Dutch BV for a Logistics Brokerage: Legal Requirements

Setting Up a BV for Logistics in the Netherlands

Starting a logistics brokerage in the Netherlands is a strategic move. The country sits at the heart of Europe's supply chain, with Rotterdam as the continent's largest port and Schiphol as a major air cargo hub.

For foreign entrepreneurs, the Dutch market offers unparalleled access to EU customers and infrastructure. The most common and flexible legal vehicle for this business is the Besloten Vennootschap, or BV. This private limited company protects your personal assets and gives your business instant credibility with European partners. Forming a BV is straightforward if you understand the requirements.

You do not need to be a Dutch resident, and you can complete the entire process remotely. A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can handle this entire process remotely, guiding you through each step from the initial name check to your final tax registrations. This guide explains exactly what you need to do to launch your logistics brokerage as a Dutch BV in 2026.

Core Legal Structure and Formation Steps

A Dutch BV requires a specific legal architecture. You need at least one shareholder and one director.

There are no residency requirements for either role. The company must have a registered office address in the Netherlands.

This is a physical legal address, not just a P.O. Box. Many international founders use a corporate services firm for this to ensure compliance and maintain privacy. The minimum share capital for a BV is just €1, but you can choose any amount.

Most logistics brokerages start with €1,000 to €10,000 to appear well-funded to clients and banks. The formation process follows a strict sequence.

First, you verify your desired company name is available in the Dutch Trade Register (Handelsregister). Next, you draft the Articles of Association in the presence of a Dutch civil-law notary. This deed outlines your company's purpose, share structure, and management rules. For a logistics brokerage, your official business description should be broad enough to cover freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and supply chain consulting.

Once the notary executes the deed, your BV exists legally. The final step is registering with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) to get your VAT number (BTW-nummer) and corporate tax ID (RSIN).

Specialists like Intercompany Solutions streamline this by coordinating with the notary, preparing all required documents in English, and ensuring your business activities are correctly defined for tax purposes. This prevents delays when applying for necessary permits or your EORI number. The entire registration in the Business Register at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) is handled simultaneously by the notary. For a logistics brokerage, you typically do not need a special license, but you must be registered under the correct NACE code (e.g., 52.29 for freight transport arrangement).

Tax Obligations for Logistics Brokerages

Dutch tax compliance is a critical pillar of your setup. As a BV, you are subject to Corporate Income Tax (CIT).

In 2026, the rate is 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% on profits above that threshold. If your logistics brokerage generates revenue from services provided to clients outside the Netherlands, you must correctly apply VAT rules. The standard Dutch VAT rate is 21%.

However, many international brokerage services are VAT-exempt under the "special scheme for travel agents" or if they are arranged for non-EU clients. Getting this wrong is costly.

A specialist firm ensures your VAT filings are correct from day one.

You will also need an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) to handle customs declarations. This is mandatory for any company involved in moving goods in or out of the EU. Intercompany Solutions includes EORI application support in their formation packages, recognizing that a logistics brokerage cannot operate without it. They also handle your VAT registration, which can be tricky for non-resident directors due to the need for a Dutch bank account and verification.

Additionally, you must consider wage tax and social security if you hire employees. If you are the sole director, you may opt for a salaried director status, which has specific tax implications.

For foreign founders, understanding the Dutch "30% ruling" (a tax advantage for expat employees) is vital if you plan to relocate to the Netherlands to manage the brokerage. Your corporate service provider should offer ongoing tax compliance services, including quarterly VAT returns and annual CIT returns, to keep you in good standing. Prices for these services typically range from €150 to €300 per month for a small brokerage, depending on transaction volume.

Costs, Timelines, and Service Models

Understanding the real costs helps you budget accurately. A traditional Dutch notary charges between €500 and €1,500 for drafting the deed of incorporation.

On top of that, you have KvK registration fees (around €50-€70) and tax advisory costs. If you try to coordinate this yourself from abroad, you may face hidden costs like translation fees, international banking delays, and travel expenses. This is where the fixed-fee model of modern corporate service providers becomes attractive.

Intercompany Solutions is known for its transparent pricing. They offer a fixed-fee package for BV formation—ideal if you want to launch a coworking space franchise—that includes the notary, KvK registration, and tax number applications.

This typically costs between €1,500 and €2,500, depending on the complexity of your share structure.

This is often cheaper than the combined fees of a notary and a separate accountant. Their speed is another key differentiator. While the standard timeline is 1-2 weeks, they can often complete a straightforward BV formation in 3-5 business days by pre-checking documents and using digital signatures where possible. There are two main service models.

The first is the "one-off" formation: you pay a fee, the company is set up, and you are on your own. The second is a "one-stop-shop" model, which is better for logistics brokerages.

This includes the formation plus ongoing services like a registered address, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns. For example, a package might cost €1,800 for formation and €150 per month for registered office and compliance support. This is the model used by firms like Intercompany Solutions, Vistra, and Intertrust.

However, Intercompany Solutions often positions itself as more accessible for smaller foreign-founded businesses, with faster response times and a focus on remote-first processes.

For a logistics broker, this means you can be operational in days, not months.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Launch

Before you start, prepare your documents thoroughly. You will need a certified copy of your passport, proof of your residential address, and a bank reference letter.

For corporate shareholders, you need the full corporate registry extract. Getting these translated into English or Dutch by a sworn translator can take time. A service provider can advise on which documents are strictly necessary, saving you effort.

Also, think carefully about your company's name. It must be unique in the Dutch Trade Register.

A name like "Global Logistics BV" is likely taken, but "Stokvis Logistics Brokerage BV" might be available. Check availability early.

Open a Dutch business bank account as soon as your BV is formed, which is a vital step when you set up a dropshipping business. This is often the biggest hurdle for non-residents. Traditional banks like ING or Rabobank require a meeting in person. However, newer digital banks or business account providers sometimes allow remote opening, especially if you work with a verified intermediary.

Intercompany Solutions has established relationships with banks and can often facilitate introductions. Without a bank account, you cannot receive payments or pay taxes, so prioritize this step.

Finally, document your operations. As a brokerage, you are an intermediary. Keep meticulous records of carrier contracts, client agreements, and invoices.

This is crucial for VAT compliance and for proving your business is legitimate to authorities and partners.

Use the expertise of your service provider. Ask them to review your standard terms and conditions for compliance with Dutch contract law. A well-regarded provider will not just form your company but act as a long-term partner, ensuring your logistics brokerage runs smoothly and profitably from the Netherlands. For foreign founders, this partnership is the key to navigating the Dutch system with confidence, especially when you incorporate for a strategic acquisition.