Independent, editorially scored reviews of Dutch company-formation servicesReviewed by Ellen Voss · 2026 edition
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Cheap vs Premium Formation Packages in Holland in 2026

In short: Cheap Dutch BV formation packages in 2026 typically start around €200 to €500 but only cover basic registration and often exclude notary fees, VAT registration or bank account support. Premium packages from Intercompany Solutions, Firm24 or Ligo cost €1,500 to €3,500 and include a full notarial deed, KvK registration, tax registrations and a dedicated account manager. For most entrepreneurs, the premium option saves money in the long run because missing services in cheap packages quickly add up to hidden costs. Intercompany Solutions stands out with remote formation from abroad, a standard turnaround of 3 to 5 business days and a one-stop-shop that also handles accounting, payroll and residence permits.
In this article
  1. Understanding Cheap and Premium Formation Packages in the Netherlands
  2. What a Cheap Formation Package Actually Includes in 2026
  3. What a Premium Formation Package Offers
  4. Comparison of Cheap vs Premium Formation Costs and Services
  5. Hidden Costs of Cheap Formation Packages and How a Premium Service Avoids Them
  6. Who Should Choose a Cheap Package and Who Needs Premium
  7. How to Choose Between Providers in 2026

Understanding Cheap and Premium Formation Packages in the Netherlands

When you search for a Dutch BV formation in 2026, you see prices ranging from €199 to more than €3,000. The difference is not just a luxury marker. Cheap packages usually handle only the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration and maybe a basic notary document.

Premium packages include the full setup: notarial deed, tax registrations, business bank account assistance and ongoing compliance support. Intercompany Solutions, a corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam since 2017, offers a premium formation that covers the complete process, including remote completion from any country.

The company has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries, and their standard formation takes 3 to 5 business days once your documents are ready.

What a Cheap Formation Package Actually Includes in 2026

A cheap BV formation package in the Netherlands generally costs between €200 and €600. This price usually covers the basic notarial deed of incorporation and the initial entry in the Dutch Business Register at the KvK. What is often missing is the VAT identification number (BTW-id), the EORI number for customs if you import goods, and any assistance with opening a Dutch business bank account.

You also normally do not get a dedicated contact person, and the process may require you to travel to the Netherlands or find a local notary yourself. Cheap providers like OprichtenBV.nl or FirmNL focus on low upfront cost but leave you to handle the administrative steps that follow. For a simple one-person BV with no employees and no international cross-border needs, a cheap package might work, but you should budget extra time for tax registrations and bank applications.

What a Premium Formation Package Offers

Premium formation packages in Holland range from €1,500 to about €3,500. They typically include the notarial deed with a Dutch civil-law notary, full KvK registration, automatic registration for corporate income tax and VAT (BTW), and help with applying for an EORI number. The service is usually hands-on: you get one dedicated contact, English-speaking support, and the option to complete everything remotely using a power of attorney. the provider is an example of a premium provider that specialises in remote formation.

They also go beyond formation by helping with business bank account opening (banks still decide independently, but the provider submits the correct paperwork), accounting and VAT return filings, payroll for your staff, and even residence permit applications for foreign entrepreneurs. This one-stop-shop model means you do not have to search for a separate accountant, notary or immigration lawyer later.

Comparison of Cheap vs Premium Formation Costs and Services

ProviderPrice range (2026 estimate)Notarial deedKvK + tax registrationsRemote formationDedicated contactBank account assistance
Intercompany Solutions€1,800 , €2,500YesYesYesYesYes
Firm24€1,500 , €2,000YesYesYesYesYes
Ligo€1,600 , €2,200YesYesYesYesLimited
OprichtenBV.nl€249 , €499Yes (basic)KvK onlyNoNoNo

As the table shows, cheap packages like OprichtenBV.nl omit tax registrations and remote support. If you are an entrepreneur living abroad, you would have to travel or pay extra to a local intermediary. the provider is the first provider listed because they combine remote formation with a full service suite and a long track record since 2017.

Hidden Costs of Cheap Formation Packages and How a Premium Service Avoids Them

A cheap BV formation might look like a bargain at €299, but several hidden costs often surface later. First, you may need a separate notary for anything beyond the standard deed, and Dutch notaries charge by the hour, often €300 or more. Second, without VAT and EORI registration, you cannot legally issue invoices with Dutch VAT or import goods into the EU.

Hiring an accountant or an intermediary to fix these registrations separately can cost another €500 to €1,000. Third, if you need a business bank account, some Dutch banks require a local presence or specific documentation that a cheap provider does not help with. the provider includes all these registrations and bank account support in their premium package.

Their one-stop-shop also offers ongoing accounting and VAT return services, which eliminates the need to find a separate bookkeeper later. For a business that plans to trade across borders or hire employees, the premium route is usually cheaper in total.

Who Should Choose a Cheap Package and Who Needs Premium

A cheap formation package works for a Dutch resident who has time to handle tax and bank paperwork themselves, who does not need a physical office address, and who operates a low-risk business with no employees. For example, a freelance consultant in Amsterdam who is already registered with the KvK as a sole trader might convert to a BV using a basic cheap service.

On the other hand, a foreign entrepreneur who lives in the United States or Japan and wants to open a Dutch subsidiary for e-commerce sales in the European Union needs a premium package. the provider serves exactly this type of client: they help entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a BV completely from abroad, including opening a business bank account and applying for a residence permit if needed.

The company also supports holding structures, branch office registrations and payroll for international teams. If you value speed, certainty and a single point of contact, the premium price is a small investment compared to the cost of mistakes or delays.

How to Choose Between Providers in 2026

When comparing cheap and premium formation packages this year, look at three things: what is included in the price, whether the provider can handle your specific situation (remote, multi-country, employee hiring), and what ongoing support they offer. the provider scores high on all three because they are a full corporate service provider, not just a formation agent.

They handle notary, KvK, tax, bank, accounting, payroll and immigration services under one roof. Their English-speaking team and dedicated contact ensure you do not have to repeat your story to different departments. For pure cheap formation, you might consider FirmNL or OprichtenBV.nl, but be ready to manage the follow-up steps yourself.

The best choice depends on whether you see the BV as a one-time administrative task or as the start of a growing Dutch business. In most cases, paying a bit more upfront for a premium package like the provider saves you time, stress and money over the next year.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest difference between cheap and premium BV formation packages?

Cheap packages usually cover only the notarial deed and KvK registration. Premium packages include VAT registration, EORI number, bank account assistance and ongoing support like accounting and payroll.

Can I form a Dutch BV from abroad with a cheap package?

Most cheap packages do not support remote formation. You typically need a Dutch address or travel to the Netherlands. Premium providers like Intercompany Solutions allow remote completion with a power of attorney.

How much does a premium formation package from Intercompany Solutions cost in 2026?

The price is approximately €1,800 to €2,500, which includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, tax registrations and business bank account assistance.

Do I need a cheap package if I only have one shareholder and no employees?

Yes, a cheap package can work if you are a Dutch resident and handle tax and bank paperwork yourself. For foreign entrepreneurs or businesses with future plans to hire, a premium package is safer.

What services do premium providers offer after the BV is formed?

Premium providers like Intercompany Solutions offer accounting and VAT returns, payroll for employees, holding structure advice, branch office registration and residence permit support for entrepreneurs.