There is no legal requirement to use a corporate service provider. However, in practice a licensed trust office handles the registered address, local director and KYC/compliance requirements that are difficult to satisfy without an existing Dutch presence.
What You Need to Set Up a Dutch BV
A BV is incorporated through a civil-law notary by notarial deed. There is no real minimum capital: the starting capital can be as low as one euro cent. One person can own the company. The company must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), have a business address in the Netherlands, and register its ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).
Where Foreign Owners Run into Problems
- The address. A company needs a Dutch business address, which you do not have without local premises. See domiciliation.
- The director. Banks and tax authorities expect real management and substance in the Netherlands. See local director services.
- Due diligence. Notaries and Dutch banks need to verify the owners and the source of funds, which takes time without local support.
When You Can Do Without
If you already have a Dutch office, a resident director and an adviser who knows the process, you can incorporate directly with a notary. If not, a provider saves time and reduces the risk of delays. Local Management’s process, from first contact to incorporation, is described in How long does incorporation take?
Questions about this topic? Talk to Rolf Wemmi, Director of Corporate Clients at Local Management, via rolf@localmanagement.nl or +31 20 737 2217.