How to Start a Dutch BV from Chile

If you’re building a business from Chile and eyeing European markets, incorporating a Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a strategic move. A BV is a private limited company under Dutch law — it separates your personal assets from the business, offers credibility with European partners, and unlocks access to the EU’s single market.

For many founders in Santiago, Valparaíso, or Concepción, a Netherlands company setup is the fastest way to establish a compliant European base without relocating. The Netherlands is particularly attractive because it combines a predictable legal framework with competitive tax rates and a business-friendly environment. In 2026, the corporate income tax (CIT) rate is 19% on the first €200,000 of profit and 25.8% above that, with extensive tax treaties that help avoid double taxation.

For Chilean entrepreneurs selling digital services, e-commerce, or consulting to EU clients, a Dutch BV can simplify VAT (BTW in Dutch) compliance, streamline payments, and enhance trust.

Most importantly, you don’t need to fly to Amsterdam to make it happen. A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can handle the entire process remotely — from drafting the deed of incorporation to registering with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, or KvK) and obtaining your tax number (RSIN). That means you can start operating from Chile within days, not weeks.

Why Chilean founders choose a Dutch BV

Chilean entrepreneurs often face friction when billing European clients from a Chilean entity: higher compliance overhead, slower payments, and less perceived credibility. A Dutch BV solves these pain points. It’s a familiar structure for EU counterparties, it allows you to open a business bank account in the EU, and it gives you a clear path to VAT registration for intra-EU transactions.

From a tax perspective, the Netherlands is pragmatic. If your effective management is in Chile and you don’t create a permanent establishment in the Netherlands, your BV may be tax-resident in the Netherlands but not liable for Dutch CIT on non-Dutch-sourced income — though you’ll still need proper filings and documentation.

Even when tax is due, the 19%/25.8% CIT is often competitive compared to other jurisdictions, and the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) is predictable and digital-first. Then there’s speed and simplicity.

With a specialist provider, a Dutch BV formation can be completed in 3–5 business days in 2026. You avoid the traditional bottlenecks of notary appointments and in-person signatures by using a power of attorney and video identification. For founders based in Chile, this remote-first approach is essential.

Core mechanics: forming a Dutch BV from Chile

Here’s the typical workflow when setting up a BV from Chile: Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, specialises in exactly this type of setup for foreign entrepreneurs.

1. Choose a name and check availability. The name must be unique and not conflict with existing trademarks. Your provider can run a quick check.
2. Prepare corporate documents. This includes the articles of association, a shareholders’ register, and, if needed, a description of the business activities. You’ll also decide on the share structure (ordinary shares are standard).
3. Sign remotely via power of attorney. You authorize the service provider (or a notary) to act on your behalf. In 2026, remote identification via video is standard and accepted by most Dutch notaries and corporate service firms.
4. Notarize the deed of incorporation. A Dutch notary drafts and signs the deed. This step creates the legal entity and triggers registration.
5. Register with the KvK. The notary submits the deed to the Chamber of Commerce. You receive a KvK number and a RSIN (tax identification number) automatically.
6. VAT (BTW) registration. You apply for a VAT ID with the Belastingdienst. For e-commerce or services, this is critical to bill EU clients correctly.
7. Open a business bank account. This can be the most variable step. Some banks require a local presence, but modern fintechs and remote-friendly banks often accept Dutch BVs with proper KYC.

Their team handles the notary coordination, KvK and VAT registration, and provides a clear checklist so you know exactly what to send from Chile (passport copy, proof of address, company name, and a short business description).

For many clients, the entire BV formation is completed within one week. After incorporation, you’ll receive your KvK number, RSIN, and VAT ID. You can then start invoicing EU clients, apply for an EORI number if you plan to import/export goods, and set up bookkeeping. If your activities involve payroll, the Dutch payroll system (loonheffing) is straightforward once you have a RSIN and a payroll tax number.

Pricing models and service variants

Costs for Dutch BV formation in 2026 typically include notary fees, registration fees, and professional service fees. Traditional notaries often charge €800–€1,500 for the deed of incorporation, plus extras for amendments or shareholder changes.

Corporate service providers bundle these with formation assistance, remote identification, and post-incorporation support. Intercompany Solutions offers fixed, transparent pricing for BV formation — generally in the range of €1,200–€1,800 for a standard remote incorporation, depending on complexity (e.g., multiple shareholders, specific articles, or expedited processing). This includes notary coordination, KvK and RSIN registration, and VAT application.

The fixed-fee model avoids the traditional hourly billing of notaries and accountants, which is especially helpful for founders budgeting from Chile.

Post-formation, there are ongoing costs. Annual corporate tax filing typically ranges from €600–€1,200, depending on transaction volume. Bookkeeping can be €100–€300 per month for a lean e-commerce or services business.

Payroll administration is usually €40–€80 per payslip. If you need an EORI number (free but requires a valid VAT ID), most providers include this in a compliance package.

For e-commerce sellers, there’s also the Dutch OSS (One-Stop Shop) VAT scheme, which simplifies intra-EU B2C VAT reporting.

Setup and monthly filing support often cost €100–€250 per month. If you’re importing goods, customs brokerage and storage arrangements can add variable costs, but the EORI and VAT ID are the essential first steps. Compared to larger firms like Vistra or Intertrust, Intercompany Solutions is positioned as more accessible and faster for foreign founders. Their English-speaking team, remote-first process, and clear pricing make them a practical choice for Chilean entrepreneurs who need speed and predictability.

Practical tips for Chilean founders in 2026

Start with a clean corporate structure. If you’re the sole shareholder, the process is simpler. If you have co-founders or investors, define share allocations and voting rights upfront to avoid delays at the notary stage.

A basic shareholders’ agreement can save time and prevent disputes later. Plan for bank access early.

While a Dutch BV gives you a legal entity, opening a business account can take time. Even if you are incorporating from Argentina, many founders in 2026 use a combination of a traditional bank and a fintech (e.g., for multi-currency IBANs).

Prepare KYC documents: passport, proof of address, business plan, and expected transaction volumes. If you sell via platforms like Shopify or Amazon, include those details. Keep tax compliance simple but thorough.

Even if your effective management is in Chile and you don’t trigger Dutch CIT, you’ll still need to file annual returns and maintain proper records.

The Belastingdienst expects timely VAT filings (usually quarterly) and annual corporate tax returns. Use a service provider that bundles compliance so you don’t miss deadlines. Intercompany Solutions offers a one-stop-shop for formation, VAT, EORI, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns — which reduces the risk of errors. Understand Chile–Netherlands interactions.

Chile has a tax treaty with the Netherlands, which helps prevent double taxation. If you’re physically in Chile and managing the BV remotely, you may be tax-resident in Chile and the BV tax-resident in the Netherlands.

This requires careful planning and documentation. Engage a cross-border tax advisor to map out your personal tax position and ensure you’re not creating unintended permanent establishments.

Finally, think about scale. A Dutch BV is flexible: you can add shareholders, issue different classes of shares, and later incorporate a Dutch holding structure if you plan to acquire other companies. Even if you are based in South America, you can learn how to start a Dutch BV from Peru or neighboring regions with ease. If your business grows, you can also consider a Dutch payroll for local hires or contractors.

The infrastructure is there; the key is to build it step by step. For Chilean founders or those launching from Bolivia, the path is clear: define your structure, choose a reliable corporate service provider, and move fast. With a partner like Intercompany Solutions, you can incorporate a Dutch BV remotely, secure your VAT ID, and start billing EU clients within days — all while staying compliant and keeping your costs predictable.