arrival.
ABN AMRO / bunq Business Account
LINKDocuments needed to open a Dutch business bank account.
Regulatory & Licenses
EU GDPR, AFM/DNB fintech licensing, and Dutch labor law.
AFM Fintech Licensing
PORTALDutch Authority for Financial Markets - PSD2 / e-money / crypto-asset licensing pathway.
EU GDPR / Dutch AVG
PORTALAutoriteit Persoonsgegevens guidance on processing personal data in the Netherlands.
CAO / Employment Law Guide
PORTALCollective labor agreements and Dutch employment contract requirements.
Local Infrastructure
Banking, payments, accelerators centered on Amsterdam.
Adyen
PORTALDutch unicorn payment platform - card acquiring + iDEAL across EU.
Mollie Payments
PORTALEU payment processor with strong SEPA, iDEAL, and Bancontact support.
Rockstart / TechLeap.nl
PORTALTop Dutch accelerator + national platform connecting startups to investors.
B. Amsterdam / Spaces
PORTALPremier startup coworking across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to incorporate in Netherlands?
- Setup typically costs €1,000 - €2,500, with a 19% / 25.8% (9% Innovation Box) corporate tax rate.
- How long does it take to incorporate in Netherlands?
- Incorporation usually completes in 3 - 7 days.
- Can I incorporate remotely in Netherlands?
- Netherlands typically requires some in-person steps or a local agent.
- What annual compliance applies to a Besloten Vennootschap (BV)?
- KvK annual report + Belastingdienst CIT + monthly VAT
Ready to incorporate?
Open the interactive launch blueprint for Netherlands: track your progress, compare with other jurisdictions, ask the AI Launch Copilot, and download a personalised PDF plan.
Open Interactive Blueprint