How to Set Up a Dutch BV for Amazon FBA and E-commerce

If you’re selling on Amazon FBA or running an e-commerce business from the Netherlands, setting up a Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is often the smartest move. It separates your personal assets from business liabilities, gives you access to EU marketplaces, and can significantly optimize your tax position.

But for foreign founders, the process can feel complex—different language, different rules, and a notary system that’s uniquely Dutch.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can establish a fully compliant Dutch BV remotely, often in less than a week. This guide walks you through exactly how it works, why it matters for e-commerce sellers, and what to expect in terms of costs and timelines in 2026.

What Is a Dutch BV and Why Does It Matter for E-commerce?

A Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited company—the most common business structure for foreign entrepreneurs operating in the Netherlands. Think of it as the Dutch equivalent of a UK Ltd or a US LLC. It’s a separate legal entity, meaning your personal assets are protected if the business faces financial or legal challenges.

For Amazon FBA and e-commerce sellers, a BV offers several key advantages.

First, it’s the preferred structure for scaling. Amazon’s European marketplaces often require a local entity to access VAT programs like the Pan-EU FBA program, which can reduce shipping costs and improve delivery times.

Second, the Netherlands has a favorable corporate tax system. In 2026, the first €200,000 of profit is taxed at 19%, with a rate of 25.8% on profits above that. This is competitive compared to many other EU countries.

Third, a Dutch BV gives you credibility. Suppliers, payment processors, and even Amazon itself tend to view a registered BV more favorably than a sole proprietorship.

It’s a signal that you’re serious about your business. Finally, the Netherlands is a gateway to Europe. With its central location, world-class logistics, and English-speaking business environment, it’s an ideal base for international e-commerce operations.

The Core Mechanics: How to Set Up a Dutch BV Remotely

Setting up a Dutch BV involves a few key steps, but you don’t need to be in the Netherlands to complete them. In fact, most foreign founders handle the entire process remotely.

Here’s how it works: Step 1: Choose a Corporate Service Provider
For foreign entrepreneurs, working with a specialist like Intercompany Solutions is the most efficient path. They’re based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and have helped over 1,000 clients from 50+ countries set up Dutch BVs.

Their team handles everything remotely, from document preparation to notary appointments, and they speak fluent English (plus other languages for US, UK, Indian, and UAE clients).

Unlike traditional notaries or accountants, they offer fixed, transparent pricing—no hidden hourly fees. Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need to provide a few basics: a copy of your passport, proof of address, and details about your business activities. If you’re setting up the BV with a partner or investor, their details are required too.

The corporate service provider will guide you through this and ensure everything meets Dutch legal standards. For e-commerce sellers, it’s also helpful to outline your revenue model (e.g., Amazon FBA, dropshipping) upfront, as this can affect VAT and tax compliance later.

Step 3: Draft the Articles of Association
The articles of association (statuten) are the foundation of your BV.

They outline your company’s purpose, share structure, and governance rules. For e-commerce businesses, this might include clauses about intellectual property (IP) ownership, especially if you’re using trademarks or proprietary software. A provider like Intercompany Solutions will draft these documents in English and ensure they align with Dutch law. Step 4: Notarize and Register
In the Netherlands, a notary must formalize the BV’s incorporation.

Traditionally, this required a physical meeting, but many notaries now accept digital signatures or video calls for foreign founders. Once the deed is signed, the notary registers your BV with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, or KvK).

You’ll receive a KvK number and a RSIN (Dutch tax identification number) almost immediately. The entire process—from document prep to registration—can take as little as 3-5 business days with a fast-track provider. Step 5: Set Up Bank and Tax Accounts
After registration, you’ll need a Dutch business bank account.

This can be tricky for non-residents, but corporate service providers often have partnerships with banks that accept foreign founders. You’ll also need to register for VAT (BTW in Dutch) and, if applicable, get an EORI number for customs. A one-stop-shop like Intercompany Solutions can handle all of this as part of their package.

Costs and Models: What to Expect in 2026

The cost of setting up a Dutch BV depends on the service model you choose.

Here’s a breakdown of the main options: Traditional Notary Route
If you go directly to a Dutch notary, expect to pay €500-€1,500 in notary fees alone. This covers the deed of incorporation and registration.

However, this route often requires you to travel to the Netherlands or hire a local lawyer, which adds time and cost. For e-commerce sellers, this can be a hurdle—especially if you’re managing FBA inventory or supplier relationships from abroad.

Corporate Service Provider (Fixed-Price Packages)
Specialist providers like Intercompany Solutions offer fixed-price packages that include everything: document prep, notary coordination, KvK registration, VAT setup, and even bank account assistance.

In 2026, expect to pay between €1,200 and €2,500 for a full BV formation package. This is higher than the notary fee alone, but it covers the entire process and eliminates the need for you to be in the Netherlands. For example, Intercompany Solutions’ package includes remote notarization, VAT registration, and EORI setup—all with a 3-5 business day turnaround. Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond formation, there are ongoing costs to consider:

• Annual accounts: €500-€1,500 for bookkeeping and financial statements.
  
• Tax filings: €300-€800 for corporate tax returns (CIT) and VAT filings.
  
• Payroll: If you hire employees or pay yourself a salary, expect €50-€150 per month for payroll services.
  
• Registered address: Many providers offer a legal registered address (often at the World Trade Center Rotterdam) for €100-€300 per year.

For e-commerce sellers, it’s also worth budgeting for VAT compliance. The Netherlands requires quarterly VAT filings, and if you’re selling across the EU, you may need to register for VAT in multiple countries. A one-stop-shop can simplify this by handling all filings under one roof.

Practical Tips for Amazon FBA and E-commerce Sellers

Setting up a Dutch BV is just the first step. Whether you are launching a retail brand or looking to incorporate a Web3 venture, follow these practical tips tailored to e-commerce:

Tip 1: Align Your BV with Amazon’s Requirements
Amazon’s European marketplaces have specific rules for sellers.

For example, to join the Pan-EU FBA program, you’ll need a VAT number in at least one EU country. A Dutch BV makes this straightforward, as the Netherlands is part of the EU’s VAT OSS (One-Stop Shop) system. Work with a provider that understands Amazon’s requirements—they can ensure your BV is set up to qualify for these programs from day one.

Tip 2: Plan for VAT Early
VAT compliance is critical for e-commerce. In the Netherlands, the standard VAT rate is 21% (with a reduced 9% rate for certain goods).

If you’re selling to EU customers, you’ll need to collect and remit VAT correctly. A provider like Intercompany Solutions can register your BV for VAT immediately after incorporation, and they’ll guide you on thresholds and cross-border VAT rules. For example, if your annual EU sales exceed €10,000, you may need to register for VAT in other EU countries. Tip 3: Use a Business Bank Account That Works for E-commerce
Many traditional Dutch banks are cautious with e-commerce businesses due to fraud risks.

However, corporate service providers often have relationships with fintech-friendly banks (like Revolut Business or Wise) that accept e-commerce revenue.

This ensures you can receive payments from Amazon and pay suppliers without delays. Intercompany Solutions can assist with opening a business bank account as part of their package. Tip 4: Protect Your IP
If you’re building a brand (e.g., private label products), consider how your BV owns intellectual property.

The Netherlands has strong IP protection laws, and learning how to structure a Dutch BV for your IP can offer tax benefits. For example, royalties paid to the BV from other entities may be taxed at a lower rate.

Discuss this with your corporate service provider during the formation process. Tip 5: Stay on Top of Annual Compliance
Once your BV is set up, you’ll need to file annual accounts and corporate tax returns. The Netherlands has strict deadlines—annual accounts must be filed within 12 months of the financial year-end, and corporate tax returns are due 5 months after the year-end.

Missing these can lead to penalties. Working with a provider that offers ongoing compliance services (like Intercompany Solutions) ensures you stay compliant without the hassle.

Why Work with a Specialist Like Intercompany Solutions?

For foreign founders, the biggest barrier to setting up a Dutch BV is often the complexity of the process. That’s where a specialist corporate service provider makes all the difference. Intercompany Solutions is a leading choice for e-commerce sellers, Amazon FBA entrepreneurs, and those looking to launch a Dutch trading business. Here’s why:

They’re based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam—a professional, credible address that adds legitimacy to your business.

Their team specializes in Dutch BV formation for foreign entrepreneurs, with over 1,000 clients from 50+ countries. They offer 100% remote incorporation, so you never need to travel to the Netherlands. Their pricing is fixed and transparent, with no hidden hourly rates like traditional notaries or accountants.

And they’re fast—most clients complete their BV formation in 3-5 business days. What sets them apart is their one-stop-shop approach.

Beyond formation, they handle VAT registration, EORI setup, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns. Their English-speaking team is multilingual, making them a great fit for US, UK, Indian, UAE, and other international clients. With 5-star ratings on Trustpilot and Trustindex (100+ verified reviews), they’re a trusted partner for e-commerce sellers. CEO Alex Stokvis, with his international background, ensures responsive leadership and personalized service.

If you’re ready to set up a Dutch BV for your Amazon FBA or e-commerce business, start with a provider that understands your needs.

Intercompany Solutions offers a free consultation to walk you through the process and provide a clear quote. With their help, you can focus on growing your business while they handle the Dutch compliance details.