Do business in the Netherlands. Without the mess.
Europe's top logistics hub and a leading holding jurisdiction. The Dutch BV offers no minimum share capital, full foreign ownership, and one of the world's most favorable participation exemptions. Commenda handles KVK registration, notarization, and compliance so you can operate from day one.
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Why Netherlands
Why the Netherlands is built for international business
The Netherlands sits at the center of European trade: home to the Port of Rotterdam (Europe's largest) and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of the continent's busiest cargo hubs. For holding structures, the Dutch participation exemption fully exempts qualifying dividends and capital gains from corporate tax. Combined with access to 90+ double tax treaties and a stable, English-friendly legal environment, the Netherlands is a top choice for European regional headquarters and holding companies. The BV is fast to incorporate (1 to 5 business days), requires no minimum share capital, and allows 100% foreign ownership. Commenda sets up your entity and keeps it compliant.
See how incorporation works- 19%Corporate tax rate (up to €200K)The Netherlands applies a 19% corporate income tax rate on the first €200,000 of taxable profit, and 25.8% on profits above that threshold.
- 0%Tax on qualifying dividendsThe participation exemption fully exempts dividends and capital gains from qualifying subsidiaries (5%+ shareholding) from Dutch corporate income tax.
- 1-5 daysTypical incorporation timelineDutch BV incorporation typically completes within 1 to 5 business days after notarized deed execution and KVK submission.
- 90+Double tax treatiesThe Netherlands has one of the world's most extensive treaty networks, covering over 90 countries and reducing withholding tax on cross-border flows.
Product Suite
One platform.
Every jurisdiction. No gaps.
Built for finance teams running international operations without a dedicated compliance function. This is the infrastructure you should have had from day one.
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Entity Management
Formation, maintenance, and oversight for subsidiaries across 70+ countries.
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Global Indirect Tax
VAT, GST, and sales tax obligations tracked, filed, and confirmed.
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Transfer Pricing
Intercompany policy, documentation, and filing - built to OECD standards.
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Tax & Accounting
Consolidated financial reporting and local corporate tax filings. One audit trail.
Entity types
Choose the right structure for your business
Recommended
BV (Besloten Vennootschap)
The BV is the Netherlands' private limited liability company and the standard choice for foreign subsidiaries and holding structures. No minimum share capital, no residency requirements, and full access to the Dutch participation exemption and treaty network.
Benefits
- No minimum share capital requirement: companies can be incorporated with as little as €0.01 per share
- No Dutch residency requirement for directors or shareholders
- Full access to the participation exemption: qualifying dividends and capital gains from 5%+ subsidiaries are 100% exempt from corporate tax
- Access to 90+ double taxation treaties, one of the world's most extensive networks
- Innovation Box regime: qualifying IP income taxed at a reduced effective rate of 9%
- English widely accepted in business practice, with a highly educated, multilingual workforce
Key considerations
- Formation requires execution of a deed of incorporation before a Dutch civil law notary (Notaris)
- Annual accounts must be filed with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and are publicly accessible
- Subject to Dutch corporate income tax: 19% on the first €200,000 of taxable profit, 25.8% above that
- A registered Dutch address is required at all times
- Anti-abuse rules apply to holding structures without sufficient economic substance in the Netherlands
How it works
From kickoff to open for business in the Netherlands
Incorporating in a new country means unfamiliar filings, local requirements, and moving parts across multiple vendors.
We handle all of it so you don't have to.
Day 1
Onboarding
Your details submitted once. Entity name checked, documents collected, filings kicked off. No back-and-forth.
Days 1–3
Entity confirmed
Incorporation done. Formation documents, company number, and registered address live in your Commenda dashboard.
Week 1–2
Tax setup
Tax registrations filed, banking guidance underway. Compliance calendar set for your jurisdiction.
Week 2
Open for business
You're operational in a new market. Without a single trip to a government office.
G2 Reviews
Rated by the teams using it
Scores from finance and legal leads handling compliance globally.
Entity Management
#1 Ranked9.6/ 10Set up your entity and keep it in good standing. Filings, records, and renewals tracked in one place.
Corporate Tax & Compliance
Top Rated9.1/ 10Every tax deadline on one calendar. Corporate returns and statutory filings handled without the back-and-forth.
Sales Tax & VAT/GST
Commenda Leads9.4/ 10Register for VAT, GST, and sales tax in every country you operate in, and manage it all in one place.
Netherlands resources
Everything you need for your Netherlands operations
Detailed guides on tax, compliance, and business structure in the Netherlands.
- Incorporation
How to Incorporate in the Netherlands
Step-by-step guide to Dutch BV formation: notarization, KVK registration, registered address, and tax enrollment.
Read guide - Corporate Tax
Netherlands Corporate Tax Guide
Dutch corporate income tax rates, the participation exemption, Innovation Box regime, and annual filing deadlines.
Read guide - Indirect Tax
Netherlands VAT Guide
Dutch VAT registration, 21% standard rate, reduced rates, and periodic filing obligations for Dutch entities.
Read guide - Compliance
Netherlands Compliance Calendar
Annual deadlines for Dutch corporate tax returns, KVK filings, and VAT returns.
Read guide - Transfer Pricing
Transfer Pricing in the Netherlands
Dutch transfer pricing documentation requirements, Country-by-Country Reporting obligations, and OECD alignment.
Read guide
FAQ
Common questions
No. There are no nationality or residency requirements for BV shareholders or directors. Foreign nationals and foreign-incorporated entities can fully own and direct a Dutch BV. A registered Dutch address is required, but physical presence in the Netherlands is not.
The participation exemption fully exempts qualifying dividends and capital gains from corporate tax when a Dutch company holds at least 5% of the shares in a subsidiary. The subsidiary must not be held as a passive portfolio investment: it needs to conduct real business activity or the holding must qualify under specific asset tests. Where it applies, effective tax on dividend income is 0%. Commenda helps you structure correctly to access the exemption.
Most Dutch BV incorporations complete within 1 to 5 business days after all documentation is received and the deed of incorporation is executed before a Dutch civil law notary. Commenda coordinates the notarization and KVK registration so the process moves without delays.
A registered address in the Netherlands is required for KVK registration and official correspondence. Physical office space is not strictly required for a BV, but substance requirements for tax treaty access and the participation exemption mean that entities with significant holding or IP functions may need to demonstrate real economic activity in the Netherlands, including local management decisions.
The Innovation Box is a preferential tax regime that reduces the effective corporate tax rate to 9% on qualifying IP income. Eligible income must derive from intangible assets for which R&D costs qualified for the WBSO tax credit. It is most relevant to companies that develop software, patents, or other proprietary technology in the Netherlands. Commenda's tax team can assess whether your activities qualify.
A Dutch BV must file annual accounts with the KVK (publicly accessible), submit an annual corporate income tax return (Aangifte Vennootschapsbelasting) to the Belastingdienst, and file VAT returns, typically quarterly. Larger entities have additional audit and publication requirements. Commenda manages all of these obligations through the platform.
Join hundreds of international businesses growing fast with Commenda
Tell us where you're expanding and we'll scope the requirements, handle the filing, and keep your entity compliant, usually within 24 hours of kickoff.
