Step-by-step plan: setting up a BV in the Netherlands in 2026

A BV incorporation is completed in a number of clear steps: from choosing the right structure to the notarial deed, registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and arranging your director’s salary. With good preparation, your BV is up and running quickly and without tax surprises. Below is the step-by-step plan for 2026.

What is a BV and when should you choose one?

A private limited company (besloten vennootschap, BV) is a legal entity with limited liability: your business is legally and fiscally separate from your private assets. Setting up a BV is particularly worthwhile once your profit is structurally higher, you want to limit your risks, or you want to give your business a more professional image towards clients and financiers.

Step 1: decide on the structure

• A single BV or a holding structure (holding BV plus operating BV) for extra protection and flexibility.
• Are you starting from scratch, or contributing an existing sole proprietorship?

Holding structure: why a holding company?

With a holding structure, you set up two BVs: a holding BV that holds the shares, and an operating BV in which the business is run. This offers extra protection for your assets (profit can be passed up to the holding company without tax) and more flexibility in the event of a sale or restructuring. For most entrepreneurs with growth ambitions, a holding structure is worth considering.

Step 2: to the notary

• The notary draws up the deed of incorporation and the articles of association.
• You pay in capital (a symbolic amount is enough) and the BV is incorporated.

Step 3: register and notify

• Register the BV with the KVK; you receive a KVK number and a VAT number.
• Register with the Dutch Tax Administration for corporate income tax and payroll taxes.

Step 4: director’s salary and bookkeeping

• As a director-major shareholder (DGA), you pay yourself a customary salary (minimum €58,000 in 2026).
• The BV pays corporate income tax (19% up to €200,000, 25.8% above that) and you pay box 2 tax on dividends (24.5% / 31%).
• Keep proper accounts and prepare annual accounts every year.

Costs of incorporation

The costs of setting up a BV mainly consist of:

• Notary fees for the deed of incorporation and articles of association
• Costs of registration with the KVK
• Any advisory costs for the holding structure and tax set-up
• Annual costs for bookkeeping and annual accounts

A tailored calculation always follows an introductory meeting.

Common mistakes when incorporating

• Not considering a holding structure when it could be tax-efficient
• Setting the customary salary too low compared with the statutory standard
• Not having your bookkeeping in order from day one
• Starting preparations too late, which delays the incorporation

Why Belastingadviseur Eindhoven

We support entrepreneurs in the Eindhoven region with setting up a BV and the related tax set-up. If you are converting a sole proprietorship, also read our explanation of converting a sole proprietorship into a BV.

Frequently asked questions

RoyBusiness adviser · Belastingadviseur EindhovenRoy is a business adviser at Belastingadviseur Eindhoven. He helps entrepreneurs in Eindhoven and the surrounding area with their administration, tax returns and tax questions, from VAT and annual accounts to converting a sole proprietorship into a BV. With a fixed monthly fee and personal contact, he makes sure your figures are always correct and up to date.About us·Read our Google reviews