Registration at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

The chamber of commerce in the Netherlands is called the Kamer van Koophandel or simply 'KvK'. Unlike in some other countries, this is a public institute where all business activities in the Netherlands are registered. How you should register depends on the type of legal entity.

Sole proprietorship or general partnership

In order to register an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) or vennootschap onder firma, or vof, (general partnership), you can make an appointment at the chamber of commerce directly. You should check if you meet the requirements to start an eenmanszaak or vof first. The company will ususally be set up on the spot. You will be able to find your KvK registration number in the KvK-database. With this number you can visit any Dutch bank to open a business bank account.

Branch office

There are several ways of registering a branch of a foreign company in the Netherlands. You can read more on the differences between a branch and a BV on this page. In order to do this properly you need to evaluate if your foreign company will have a 'permanent establishment' in the Netherlands or not. Read more on registering a foreign branch on this page.

Limited liability company (BV)

Within 24 hours after the incorporation at the notary your company will be automatically registered at the Chamber of Commerce. You do not have to do anything for this. You will be able to find you Chamber of Commerce number (kvk-nummer) in the KvK-database.

After the KvK registration, the chamber of commerce will forward the details of your newly registered company to the Dutch Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst). The Belastingdienst will check if you are eligible for a VAT number.