Netherlands company registration: setting up a BV with the KvK

A Dutch BV is set up by a notary, who files it with the KvK. Capital can be one cent. The UBO register, the tax registration and the bank account follow.

Alexia M.Comparisons and market guides editor

Published: 16 August 2026
Reading time: 1 min read

"Netherlands company registration" brings "number", "check" and "process" in Google's suggestions. For founders, the process is straightforward and the notary does most of it.

Steps

Choose a notary and agree the articles.
The notary identifies the founders and signs the deed.
The notary registers the BV with the KvK.
Register UBOs in the UBO register.
Receive VAT numbers from the Belastingdienst.
Open the business bank account.

Capital

Since 2012 a BV has no minimum capital. One share of €0.01 is valid. Directors must still keep the company able to pay its debts, and distributions need a solvency test.

Founders abroad

Notaries can identify founders by video in many cases. Banks are the slower step. See Dutch BV bank accounts for non-residents.

After registration

The BV needs a SEPA account for Dutch and EU payments, and possibly currency details for clients outside the euro area.

Paying into the Netherlands: the local rail

What	Detail
Local rail	SEPA Instant Credit Transfer
Run by	European Payments Council scheme, run by each bank; Dutch banks send nearly all domestic transfers instantly
Settlement	Under ten seconds, 24/7
Published fee	By the EU Instant Payments Regulation, no more than the bank charges for a standard SEPA transfer

Source: European Payments Council: SEPA Instant Credit Transfer. Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

Where Rivet fits

Rivet opens accounts for registered companies, so it fits after KvK registration. Then it gives the BV EUR and GBP details on Growth and USD on every plan, with payouts to 120+ countries. Check our eligibility list for Dutch companies. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See Accounts.

Questions people ask

How do I register a company in the Netherlands?

Through a civil-law notary, who draws up the deed of incorporation and registers the BV with the KvK.

How much capital does a BV need?

None in practice; capital can be €0.01. Directors must still keep the company solvent.

Can foreigners set up a Dutch BV?

Yes. Notaries identify all founders, often in person or by video, and banks review the company afterwards.

What comes after registration?

UBO registration, VAT numbers from the Belastingdienst, a business bank account and, if you employ staff, payroll registration.

Sources

Written by

Alexia M.

Comparisons and market guides editor

Alexia compares the accounts, cards and payment tools companies weigh before they switch, and writes Rivet's market guides for founders in a specific country. Prices in Alexia's comparisons come from each provider's own pricing page on the date given in the article, rules come from the regulator or tax authority that sets them, and every source is listed at the end.