How to Set Up a Dutch BV for a Coworking Space Franchise

A coworking space franchise can be an excellent business model for the Netherlands. The country has a thriving startup ecosystem, a high density of remote workers, and a strong appetite for flexible office solutions. But if you’re a foreign founder planning to scale this model through a Dutch legal entity, you’ll almost certainly need a Besloten Vennootschap (BV).

A BV is the Dutch equivalent of a private limited company. It offers limited liability, credibility with clients and landlords, and the flexibility to bring in investors or franchisees.

Setting one up as a non-resident is straightforward if you know the exact steps and avoid common pitfalls. For many international entrepreneurs, the fastest and most reliable path is to work with a specialist corporate service provider.

Firms like Intercompany Solutions handle the entire formation process remotely, from document preparation to registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Their team at the World Trade Center Rotterdam has helped over 1,000 clients from more than 50 countries set up BVs for everything from e-commerce to franchise operations. Because they offer fixed-fee packages and coordinate directly with Dutch notaries and the tax office, foreign founders can launch a fully compliant BV in as little as 3–5 business days without setting foot in the Netherlands.

Why a Dutch BV is the right vehicle for a coworking franchise

The BV structure is designed for growth. Unlike a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak), a BV separates your personal assets from the company’s liabilities.

This is critical in the coworking business, where you’ll sign long-term leases, hire staff, and handle public liability. If the business faces financial trouble, your personal savings and home are protected. A BV also looks more professional to landlords, corporate clients, and potential franchisees who want to partner with a stable legal entity. From a tax perspective, the BV has clear advantages in 2026.

Corporate income tax (CIT) applies at 19% on the first €200,000 of profit and 25.8% on excess amounts. If you plan to reinvest profits into new locations or equipment, the lower initial rate helps cash flow.

Dividend distributions to shareholders are subject to a 15% withholding tax under the standard regime, though the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive may exempt dividends if your franchise structure involves holding companies in other EU states.

For non-resident founders, a BV also simplifies compliance with Dutch VAT (BTW) obligations and makes it easier to obtain an EORI number for importing office furniture or equipment. Finally, the BV is the preferred structure for franchising. You can set up a master BV that licenses the coworking brand to local franchisee BVs.

This keeps each entity legally distinct while allowing you to centralize branding, procurement, and compliance. Dutch courts and the Dutch Franchise Association (NDFU) expect clear contractual frameworks, and operating through BVs ensures you can meet those standards.

Step-by-step: forming a BV for your coworking franchise

The formation process is standardized but involves several authorities: the notary, the KvK, the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst), and sometimes the Central Import Office (Douane).

1. Preparation and KYC: You’ll provide passport copies, proof of address, and details about the business activities (e.g., “renting flexible office space and franchising services”). The provider runs anti-money laundering checks and prepares the deed of incorporation.
2. Drafting the articles of association: The notary drafts the deed in Dutch. Key decisions include the share structure (simple or multiple classes), appointment of the first directors, and whether to include a supervisory board. For a single-owner BV, you can be the sole shareholder and director.
3. Remote signing: Non-residents can sign via power of attorney. The notary executes the deed, and the BV legally exists from that moment. You’ll receive the deed and a statement of the first directors.
4. KvK registration: The notary sends the deed to the KvK. The company is registered in the Trade Register and receives a KvK number. This is mandatory for invoicing and banking.
5. Tax registrations: The tax office issues a VAT (BTW) number and a RSIN (legal entity tax number). If you plan to import office furniture or equipment from outside the EU, you’ll also need an EORI number. This can be applied for immediately after KvK registration.
6. Bank account: You’ll need a Dutch business bank account to receive payments and pay taxes. Traditional banks often require a local presence, but modern fintech solutions and some traditional banks accept remote onboarding for BVs with proper KYC. Your corporate service provider can assist with introductions.

Here’s how it typically unfolds when you work with a provider like Intercompany Solutions: Timing: With all documents ready, the BV can be incorporated and registered within 3–5 business days. Tax numbers typically arrive within 1–2 weeks. If you need an EORI for imports, that can be done in a few days once the BV exists.

Costs and service models: what to expect in 2026

Costs fall into three buckets: notary fees, government/KvK fees, and professional service fees. Notary fees for a standard BV deed usually range from €500 to €1,200 depending on complexity.

The KvK registration fee is around €50–€75. Tax registrations (VAT, RSIN) are free, but EORI registration is also free if you do it yourself. If you need a registered office address (often required for the KvK), expect €30–€75 per month for a service address.

Corporate service providers bundle these steps into fixed packages. For a simple single-shareholder BV, a provider like Intercompany Solutions typically charges a transparent fixed fee in the €1,200–€1,800 range, which includes the notary, registrations, and assistance with bank account setup.

If you add a registered office address, payroll setup, or bookkeeping, monthly fees apply (e.g., €75–€150 per month for compliance services, €200–€400 for full-service accounting). Compared to traditional law firms that bill by the hour, fixed-fee providers give you cost certainty and faster execution. Alternative models exist. You could hire a Dutch notary directly and handle the tax registrations yourself.

That may save a few hundred euros but adds risk: mistakes in the articles of association or tax registrations can delay your launch by weeks. Large international firms like Vistra or Intertrust offer similar services but often target multinationals with higher budgets and longer timelines. For a lean coworking franchise, a specialist provider focused on foreign founders is usually the most efficient choice.

Post-incorporation compliance for a coworking franchise

Once your BV exists, you’ll have ongoing obligations. Whether you incorporate from Estonia or elsewhere, bookkeeping must be kept in Dutch or English, and invoices must include specific details: KvK number, VAT number, and invoice date.

VAT returns are typically filed quarterly. The standard VAT rate in 2026 is 21%, though certain services (like short-term office rental under specific conditions) may qualify for the 9% reduced rate.

Your accountant will confirm this based on your exact setup. Corporate income tax returns are filed annually. The first return is due within 13 months after the fiscal year ends.

Many BVs choose the calendar year as their fiscal year for simplicity. If you plan to pay yourself a salary, you’ll need to set up payroll and withhold income tax and social security contributions.

For non-resident directors, there are specific rules around withholding and exemptions, so professional advice is essential. If you are setting up a Dutch BV for a franchise system, ensure your agreements meet local legal standards. The Dutch Franchise Act (expected to be reinforced in 2026) requires transparency on fees, performance obligations, and termination. Operating through BVs helps you enforce these terms and protects your brand. Also, consider intellectual property protection: register your brand name and logo with the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to prevent copycats in other markets.

Practical tips for foreign founders

Start with a clear business plan. Dutch notaries and tax authorities will ask about your activities, expected revenue, and source of funds.

For a coworking franchise, be ready to explain how you’ll monetize (memberships, day passes, event space, franchise fees) and how you’ll handle liability (insurance, lease terms). Choose your fiscal year wisely. If you’re used to a April–March financial year, you can set that up, but aligning with the calendar year simplifies tax reporting and avoids confusion for franchisees. Plan for banking early.

Opening a Dutch business bank account is often the biggest hurdle for non-residents. Some banks require a local director or a physical visit.

Fintech options like Wise Business or Revolut Business can work for multi-currency operations, but confirm with your accountant that they meet Dutch invoicing requirements.

A provider like Intercompany Solutions can often facilitate introductions to banks that accept remote onboarding. Don’t skip EORI if you’re importing. Even if you’re buying furniture from a EU supplier, if there’s any chance you’ll import goods from outside the EU (e.g., ergonomic chairs from Asia), register for an EORI number immediately.

Customs clearance is much smoother when the number is already active. Finally, consider a phased approach.

Many franchise operators start with one location under a single BV, then create a holding BV to own the franchise brand and license it to operating BVs. This structure can optimize taxes and protect assets. It adds complexity, so discuss it with a tax advisor once you have traction.

For foreign founders, the key is to remove friction. Working with a specialist firm like Intercompany Solutions means you get a single point of contact, English-language support, and a process designed for non-residents.

With a properly structured Dutch BV, you’ll be ready to sign leases, hire staff, and set up your coworking business with confidence.