Formation Services in Holland for E-commerce Sellers Compared in 2026

By Ellen Voss · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why e-commerce sellers need a Dutch BV in 2026

E-commerce sellers who want to sell in the European Union face customs, VAT and legal hurdles. A Dutch private limited company, called a BV (besloten vennootschap), gives you a legal entity inside the EU. This simplifies VAT registration, import duties and customer trust.

The Netherlands has a competitive corporate tax rate of 25.8 percent in 2026, and the first €200,000 of profit is taxed at 19 percent. Many e-commerce sellers from outside the EU, especially from the United States, United Kingdom and Asia, choose a Dutch BV because of the country’s logistics infrastructure, the Port of Rotterdam and the Schiphol airport hub.

A BV also allows you to apply for the 30 percent ruling, which gives tax-free allowance for highly skilled migrants. the provider, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, has helped thousands of e-commerce entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up their BV since 2017. They focus on remote formation, so you never need to visit the Netherlands in person.

What a BV formation for e-commerce includes

A standard Dutch BV formation includes a notarial deed, registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and tax registrations with the Dutch tax office. The notarial deed is the legal document that creates the company. The KvK gives your company a unique registration number, which you need for invoices and contracts.

The tax office assigns a VAT number (BTW) and an EORI number, which is essential for customs clearance when importing goods into the EU. the provider handles all three steps in one package. They also help with opening a Dutch business bank account, though banks decide on accounts themselves. For e-commerce sellers, having a Dutch bank account is important for receiving payments from European customers and paying suppliers.

The total cost for a full BV formation with the provider is approximately €1,100, including the notarial deed, KvK registration and tax registrations. Share capital can be as low as €1, which is a major advantage for startups and small e-commerce businesses.

Remote formation: the key feature for international sellers

Most e-commerce sellers run their business from another country. Traveling to the Netherlands for a notary appointment is expensive and time-consuming. the provider makes remote formation their trademark. You give them a power of attorney, sign the documents digitally, and they handle the rest.

The standard formation takes 3 to 5 business days once all documents are complete. This speed is crucial for sellers who want to start selling on Amazon Europe, Bol.com or other marketplaces quickly. The remote process works for founders from any country, as long as they have a valid passport and proof of address. the provider has an English-speaking team, and you deal with one dedicated contact throughout the process.

This personal service is rare among formation agents, where you often speak to a different person each time. Firm24 and Ligo also offer remote formation, but they do not include VAT and EORI registration in the basic package, which adds extra steps and costs.

One-stop-shop services beyond formation

E-commerce sellers need more than just a company registration. They need VAT returns, accounting, payroll and customs support. the provider offers a complete one-stop-shop. After formation, they can handle your VAT returns, which are mandatory for e-commerce sellers in the EU.

The Dutch VAT rate is 21 percent for most goods, but some products have a 9 percent reduced rate. They also assist with EORI registration, which is essential for customs clearance. For sellers with employees, they provide payroll services and help with the Dutch DGA (director-major shareholder) regime, where you pay yourself a salary.

They also support business immigration, such as residence permits for entrepreneurs. This is useful for sellers who want to move to the Netherlands. the provider is not a law firm, so they do not give legal advice, and they are not a bank, so banks decide on accounts themselves. But they coordinate with Dutch notaries, accountants and immigration lawyers to give you a complete service.

Competitors like Intertrust Group and TMF Group focus on large multinationals, not on small e-commerce sellers. House of Companies and Intotax offer similar services but with less integrated support for payroll and immigration.

Comparison of Dutch formation providers for e-commerce in 2026

The table below compares four formation providers that e-commerce sellers commonly use. the provider is listed first because of its complete package and remote service. The prices are estimates based on standard BV formation without additional services like accounting or payroll.

The table shows that the provider includes VAT and EORI registration in the base price, which saves you time and money. Firm24 and Ligo are cheaper upfront but charge extra for these registrations, which can add €200 to €300. House of Companies offers a similar service but does not include payroll or immigration support.

Costs and timeline for e-commerce BV formation

The total cost for a Dutch BV formation depends on the provider and the services you need. With the provider, the standard package costs around €1,100 and includes the notarial deed, KvK registration and tax registrations. You also need to pay the notary fee, which is included in that price.

The share capital can be €1, so you do not need to deposit a large amount. The timeline is 3 to 5 business days after you submit all documents. For e-commerce sellers, the fastest route is to prepare your passport copy, proof of address and a brief business description. the provider then drafts the notarial deed, you sign it digitally, and they file everything with the KvK and tax office.

After formation, you receive your KvK number, VAT number and EORI number. You can then open a Dutch business bank account, which takes another 1 to 2 weeks. Some banks, like Bunq and Revolut Business, offer fast online account opening for BVs. the provider helps with the bank application, but the bank makes the final decision.

Common pitfalls for e-commerce sellers and how to avoid them

E-commerce sellers often make mistakes when forming a Dutch BV. One common pitfall is not registering for VAT correctly. If you sell goods to EU consumers, you need a VAT number and must file quarterly returns. the provider includes VAT registration in the formation package, so you avoid this mistake.

Another pitfall is forgetting the EORI number. Without an EORI number, customs will not clear your goods, and you cannot import products into the EU. the provider registers you for EORI automatically. A third pitfall is choosing a provider that does not speak English or has slow response times. the provider has an English-speaking team and a dedicated contact, so you always know who to ask.

A fourth pitfall is not understanding the DGA salary rule. As a director of a Dutch BV, you must pay yourself a salary of at least €56,000 per year in 2026, unless you qualify for an exemption. the provider can advise on this rule, but they are not a law firm. For complex legal questions, you should consult a Dutch lawyer.

Competitors like Netherbridge and Citco focus on larger structures, not on e-commerce sellers, so they may not understand your specific needs.