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Services · Investment & Business Consultancy

Company Formation in the Netherlands

For entrepreneurs and companies entering the European market through the Netherlands, we manage company formation in the Netherlands end to end: from choosing the right legal form to the notary, KvK registration, bank account and VAT (BTW), accounting and market entry. Our team in Amsterdam and Ankara works in English, Dutch and Turkish.

Why the Netherlands?

  • Gateway to Europe: bordering Germany and Belgium and close to France, with the Port of Rotterdam and Amsterdam Schiphol giving fast access to the whole continent.
  • Transparent, fast administration: once documents are complete, incorporation can be finalised quickly and handled remotely.
  • Low entry threshold: no minimum capital requirement for a BV (private limited company).
  • International tax position: an extensive network of tax treaties plus innovation and R&D incentives.
  • Strong business climate: widespread use of English in business, a skilled workforce and a stable legal system.

Why set up with Edda Creative?

Many providers set up your company and stop there. We see incorporation as the first step of growth.

  • A team in both countries: our people in Amsterdam and Ankara know the business culture and regulations of both markets.
  • One point of contact: we coordinate notary, accountant, bank and legal partners on your behalf.
  • A transparent process: we share every step, required document and expected timeline upfront.
  • Support after formation: brand, website, digital marketing and business development to help you win your first customers.
  • Three languages: English, Dutch and Turkish.

Which legal form should you choose in the Netherlands?

Legal formLiabilityMinimum capitalBest suited for
BV (Besloten Vennootschap)LimitedNoneThe most common choice for foreign entrepreneurs and growth-focused companies
Branch (Nevenvestiging)Parent company is liableNoneForeign companies that want to operate directly in the Netherlands
Sole proprietorship (Eenmanszaak)Unlimited (personal)NoneUsually self-employed people resident in the Netherlands
NV (Naamloze Vennootschap)Limited€45,000Large companies, including those planning a listing

The right structure depends on your business model, tax planning and existing company structure abroad. We settle this together in the intake call.

Step-by-step company formation in the Netherlands

  1. Free intake call: we review your business model, goals and timing.
  2. Structure, name and address: we choose the legal form, check the trade name against the KvK register, review trademark and domain availability and arrange the registered address.
  3. Document preparation: passports, proof of address, power of attorney, apostilles and the notary’s identity verification (KYC).
  4. Notary and KvK registration: the deed of incorporation is executed by the notary and the company is registered with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce), including the UBO register.
  5. Bank account and VAT: we follow up the business bank account application and the VAT (BTW) number from the Dutch Tax Administration.
  6. Accounting and tax: with our accounting partner we set up bookkeeping, returns and annual accounts.
  7. Market entry: brand, website, digital marketing and business development to reach your first customers.

Once documents are complete, the notary and KvK stage usually takes 1–2 weeks; the bank account and VAT number can take a few more weeks depending on the bank and the tax authority.

Required documents

  • Passport or ID card and proof of address for shareholders and directors
  • Notarial deed of incorporation with articles of association (for a BV)
  • Registered Dutch address, trade name and activity code (SBI)
  • Share structure and shareholder details, ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) information
  • For a branch: recent extract of the parent company’s trade register and signing authority documents (apostilled)
  • Additional licences and permits for regulated sectors such as food, healthcare, finance or import-export

Tax and accounting

  • Corporate income tax (2026): 19% on the first €200,000 of annual profit and 25.8% above that.
  • VAT (BTW): standard rate 21%, reduced rate 9% for certain goods and services, 0% on exports.
  • Tax treaties: the Netherlands’ treaties with many countries, including Türkiye, reduce the tax burden on cross-border trade.
  • Innovation incentives: the Innovation Box and R&D incentives can give qualifying companies a significant corporate tax advantage.
  • Obligations: periodic VAT returns, an annual corporate income tax return and filing annual accounts with the KvK.

For tax and legal matters we work with specialised accounting and legal partners.

Directors, banking and residence: what you should know

Every company needs at least one director, who does not have to be a Dutch national. Some banks and the tax authority do, however, look for a tangible link with the Netherlands when opening an account or issuing a VAT number. Using a resident director and address service in the first months can therefore speed things up.

Setting up a company does not in itself grant a residence or work permit. For Turkish nationals, the EU–Türkiye Association Agreement (Ankara Agreement) may offer more flexible conditions for a self-employed residence permit in the Netherlands. We assess eligibility together with our immigration law partners.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to travel to the Netherlands to set up a company?

No. A BV can be incorporated remotely through a power of attorney and apostille. Some banks may ask for a video or in-person meeting when opening an account.

How long does company formation in the Netherlands take?

Once documents are complete, the notary and KvK registration usually take 1–2 weeks. Including the bank account and VAT number, the full process often takes a few weeks.

How much capital do I need for a BV?

There is no legal minimum capital for a Dutch BV. We do recommend a capital structure that fits your business plan.

Does setting up a company give me a residence permit?

No. Incorporation alone does not grant residence. Turkish nationals may qualify for a self-employed residence permit under the Ankara Agreement; we assess this separately.

Do I need an address in the Netherlands?

Yes, the company needs a registered Dutch address. A virtual office is sufficient for many activities; some sectors require a physical office.

Who handles accounting and tax after formation?

Together with our accounting partner we manage your VAT returns, corporate income tax and annual accounts.

Should my foreign company open a branch or set up a BV?

The choice has different consequences for liability, tax and operations. In many cases a BV is more flexible; we determine the best option for your situation in the intake call.

Request a free intake call

Fill in the form and we will get back to you within two business days with an initial assessment covering the right structure, the process and an indicative timeline. You can also email us directly at info@eddacreative.com.

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    Amsterdam | Ankara

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