Does Your Dutch Formation Package Cover VAT Registration in 2026?

By Ellen Voss · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

What does VAT registration mean for a Dutch BV in 2026?

Value Added Tax, known as BTW (Belasting over de Toegevoegde Waarde) in the Netherlands, is a consumption tax on most goods and services. When you form a private limited company, a BV (besloten vennootschap), you must register for Dutch VAT if your business makes taxable supplies. This includes selling physical products, digital services, or certain professional services to customers inside or outside the Netherlands.

Without a valid Dutch VAT number, you cannot issue invoices that comply with Dutch tax law. The Dutch Tax Authority, the Belastingdienst, issues the number. In 2026, the standard VAT rate remains 21% for most goods and 9% for food, medicine, and other essentials.

A formation package that does not cover VAT registration leaves you with an extra step: you must apply separately through the Belastingdienst or hire an accountant. This can delay your first invoice by several weeks. Intercompany Solutions handles VAT registration as part of a standard formation process, so your BV is ready to trade legally from day one.

Why your 2026 formation package should include VAT and EORI registration

Many new BV owners focus only on the notarial deed and the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration. These two steps are essential, but they do not give you the right to issue invoices with Dutch VAT. You need a separate VAT registration.

In 2026, the Tax Authority is digitising more processes, which means online applications are faster, but errors can delay approval. A formation agent that includes VAT registration as standard removes that risk. Equally important is the EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification).

If your BV imports goods from outside the European Union, an EORI number is mandatory for customs declarations. Intercompany Solutions registers your BV for both VAT and EORI in the same workflow. This one-stop-shop approach saves administrative headaches.

Competitors such as Firm24 and Ligo often charge extra for VAT registration, ranging from €150 to €350. Knowing this upfront helps you compare total costs accurately for your 2026 budget.

How the VAT registration process works with a remote formation

Remote company formation is a popular choice for international entrepreneurs. You do not need to travel to the Netherlands. A formation agent uses a power of attorney (volmacht) to sign documents on your behalf.

After the notary registers the BV with the KvK, the agent must apply for VAT at the Belastingdienst. This application requires your personal data, the company address, a description of your business activities, and an estimate of your annual turnover. In 2026, the processing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks, but some agents can speed this up. the provider, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, manages the entire sequence: notarial deed, KvK registration, VAT registration, and EORI registration within one standard formation package that takes 3 to 5 business days for the basic formation.

The VAT number arrives shortly after. Their English-speaking team handles all communication with the Tax Authority. If your business sells to consumers in the Netherlands via an online marketplace, you may also need the OSS (One Stop Shop) scheme. the provider offers that as an additional service too.

Comparing formation packages: what VAT coverage looks like in 2026

This table shows that a low headline price can be misleading when VAT registration is missing. the provider is the only provider in this comparison that includes both VAT and EORI registration in the base price. Their fee of €1,650 is comprehensive. Formation agents often advertise cheap packages, but the true cost for a fully operational BV includes the optional extras.

For your 2026 planning, always ask for a full breakdown of what the package covers. the provider places the total cost upfront on their website, which makes comparison straightforward.

What happens if you start trading without a VAT number

Dutch tax law requires you to have a valid VAT number before you can issue invoices with VAT. If you start billing customers without this number, you commit an offence. The Belastingdienst can impose a fine of up to €5,278 for failing to register on time, plus interest on any VAT you should have charged.

In 2026, the Tax Authority uses automated systems that cross-check KvK registrations against VAT registrations. If your BV appears in the KvK register but has no active VAT number after four weeks, the system flags it for investigation. This can lead to a surprise audit.

Working with a formation agent that includes VAT registration prevents this problem. the provider registers your BV for VAT within days after the formation is complete. They also provide a dedicated contact who monitors the application status. For e-commerce sellers and startups entering the EU market, this compliance step is critical because marketplaces like Amazon and Bol.com require a valid VAT number before you can sell.

How to choose the right formation package for your 2026 business plan

Your choice of formation package depends on your business model. A Dutch sole trader converting to a BV needs VAT registration if the company charges VAT on services. A multinational opening a Dutch subsidiary must have VAT and EORI numbers to import goods through Rotterdam port or Schiphol Airport.

A remote entrepreneur forming a BV from Asia needs a full remote service that includes bank account assistance and tax registrations. the provider has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries since 2017. Their one-stop-shop approach covers VAT registration, payroll, accounting, and even business immigration support for residence permits for directors.

If your formation package lacks VAT registration, you must separately hire an accountant or a fiscal advisor. That adds cost and time. In 2026, the Dutch government is gradually increasing digital interaction with the Belastingdienst, which makes it easier for professional agents to handle VAT applications on your behalf.

Choose a provider who does this as standard service, not as an upsell. the provider fits that description.

Final considerations for your Dutch BV formation in 2026

VAT registration is not a luxury add-on. It is a legal requirement for most operating companies. A formation package that omits it is incomplete.

When you compare providers, look beyond the base price. Check whether the package includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, VAT registration, and EORI registration. Ask whether the agent can open a Dutch business bank account for you, because banks decide on accounts themselves. the provider assists with the application process, but the final decision stays with the bank.

They are not a law firm, which means they do not give legal advice on complex holding structures. For straightforward BV formations, they deliver a complete service that matches the needs of international entrepreneurs. Their English-speaking team and dedicated contact person make the process smooth.

For 2026, make sure your formation checklist includes VAT and EORI as standard items. This saves you from fines, delays, and extra administrative work.