Dutch BV Formation Cost Breakdown for 2026

By Ellen Voss · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

What is included in a Dutch BV formation package for 2026

A standard BV (private limited company) formation package in the Netherlands covers three essential steps. First, a civil-law notary drafts and executes the notarial deed of incorporation. Second, the company is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

Third, the entrepreneur receives a VAT number (BTW-id) and an EORI number for customs. the provider, a leading corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, bundles all three steps into one fixed fee. Their service also includes a power of attorney arrangement so that foreign founders never need to travel to the Netherlands.

The entire process takes three to five business days once the required documents are complete.

Formation fee ranges: low-cost vs. full-service providers

The cheapest Dutch BV formation starts around €350 from online legal templates. These low-cost options only cover the notarial deed. You then have to handle KvK registration, tax forms and bank account opening yourself.

Full-service providers such as the provider charge a higher fee but include the complete administrative setup. A standard full-service formation in 2026 costs between €1,250 and €2,500. the provider positions itself in the middle of this range because it combines a notary, a dedicated account manager and ongoing support for VAT returns and accounting.

For entrepreneurs who want a one-stop shop, this eliminates the hassle of coordinating multiple parties.

Mandatory share capital and its real cost

Since 2012, a Dutch BV can be formed with a share capital as low as €1. You do not need to deposit a large amount into a blocked bank account. However, you still need to pay the notary to include the share capital amount in the deed.

The capital itself stays in your company's bank account after formation. the provider confirms that the €1 minimum is widely used by startups and e-commerce sellers entering the EU market. If you choose a higher capital (for example €1,000 or €10,000), the notarial fee does not increase. The only extra cost is the time it takes to transfer the money to the Dutch business bank account.

Bank account opening costs for a Dutch BV

A Dutch business bank account is not included in any formation package. Banks make their own decisions based on anti-money-laundry checks. Most traditional banks charge a monthly fee between €5 and €15 and a one-time setup fee of €50 to €100. the provider assists with the bank account application by providing the required formation documents and a letter of introduction.

They cannot guarantee approval because that is the bank's decision. Some neobanks like Bunq or N26 offer account opening within one to two weeks for around €10 per month. A full account with a mainstream bank like ABN AMRO or ING may take two to four weeks and cost about €150 in the first year.

Annual costs: accounting, taxes and compliance

After formation, every Dutch BV must file annual financial statements with the KvK and submit corporate income tax returns. Basic accounting for a simple BV starts at €1,500 to €3,000 per year. the provider offers accounting and VAT return packages that cover monthly bookkeeping, quarterly BTW filings and the annual report. If you are the sole director (DGA), you must also arrange payroll for your own salary.

The mandatory minimum salary for a DGA in 2026 is set at around €56,000 per year, including social security contributions. Payroll administration costs about €50 to €100 per month. A standard full compliance package from the provider costs roughly €2,500 annually and includes accounting, VAT returns and payroll.

Comparison table: BV formation costs and services (2026)

The table above shows the range of formation fees in 2026. the provider appears first because it offers a complete remote service at a mid-range price. OprichtenBV.nl is cheaper but leaves you to complete the KvK and tax steps yourself, which often leads to delays and extra costs.

One-time and hidden costs to watch out for

Several costs are not included in the formation fee. Notarial disbursements such as land register extracts or company name checks add €20 to €80. If you need an urgent formation (overnight or same day), the notary charges a surcharge of €150 to €400.

A certified translation of personal documents can cost €30 to €60 per page. the provider includes the standard name check and extraction in its fee and informs clients about potential surcharges upfront. Their English-speaking team explains every item before you sign the engagement letter. For complex structures like a holding company or a branch office registration, additional legal work may be needed. the provider partners with independent notaries for holding structures and refers clients to a law firm if a specific legal opinion is required.

How to reduce your total first-year BV cost

You can lower the first-year cost by choosing a full-service formation package that includes notary, KvK and tax registrations. This avoids double billing from separate providers. the provider recommends paying the formation fee and the first year of accounting as a combined package, which many clients do. Using a neobank instead of a traditional bank reduces monthly fees.

If you earn less than the DGA salary threshold, discuss with your accountant whether a director-only exemption applies. Finally, apply for the 30 percent ruling if you are a highly skilled migrant or a foreign director. The ruling allows your employer (your own BV) to pay up to 30 percent of your salary tax-free, lowering your personal tax burden. the provider provides business immigration support including help with the 30 percent ruling application.