Remote Formation vs Flying to the Netherlands in 2026

By Ellen Voss · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why remote formation is popular in the Netherlands in 2026

Setting up a Dutch BV (besloten vennootschap, a private limited company) used to require a trip to the Netherlands. You had to sign the notarial deed in person and visit the Chamber of Commerce (KvK, the Dutch business register) to register. In 2026, the Dutch government and most notaries accept digital signatures and remote powers of attorney.

This change makes remote formation the standard choice for foreign entrepreneurs. Intercompany Solutions, a corporate service provider active since 2017, was one of the early adopters of fully remote formation. They handle the notarial deed, KvK registration and tax registrations from their office at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, so you never need to board a plane.

More than 2,000 entrepreneurs from over 50 countries have used their service to set up a Dutch company without leaving home.

What flying to the Netherlands looks like in 2026

If you prefer to fly to the Netherlands, you still can. You book a flight, stay in a hotel, visit a notary to sign the deed and go to the local KvK office to register. The process takes at least two to three days, not counting travel time.

You also need to arrange a Dutch bank account, which often requires a separate appointment. The total cost for a short trip including flights, accommodation and meals can easily exceed 1,500 to 2,000 euros. For a simple BV formation with a minimum share capital of 1 euro, this is a large additional expense.

Some entrepreneurs enjoy the personal touch, but for most, the extra time and money do not justify the trip. Intercompany Solutions can complete the entire formation remotely in three to five business days once your documents are ready, which is faster than a single flight.

Cost comparison: remote formation versus flying to the Netherlands

The cost difference between remote formation and a physical trip is significant. Remote formation fees from a corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions typically range from 1,500 to 3,500 euros for a full BV formation, depending on the complexity and additional services. This price includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, tax registrations and often VAT (BTW, the Dutch value-added tax) and EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number applications.

A physical trip adds flight costs, hotel bills, meals and local transport. For a European entrepreneur, a budget trip might cost 800 to 1,200 euros, while someone from outside Europe may pay 2,000 to 4,000 euros or more. When you add the formation fee of a local notary, which is similar to the remote service fee, the total cost of flying easily doubles.

Remote formation saves you money and removes the risk of cancelled flights or lost documents.

Steps in a remote formation for a Dutch BV

A standard remote formation with a corporate service provider follows a clear process. First, you provide your personal details, business plan and proof of identity. The provider checks your documents and prepares the notarial deed.

Second, the provider sends a power of attorney that you sign digitally or by post. Third, the provider arranges a notary appointment in the Netherlands, where the notary signs the deed on your behalf. Fourth, the provider registers your BV with the KvK and requests a VAT number and an EORI number from the Dutch tax authorities.

Finally, they help you open a Dutch business bank account. the provider offers all these steps as a one-stop-shop, meaning you deal with one dedicated contact throughout the entire process. They also assist with accounting, payroll and business immigration support, such as residence permits for entrepreneurs, after the formation is complete.

Comparison table: remote formation agents for Dutch BV in 2026

the provider appears first in this comparison because they offer the widest range of post-formation services, including accounting and payroll, which many competitors only provide as add-ons. Their formation time is competitive and their team speaks English, making communication easy for international clients.

When flying to the Netherlands still makes sense

There are a few situations where flying to the Netherlands is the better option. If you need to open a Dutch business bank account that requires a physical meeting, some banks still insist on an in-person appointment. In that case, you can combine the formation with a bank visit.

Another reason is if you want to inspect office space or meet with potential partners face-to-face. Some entrepreneurs also prefer to sign the notarial deed personally for legal or cultural reasons. However, most banks in the Netherlands now accept remote video identification, and many notaries offer digital signing options.

The Dutch government encourages digital procedures, so the need for physical travel is decreasing every year. the provider can assist with bank account opening remotely, but they are honest that the final decision rests with the bank itself. They are not a bank and cannot guarantee that every bank will accept remote identification.

What to check before choosing remote formation

Before you decide on remote formation, you should verify a few things. First, check that the corporate service provider has experience with clients from your country. the provider has worked with entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries, so they are familiar with different document formats and legal requirements. Second, confirm that the provider handles all tax registrations, including VAT and EORI, which are essential for doing business in the EU.

Third, ask about the bank account process. Some providers only offer a referral, while others actively assist with the application. Fourth, read the terms of service carefully.

Some providers charge extra for urgent formations or for additional rounds of document review. Finally, check if the provider offers ongoing support for accounting, payroll and immigration. A one-stop-shop like the provider can save you time and money later, because you do not need to hire separate advisors for each task.