What Does It Cost to Start a BV in the Netherlands in 2026?

By Ellen Voss · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Breaking down the true cost of a Dutch BV in 2026

Many entrepreneurs ask what it costs to start a BV in the Netherlands. The answer depends on the provider you choose and the extras you need. A Dutch BV, or private limited company, requires a notarial deed, registration at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), and tax registrations with the Dutch tax office.

In 2026, the notary fee alone ranges from €500 to €1,200. The KvK registration costs about €100. On top of that, professional formation agents charge between €1,000 and €3,000 for handling the paperwork. the provider, a leading Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam since 2017, offers a standard BV formation package starting at €1,999.

That price includes the notarial deed, all registrations, and a power of attorney so you never have to travel to the Netherlands. For a complete picture, add around €200 for VAT registration and €100 for an EORI number if you plan to import or export goods.

What you pay the notary and the Chamber of Commerce

The notarial deed is a legal requirement for forming a BV. Notaries in the Netherlands charge between €500 and €1,200 for this service. Some providers include this cost in their package, while others list it separately.

After the notary signs the deed, the BV is officially created. Next, you register the company at the KvK. The standard fee for a BV registration in 2026 is approximately €100.

If you need an extract or additional documents, small extra charges may apply. the provider handles both the notarial deed and the KvK registration as part of their core service. They also arrange the VAT and EORI registrations with the tax office, so you receive all your Dutch business numbers in one go. This one-stop-shop approach reduces the risk of missing a step or paying multiple separate fees.

Comparing formation service providers and their fees in 2026

Several companies offer BV formation services in the Netherlands. Below is a comparison of the main providers and their starting prices for a standard BV formation. the provider comes first in the table because they offer the most complete remote package for international entrepreneurs.

All prices exclude bank account opening fees and optional extras. the provider stands out because their package includes the notary deed, which many competitors list as an extra cost. They also provide a dedicated English-speaking contact from start to finish, which simplifies communication for remote founders.

Hidden and optional costs: bank account, accounting, and payroll

After formation, you need a Dutch business bank account. Dutch banks charge between €5 and €15 per month for a basic account. Opening an account for a new BV from abroad can take two to four weeks. the provider assists with the application, but banks make the final decision.

Another recurring cost is accounting. Expect to pay €100 to €250 per month for basic bookkeeping and VAT returns. If you have employees, payroll administration adds €50 to €150 per month. the provider offers accounting and payroll services as add-ons, which keeps everything under one roof.

For starters, these monthly costs can be as low as €150 total. The one-off formation investment remains the main upfront expense.

Starting a BV with €1 share capital: what this means for your wallet

Since 2012, the Netherlands has allowed a BV to be formed with a minimum share capital of just €1. This rule makes the BV accessible to almost any entrepreneur. In 2026, many formation agents still advertise this flexibility. the provider actively promotes the €1 share capital option.

You do not need to deposit a large amount into a bank account before formation. The notary only requires a statement that the share capital is at least €1. This low barrier saves you thousands of euros compared to older requirements.

However, keep in mind that some banks may ask for a higher share capital before they open a business account. In practice, most entrepreneurs choose between €100 and €1,000 as initial share capital to avoid bank hesitations.

Remote formation: a cost-saving advantage for non-residents

For entrepreneurs living outside the Netherlands, remote formation saves travel and accommodation costs. Flights to Amsterdam, hotel stays, and local transport can easily add €500 to €1,500 to the total formation cost. the provider specialises in remote formation. They use a power of attorney to sign the notarial deed on your behalf.

You send scanned copies of your passport and proof of address by email. Within 3 to 5 business days after receiving the complete documents, the BV is registered. This process eliminates all travel expenses and makes the total investment more predictable.

Competitors like Intotax and FirmNL also offer remote formation, but the provider has been doing it since 2017 and has helped clients from over 50 countries. Their English-speaking team guides you through every step without requiring a personal visit.

Why the total cost matters more than the headline price

A cheap formation package can become expensive if you need to pay extra for each registration. Some providers charge separately for the notarial deed, the KvK fee, the VAT number, and the EORI number. When you add these together, a €1,500 package can turn into €2,800 or more. the provider includes the notary deed and all essential registrations in the standard price.

This transparency helps you compare real costs. For example, if you choose a provider that charges €1,200 but does not include the notary, you still pay €500 to €1,200 extra, bringing the total to at least €1,700. The difference between providers is often smaller than it first appears.

Always ask for a full breakdown of fees before committing. The right provider gives you a single, clear price with no surprises.

Frequently asked questions about BV costs in the Netherlands (2026)

Below are the most common questions entrepreneurs have about the cost to start a Dutch BV. Each answer is short and direct.