What Is a BV in the Netherlands? | Dutch Private Limited Company Guide

What is a BV in the Netherlands?
A BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a Dutch private limited company with legal personality. This means the company itself—not the individual shareholder(s)—is generally liable for its debts and obligations. The BV is the most commonly used legal structure in the Netherlands, popular among both domestic and foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a limited liability company.
How To Establish A BV Company Netherlands
We can assist you in Netherlands Company Register questions or any of the procedures you may need. Our team has supported hundreds of business entrepreneurs in starting a Netherlands BV company. You can perform the procedure from a distance and it only takes five work days.
To establish a BV in the Netherlands, the company must be incorporated through a notarial deed, which requires the signature of a notary. Afterward, the BV must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK), which grants the company its legal status. The entire process can be completed remotely, and the setup generally takes just five business days.
In the Netherlands, a BV company is an entity with limited liability. The minimum share capital required for setting up a BV is €0.01, following the relaxation of the capital requirements in 2012. Therefore its setup involves a very low investment.
One important characteristic of the BV company in the Netherlands is that its directors and shareholders do not carry personal liability with respect to the entity’s debts.
For foreign entrepreneurs, a BV offers several advantages. The Dutch BV structure is internationally recognized, making it easier for businesses to operate across borders. It provides a flexible corporate structure, allowing for a wide range of ownership and management arrangements. Additionally, the Netherlands offers favorable tax conditions, including access to various tax treaties, making it an attractive location for international businesses.
FAQ's
What is a BV in the Netherlands?
A BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited liability company in the Netherlands. It is one of the most popular business structures used by entrepreneurs who want to limit their personal liability while conducting business. A BV is a separate legal entity, which means it can own property, enter contracts, and be liable for debts separately from its shareholders.
What does BV stand for in Dutch?
BV stands for 'Besloten Vennootschap', which translates to 'Private Limited Liability Company' in English. It is a legal structure commonly used by entrepreneurs who want to set up a business in the Netherlands while protecting their personal assets from the company’s liabilities.
What is the liability of BV shareholders?
Shareholders of a BV are only liable for the amount of money they have invested in the company, meaning they have limited liability. This means that their personal assets are protected from business debts or claims, as long as they have not provided personal guarantees for business loans.
Who can set up a BV in the Netherlands?
Any individual or legal entity, both from the Netherlands and abroad, can set up a BV in the Netherlands. There is no requirement for the founders to be Dutch residents, and they can be from any country within or outside the European Union. The minimum share capital required to start a BV is €1.
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Taxes Relevant For A BV Company Netherlands
The profit rather than the revenue of a BV company is taxable. The tax with respect to the first EUR 395 000 of annual profit is only 15% and the tax rate increases to 25,8% for the amounts above this threshold.