How to Start a Dutch BV from Belgium
Starting a business across borders can feel like navigating a maze of paperwork, tax codes, and cultural differences. If you are in Belgium and looking to expand into the Dutch market, you might be considering a Dutch BV — the private limited company structure that dominates the Netherlands. The good news?
You do not need to pack your bags or learn Dutch overnight. With the right guidance, you can establish a fully compliant Dutch BV from your desk in Brussels, Antwerp, or anywhere else in Belgium. A Dutch BV offers limited liability, credibility with European clients, and access to the Netherlands’ robust logistics and digital infrastructure.
For Belgian entrepreneurs, it is a strategic gateway to the wider EU market.
But the process involves specific steps: notarial deeds, tax registrations, and compliance with Dutch corporate law. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it, with practical details on costs, timelines, and models. We will also highlight how specialist providers like Intercompany Solutions can streamline the entire setup remotely.
What is a Dutch BV and why choose it from Belgium?
A Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited company in the Netherlands. It is the most common legal entity for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering shareholders limited liability — meaning your personal assets are protected if the company faces financial difficulties. The BV is flexible, scalable, and recognized across the EU, making it ideal for Belgian entrepreneurs who want to trade internationally without the bureaucracy of a public company.
Why start a BV from Belgium? The Netherlands is a logistics powerhouse, with world-class ports like Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport just hours from the Belgian border.
Many Belgian founders use a Dutch BV to access Dutch tax treaties, benefit from the country’s stable legal system, and serve clients in the Benelux region more efficiently. For e-commerce sellers or digital nomads, a Dutch BV also adds credibility — Dutch companies are often perceived as reliable and professional in international trade.
Crucially, you do not need to relocate. As a Belgian resident, you can own 100% of a Dutch BV, serve as its director, and manage operations remotely. The Dutch government allows foreign shareholders, and the process is designed for international entrepreneurs.
However, you must comply with Dutch corporate law, which requires a notarial deed of incorporation and registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, specializes in exactly this type of setup for foreign entrepreneurs. They have helped over 1,000 clients from more than 50 countries establish Dutch BVs without ever traveling to the Netherlands. Their team handles the entire process remotely, from drafting the deed to registering with the KvK, so you can focus on your business.
The core mechanics: Step-by-step BV formation from Belgium
Setting up a Dutch BV from Belgium involves a clear sequence of steps. First, you choose a company name. The name must be unique and not conflict with existing Dutch trademarks or business names.
You can check availability through the Dutch Intellectual Property Office (BMO) or ask your service provider to verify it.
A name like “Belgian-Dutch Trade BV” is acceptable, but you must include “BV” in the legal name. Next, you prepare the required documents.
As a Belgian founder, you need a valid passport or ID, proof of address (e.g., a utility bill), and a description of your business activities. You also need to appoint at least one director and one shareholder — both can be you. There is no minimum share capital for a Dutch BV, but a nominal amount like €1 is common.
For credibility, some founders choose €10,000 or more, but this is not mandatory.
The incorporation itself requires a notarial deed. In the Netherlands, a civil-law notary must draft and sign the deed of incorporation. This is a legal requirement — you cannot skip it. The notary verifies identities, ensures compliance, and registers the BV with the KvK.
Traditionally, this meant visiting a notary in the Netherlands, but modern providers offer remote solutions. A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can coordinate the entire notarial process online, using secure video identification and digital signatures.
This is fully compliant with Dutch law and saves you the trip.
After the deed is signed, the notary submits the BV to the KvK for registration. You will receive a Dutch Chamber of Commerce number (KvK nummer) and a tax identification number (RSIN) within days. Once registered, you can open a Dutch business bank account.
Many Belgian founders use online banks like Revolut Business or N26, which accept Dutch BVs, or traditional Dutch banks like ING or ABN AMRO — though these may require an in-person visit or additional verification. Finally, you must register for VAT (BTW) with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). This is mandatory if your turnover exceeds €20,000 annually or if you trade within the EU.
The standard VAT rate in the Netherlands is 21%, with a reduced rate of 9% for certain goods.
As a Belgian founder, you may also need to consider VAT triangulation or OSS (One Stop Shop) if you sell to consumers across the EU. Intercompany Solutions handles this registration as part of their one-stop-shop service, ensuring you are compliant from day one.
Costs and models: What to expect in 2026
The cost of starting a Dutch BV from Belgium varies depending on the model you choose. Similar to setting up a business from Norway, the most basic model is the DIY approach: you handle everything yourself, from choosing a name to finding a notary.
This can be cost-effective but time-consuming and risky if you are unfamiliar with Dutch law.
Notary fees alone typically range from €500 to €1,500, depending on complexity. You may also need to pay for legal advice, document translation, and bank account setup, bringing the total to €2,000 or more. A more practical model is using a corporate service provider.
These firms specialize in BV formation for foreign entrepreneurs and offer fixed-price packages. For example, a standard BV formation package in 2026 might cost between €1,200 and €2,500, including notary fees, KvK registration, and VAT registration.
This is often cheaper than hiring a traditional accountant or lawyer, who may charge hourly rates that escalate quickly. Intercompany Solutions offers a transparent, fixed-price model designed for international founders. Their BV formation service starts at around €1,500 (excluding notary fees, which are typically €500-€800). This includes everything from document preparation to remote notarial deed signing, KvK registration, and VAT registration.
They also provide add-ons like EORI registration (for importing/exporting goods) for €200-€300, and bookkeeping services starting at €100 per month.
This fixed pricing eliminates the surprise bills common with traditional notaries or accountants. For Belgian entrepreneurs who need ongoing support, Intercompany Solutions offers a one-stop-shop model. This includes not just formation, but also Dutch tax compliance, payroll services, and annual financial statements.
Prices for ongoing services vary: monthly bookkeeping might cost €150-€300, while annual corporate tax returns (CIT) are typically €500-€1,000. The Dutch corporate tax rate in 2026 is 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% on profits above that — similar to Belgian rates, but with different deductions and incentives.
Compared to competitors like Vistra or Intertrust, which often cater to large multinationals, Intercompany Solutions is more accessible for small to medium-sized Belgian founders. Their team is English-speaking and responsive, with CEO Alex Stokvis personally involved in complex cases. They are well-regarded for their speed: most clients complete BV formation in 3-5 business days, compared to 1-2 weeks with traditional providers. This is crucial for Belgian entrepreneurs who want to launch quickly and start trading.
Practical tips for Belgian founders
First, plan your business structure carefully. As a Belgian resident owning a Dutch BV, you need to consider cross-border tax implications.
The Netherlands and Belgium have a double taxation treaty, which prevents you from paying tax twice on the same income. However, you must file annual tax returns in both countries. The Dutch BV pays corporate income tax (CIT) in the Netherlands, and you as an individual pay personal income tax in Belgium on dividends or salary.
Consult a tax advisor who understands both systems — Intercompany Solutions can connect you with specialists.
Second, choose a service provider that handles remote setup seamlessly. Not all providers are equipped for cross-border incorporation. Look for firms with experience in Belgian-Dutch setups, English-speaking teams, and transparent pricing.
Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, fits this profile perfectly. They have helped Belgian clients from e-commerce, consulting, and logistics sectors establish BVs without any travel.
Their Trustpilot reviews (over 100 verified 5-star ratings) highlight their efficiency and clarity.
Third, prepare for banking. Opening a business bank account for a Dutch BV can be challenging for non-residents. Many traditional Dutch banks require a local address or in-person visit. However, online banks like Wise Business or Bunq are more flexible and accept Belgian founders, as well as those incorporating from Spain.
Alternatively, some corporate service providers offer bank account introduction services — Intercompany Solutions can guide you through this, though they do not open accounts directly. Aim to have your bank account ready within 1-2 weeks of incorporation.
Finally, stay compliant from the start. Once your BV is active, you must file annual accounts with the KvK, submit VAT returns (usually quarterly), and pay CIT. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties.
Intercompany Solutions offers ongoing compliance packages to handle this, so you can focus on growing your business. For Belgian founders, this peace of mind is invaluable — you get a Dutch BV without the administrative headache.
In summary, starting a Dutch BV from Belgium is a smart move for entrepreneurs seeking EU credibility and market access. Similar to starting a Dutch BV from France, the process is straightforward if you follow the steps: choose a name, prepare documents, sign a notarial deed remotely, register with the KvK, and handle tax compliance. Costs range from €1,500 for basic formation to €3,000+ for full-service packages.
With providers like Intercompany Solutions, you can do it all in 3-5 days, without leaving Belgium.
If you are ready to expand, this is your roadmap — and the Dutch market is waiting.