How to register a company in the Netherlands for UK companies?
UK companies looking to expand into Europe can register a Dutch BV fully online — no travel to the Netherlands required.
There is no statutory requirement for a local director to be appointed; you may choose any person from the UK or anywhere else to serve as a company director.
Documents required to register a Dutch limited company for UK companies
The documents you need depend on whether the shareholder is a UK company or a UK individual.
If the Shareholder of the dutch company is a legal entity
- Company structure chart.
- Certificate of incorporation.
- Latest certificate of good standing from UK Companies House.
- Article of Association.
- Latest signed annual accounts.
- Power of authority signed by the incorporator.
- The legalization of the passport copy of the signatory.
If the Shareholder of is a British Individual
- Power of authority signed by the incorporator.
- Legalization of copies of the director’s and shareholder’s passports.
- Proof of address dated not older than 1 month.
How much does it cost to register a company in Netherlands?
The cost of registering a limited liability company (BV) will vary depending on whether the shareholder is a UK corporation or an individual in the UK.
A simple setup cost of € 1,800 + VAT is applicable if both the director and shareholder are the same person.
No VAT will be charged to a UK shareholder since the UK is no longer a member of the European Union.
Once all the required notary signed documents and information have been received, the registration process at the chamber of commerce Netherlands typically takes three days.
Requirements for registered offices
To register your Dutch BV, you need a Dutch address. This is required for correspondence from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and the Dutch Tax Authority.
Most UK companies use a virtual office for this purpose, especially at the start. Virtual office providers typically charge from €90 + VAT per month. Their service usually includes a registered address and document scanning — however, they do not handle correspondence on your behalf.
Dealing with incoming correspondence
This is where many UK companies run into difficulty. Dutch official letters use technical and legal terminology that Google Translate cannot accurately handle.
The following are typical examples of what UK companies encounter:
Example 1:Missed deadlinesThe Dutch Tax Authority and Chamber of Commerce send letters with strict response deadlines. If you cannot understand the letter, you may miss the deadline. A reminder will follow — and if that is also missed, a fine will be issued.
Example 2:VAT application letter Approximately two weeks after incorporation, your new BV will receive an eight-page VAT questionnaire in Dutch. You must respond by post before the deadline, including supporting attachments. Failure to respond will delay your VAT number — and your ability to start trading.
Example 3:
VAT refund notifications In some circumstances, your BV may be entitled to a VAT refund. The Tax Authority will send a letter requesting your bank account details by post. Without a local service provider, responding correctly and on time can be challenging.
Our correspondence handling package takes care of all incoming Dutch letters — so you never miss a deadline.
By taking advantage of our handling incoming correspondence package, you’ll have peace of mind that your Dutch correspondence is being handled promptly.
Among our services is the prompt handling of letters and the prompt response to them.
Local company secretary
Many non-resident directors find themselves overwhelmed by Dutch legal and regulatory requirements over time. As a result, some outsource these responsibilities to local lawyers. A more cost-effective alternative is to engage a local company secretary.
Our company secretarial package is designed specifically for small to medium-sized Dutch companies run by non-resident directors. It covers ongoing compliance so you can focus on running your business. This post explains who is this company secretarial package for and the benefit of engaging a local company secretary.
Opening a business bank account
Opening a traditional Dutch business bank account has become significantly more difficult in recent years. Even companies with a local Dutch director have seen their applications rejected due to stricter banking regulations.
A virtual bank account is a practical alternative. The entire KYC process is completed online — no travel required. Several UK virtual banks also operate in the Netherlands, so if you already use one in the UK, it may work for your Dutch BV too.
Our company formation package includes free guidance on finding a virtual bank that accepts UK clients and suits your business model.
Applying for a Dutch VAT number after Brexit
Following Brexit, your UK VAT number is no longer valid in the Netherlands or the EU. To trade in the European Union, you will need a Dutch VAT number and an OSS number for filing EU VAT returns.
The Dutch Tax Authority no longer grants a VAT number automatically when a BV is incorporated. Instead, they send an eight-page questionnaire asking about:
- It is important to know whether the UK parent company already conducts business in the Netherlands and other EU countries.
- Has the UK parent company already paid VAT in the Netherlands and the European Union.
- Are there already warehouses in the Netherlands or will there be warehouses there in the future for the UK parent company.
- Is the BV going to employ dutch people?
For more information about VAT number, this 2024 Guide may give you some insight. Applying for a VAT Number and VAT Certificate for your Dutch company
Ready to get started?
Confused by the information available online? Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our Dutch company formation experts today — no obligation, no commitment.
Confused with all the information available online?
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Change of address of a Dutch B.V.
A quick and easy guide to changing a dutch company address
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Appointment of a director of dutch company
A quick and easy guide to appointing of a dutch director and file it at the Dutch company house
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Resignation of a director of a dutch company
A quick and easy guide to removing a dutch director and file it at the Dutch Company House
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Download company extracts
A quick and easy guide to conducting a dutch company search.
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Find the best bookkeeper or accountant for a Dutch B.V.
Delegating bookkeeping requires a lot of trust and confidence in the person handling your business’s most sacred information.
As a result, some choose to outsource this roles to local lawyers.
However, if you do not use any virtual bank at the moment, our company formation package includes free advice helping you find you a right virtual bank accepts UK clients and suitable to your business model.