How to Set Up a Dutch BV for a Medtech or HealthTech Company

Launching a Medtech or HealthTech venture in Europe? The Netherlands offers a compelling launchpad.

The Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap), or private limited company, is the go-to structure for international founders. It limits your personal liability, provides a credible European base, and offers access to a favourable tax environment and world-class infrastructure. For founders in high-stakes sectors like medical devices or digital health, a BV isn’t just a legal formality—it’s a strategic shield and a gateway to EU markets.

Setting up a BV as a foreigner used to be a maze of Dutch bureaucracy, mandatory travel, and complex tax registrations. That’s changed.

Corporate service providers now handle the entire process remotely. A specialist firm like Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, can have your Dutch BV incorporated in as little as 3-5 business days, without you ever needing to set foot in the country. This guide walks you through exactly how it works, what it costs, and what to watch out for in 2026.

Why a Dutch BV is the Strategic Choice for HealthTech

The Netherlands is a top-tier hub for life sciences and health innovation. Think of the Leiden Bio Science Park, the medical tech clusters around Eindhoven, and Amsterdam’s digital health ecosystem. For a Medtech or HealthTech company, credibility with partners, hospitals, and investors is everything.

A Dutch BV signals that you’re serious. It’s a familiar, respected legal entity across the EU.

From a liability perspective, the BV is essential. Your personal assets are shielded from company debts and legal claims—a non-negotiable feature when your product involves patient health.

On the tax side, the Netherlands offers a competitive Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate of 19% on the first €200,000 of profit in 2026 (up to 25.8% for profits above that). The country’s extensive network of double taxation treaties means you can operate and repatriate profits without being taxed twice. Plus, the Dutch "innovation box" regime can reduce your tax rate on profits from patented innovations to just 9%.

For foreign founders, the process is streamlined. There’s no requirement for a local director or a Dutch co-founder.

You can own 100% of the shares. The key is working with a partner that understands both the legal framework and the practical needs of international entrepreneurs. Firms like Intercompany Solutions specialise in this exact scenario, guiding founders from the US, UK, India, UAE, and beyond through the entire setup.

The Core Mechanics: From Idea to Incorporated BV in 5 Days

The formation process is surprisingly linear and can be executed entirely remotely.

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown for a standard BV incorporation in 2026. First, you’ll need to gather your documents: a valid passport for each shareholder/director, proof of address (like a utility bill), and a clear description of your business activities. For HealthTech, this includes detailing your product or service, target market, and expected revenue streams. Your corporate service provider will use this information for a mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) check.

1. Preparation and KYC

This is a standard compliance step. Intercompany Solutions has a streamlined digital onboarding process for this, typically taking 1-2 days. Next, the articles of association are drafted.

This legal document outlines your company’s name, purpose, share structure, and governance rules.

2. Drafting the Deed of Incorporation

For a HealthTech BV, you might need specific clauses if you have multiple founders, vesting schedules for shares, or plans for future investment. A good provider will advise on this. The deed is drafted in Dutch, but you will receive a certified English translation for your review and approval.

Historically, this was the biggest hurdle: you had to visit a Dutch notary in person. Not anymore. For non-EU residents, a power of attorney (PoA) is the standard solution.

3. Remote Signatures and Notarization

You sign a PoA document (often digitally or via courier) authorizing the service provider to act on your behalf. The notary then signs the deed of incorporation for you. Intercompany Solutions coordinates the entire notarial deed process, making it 100% remote. Once the notary has executed the deed, your BV is officially born.

The next step is registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

4. Registration and Tax Numbers

Your provider submits the application, and you’ll receive your KvK number (your official company ID) and RSIN (your tax identification number) within a day. Simultaneously, they will register your BV for VAT (BTW in Dutch) with the tax authorities.

If you plan to trade within the EU or import goods (e.g., medical devices), your provider can also handle your EORI number registration.

5. The Bank Account

This is a critical step for any Medtech company importing components or exporting finished products. The final piece is the business bank account. This is often the trickiest part for foreign founders in 2026 due to strict banking compliance. While you can open an account in person, many providers assist with remote solutions or introductions to fintech-friendly banks.

A full-service firm like Intercompany Solutions will guide you through the bank’s KYC requirements, which are separate from the company formation KYC. Plan for this to take an extra week or two after incorporation.

Costs and Models: What to Budget for in 2026

Pricing for BV formation is generally transparent, but it varies based on the service model. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to pay.

Theoretically, you could try to coordinate this yourself. You’d need to find an English-speaking notary (€500-€1,000 for the deed), register with the KvK (€50-€100), and handle all tax registrations yourself.

The DIY Approach (Not Recommended for Foreigners)

The total direct cost might be around €600-€1,200. However, the risk of errors, the language barrier, and the sheer time drain make this impractical for most international founders. One mistake in the articles of association can cause costly delays.

This is the most common route. For this price, a corporate services provider handles everything: KYC, drafting documents, coordinating the notary, KvK and tax registration. This is a fixed-fee service. Intercompany Solutions operates in this bracket, offering a clear, all-inclusive price with no hidden hourly charges. This package is ideal for a solo founder or a simple ownership structure.

Basic Formation Package: €1,200 - €2,000

It gets you a fully compliant, registered BV with a KvK and RSIN number.

This model bundles the formation with the first year of corporate secretarial support, VAT filings, and sometimes even the first month of bookkeeping. It’s a "one-stop-shop" solution.

All-Inclusive Package: €2,000 - €3,500+

For a HealthTech company planning to raise funds immediately, this is often the best value. It ensures your compliance is handled from day one. Some providers also add EORI registration and assistance with opening a bank account.

For example, a package from a firm like Intercompany Solutions might include the formation plus assistance with your first VAT return and annual report preparation.

Watch Out For: The Traditional Notary/Accountant Route

This is the "set it and forget it" option for busy founders. Traditional Dutch notaries and accountants often charge by the hour, even when navigating a specialized EdTech startup business setup. A BV formation can easily spiral to €3,000-€5,000+ if complications arise.

They are also less likely to be set up for 100% remote, English-first service. For foreign founders, this model is less predictable and more expensive. Specialists like Intercompany Solutions focus exclusively on international clients, which is why their processes are faster and their pricing is fixed.

Post-Incorporation: Tax, Compliance, and Your First Steps

Once your BV is live, the real work begins. Whether you are managing a Dutch BV for a biotech startup or a simple holding, the Netherlands has a strict compliance calendar you need to follow.

Corporate Income Tax (CIT): You pay CIT on your profits. As mentioned, the rate is 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% above that in 2026.

You must file an annual CIT return, typically due 5 months after your financial year ends. Your fiscal year can be aligned with the calendar year or whatever 12-month period you choose. VAT (BTW): You’ll likely need to charge VAT on your sales (standard rate is 21% in 2026).

You must file VAT returns periodically (usually quarterly). This is where compliance gets tricky: if you’re selling digital health services to consumers across the EU, you need to register for the OSS (One-Stop Shop) scheme. If you’re importing medical devices, you need to handle import VAT. A provider that offers ongoing tax compliance is invaluable here.

Payroll and Employees: If you hire staff (even remote contractors in some cases), you’ll need to run payroll.

This involves withholding income tax and social security contributions. The employer’s social security burden in the Netherlands is around 20-25% on top of the gross salary.

You’ll need a payroll administration for this. Annual Accounts: Every BV must prepare annual financial statements and file them with the KvK. Small companies can file abridged accounts, but the rules are specific.

For a Medtech company seeking investment, having clean, audited-ready accounts from the start is a major advantage.

This is a core part of the "one-stop-shop" offering from firms like Intercompany Solutions, who can manage your bookkeeping, payroll, and annual reporting in a single package.

Practical Tips for a Smooth HealthTech Setup

Here are three final, practical tips to ensure your Dutch BV setup goes smoothly.

1. Define Your Business Activities Precisely: For HealthTech, the line between "consulting," "software-as-a-medical-device," and "trading" can impact your VAT status and tax obligations.

Be specific from the start. If you plan to patent a device or algorithm, mention this early. It could make you eligible for the 9% innovation box tax rate later on. A specialist advisor can help you frame your activities correctly in the deed of incorporation.

2. Don’t Leave the Bank Account for Last: Banking is the biggest bottleneck.

Start gathering your bank’s KYC documents (business plan, source of funds, proof of activities) as soon as you’ve submitted your formation documents. Some corporate service providers have established relationships with banks or can recommend fintech solutions that are more open to international founders. Ask your provider about their banking success rate.

3. Think Beyond Formation: Your BV is a living entity that needs ongoing care.

Choosing a formation partner that can also handle your tax compliance, payroll, and corporate secretarial duties saves you massive headaches down the line.

It ensures continuity and that you don’t miss a deadline. A firm like Intercompany Solutions acts as your stable, long-term partner in the Netherlands, handling everything from your first VAT return to your annual accounts, so you can focus on scaling your HealthTech vision.