Legal foundation for everything else
Your BV structure determines how you pay yourself, how you handle tax, how you bring in investors, and how you hire. Getting it right from day one prevents expensive restructuring later.
Set up your Dutch company correctly from day one.
Polder coordinates the full company formation process — from shareholder structure and BV formation to KVK registration, VAT setup, business banking, DGA compliance, and accounting onboarding. A properly structured Dutch entity from the start saves significant complexity later.
What to expect
A 30-minute call is enough to determine the right structure, timeline, and which formation steps apply to your specific situation.
Why getting your Dutch structure right matters
Tax efficiency from the start
The Netherlands offers competitive corporate tax rates and the Innovation Box regime. A correctly structured BV — with DGA setup, WBSO access, and proper payroll — captures these benefits from your first invoice.
Credibility with clients and partners
A registered Dutch BV with a proper KVK number, VAT registration, and business banking signals legitimacy to Dutch and European counterparts. It's often a prerequisite for enterprise contracts.
Investor and funding readiness
Dutch and EU investors expect a clean, properly documented BV with a clear shareholder register and governance structure. Setting this up correctly from the start makes due diligence straightforward.
How company formation works
01
Initial consultation & structure advice
We start with a consultation to understand your business model, ownership structure, and goals. This shapes every subsequent decision — how many shareholders, whether you need a holding company, what DGA salary structure applies, and whether you qualify for WBSO from day one.
02
Shareholder structure design
Before any paperwork is filed, we design the shareholder structure: who holds what percentage, whether a stichting administratiekantoor (STAK) is appropriate for IP protection, and how future investment rounds will be accommodated. This step protects founders from common structural mistakes.
03
BV formation & notarial deed
The BV is formally incorporated through a notarial deed executed by a licensed Dutch notary. Polder coordinates with trusted partner notaries to ensure the articles of association reflect your agreed governance structure, director rights, and share classes correctly.
04
KVK registration
Following notarial incorporation, the company is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel). Polder coordinates the registration, reviews the KVK extract, and ensures all directors and roles are correctly listed.
05
VAT (BTW) registration
If your business will supply goods or services subject to Dutch VAT, you need a BTW number from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst). Polder handles the application and advises on VAT obligations relevant to your business model, including the OSS regime for EU digital services.
06
Business banking setup
Opening a Dutch business bank account requires a KVK number and — in most cases — a UBO register entry. Polder guides you through the options (including challenger banks for faster onboarding) and prepares the documentation package required by Dutch banks.
07
DGA compliance setup
If you are a director-major shareholder (DGA) of your own BV, specific rules apply to your salary, social security, and tax obligations. Polder sets up the correct DGA payroll structure, determines the statutory minimum salary, and documents the arrangement to keep you compliant from the first payroll run.
08
Accounting & bookkeeping onboarding
Once the company is operational, clean financial administration is non-negotiable. Polder onboards you to a suitable accounting system, sets up the monthly bookkeeping process, and schedules quarterly VAT returns and the annual financial statement cycle.
What's included
- Shareholder structure design and governance advice
- BV formation coordination and notarial deed
- KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration
- VAT (BTW) registration with Belastingdienst
- Business bank account opening guidance
- DGA salary structure and payroll setup
- UBO register registration coordination
- Accounting system onboarding and first-month bookkeeping
- Articles of association review and shareholder register setup
Common questions about company formation
How long does it take to set up a Dutch BV?
With all documentation in order, a Dutch BV can be formed in 5–10 working days. The notarial deed is typically executed within 3–5 days once shareholder documents are prepared, and KVK registration follows within 1–2 working days.
Do I need to be physically present in the Netherlands to form a BV?
Not necessarily. The notarial deed can often be executed via power of attorney if you cannot be present. Polder coordinates this with partner notaries so that remote founders can complete formation without travelling to the Netherlands.
What is a DGA and does it apply to me?
A DGA (Directeur-Grootaandeelhouder) is a director who holds 5% or more of the shares in their own BV. Specific tax and social security rules apply — including a statutory minimum salary requirement. If you are the sole founder-director, DGA rules apply to you.
What's the difference between a BV and a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak)?
A BV is a separate legal entity — it limits your personal liability, offers more favourable tax treatment at higher income levels, and is required by most institutional clients and investors. A sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) is simpler to set up but offers no liability protection and is less suitable for scaling.
Can Polder also handle ongoing accounting after formation?
Yes. After company formation, Polder can continue as your accounting partner — handling monthly bookkeeping, payroll administration, VAT returns, and annual financial statements.
Ready to form your Dutch BV? Start with a consultation.
A 30-minute call is enough to determine the right structure, timeline, and which formation steps apply to your specific situation.
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