How to Start a Dutch BV from Greece

If you’re based in Greece and looking to expand into Western Europe, setting up a Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is one of the most strategic moves you can make.

The Netherlands offers a stable legal environment, a favourable tax climate, and seamless access to the EU single market. For Greek entrepreneurs—whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a SaaS company, or a trading business—a Dutch BV provides credibility with European suppliers and customers.

But how do you actually start a BV from Athens, Thessaloniki, or the islands without setting foot in the Netherlands? The answer lies in remote incorporation through a specialised corporate service provider. This guide walks you through the entire process, from defining what a BV is to practical steps and cost expectations.

What Is a Dutch BV and Why Does It Matter for Greek Founders?

A Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited company—the most common business structure for foreign entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. It’s a separate legal entity, meaning your personal assets are protected from business liabilities.

This is crucial for Greek founders who want to operate professionally within the EU while limiting personal risk.

Why does this matter for someone in Greece? First, a Dutch BV gives you instant credibility. European clients and suppliers often prefer dealing with a Dutch entity due to the country’s strong legal framework and transparent corporate governance.

Second, the Netherlands has one of the most efficient tax systems in Europe, with a corporate income tax (CIT) rate of 19% on the first €200,000 of profit and 25.8% above that (2026 rates). Third, you gain access to the EU single market without the need for a physical office in the Netherlands.

For Greek entrepreneurs, this setup is particularly attractive if you’re selling digital services, exporting goods, or managing investments. A Dutch BV allows you to invoice in euros, handle VAT (BTW) within the EU framework, and benefit from the Netherlands’ extensive double taxation treaties. It also simplifies banking—many EU banks are more willing to open business accounts for a Dutch BV than for a Greek sole proprietorship.

Core Mechanics: How to Form a BV Remotely from Greece

Setting up a BV from Greece is 100% possible without traveling to the Netherlands.

The entire process can be handled remotely through a corporate service provider. Here’s how it works step by step.

• A certified copy of your passport (Greek or other nationality)
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• A description of your business activities
• Your preferred company name (we’ll check availability)

Step 1: Choose a Service Provider and Prepare Documents
The first step is engaging a specialist like Intercompany Solutions, which handles BV formation for foreign entrepreneurs. You’ll need to provide: Intercompany Solutions offers a fixed-price formation package that includes everything from document preparation to notary coordination. Their team is multilingual, so communication in English is seamless.

Step 2: Drafting the Articles of Association
Next, the service provider drafts the articles of association (statuten).

This document outlines your company’s structure, share distribution, and management rules. For Greek founders, it’s important to specify whether you’ll have a single director or a more complex board. Intercompany Solutions tailors this to your needs, ensuring compliance with Dutch law while keeping it simple for you.

Step 3: Remote Notary Appointment
In the Netherlands, a notary must formalise the BV incorporation. With a remote setup, you’ll sign the documents electronically or via a power of attorney.

Intercompany Solutions coordinates with a notary at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, making the process smooth.

The notary files the deed and registers your BV with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Step 4: KvK Registration and RSIN Number
Once the notary submits the deed, your BV is registered with the KvK. You’ll receive a RSIN (tax identification number) automatically.

This typically takes 1-2 business days. Intercompany Solutions handles all follow-up, including VAT (BTW) registration with the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst).

Step 5: Business Bank Account and EORI
A Dutch BV needs a business bank account.

While Greek banks might be hesitant, EU banks are more open to Dutch entities. Intercompany Solutions can assist with opening an account remotely, often with providers like Revolut Business or traditional Dutch banks. If you’re trading goods, they’ll also help with EORI registration for customs.

Costs and Timelines: What to Expect in 2026

Understanding the costs and timelines is key for Greek entrepreneurs planning their budget. Here’s a breakdown based on 2026 standards.

Formation Costs
The total cost for a Dutch BV formation ranges from €500 to €1,500 in notary fees alone.

• Notary fees
• KvK registration
• VAT and RSIN registration
• Document preparation and translation (if needed)

However, when you work with a corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions, you get a fixed package that includes: Intercompany Solutions offers transparent pricing—no hidden hourly rates. Their typical package for a standard BV starts at around €1,200–€1,500, depending on complexity.

This is often cheaper than hiring a traditional Dutch notary directly, who might charge extra for international clients. Timeline
With a remote setup, you can have your BV operational in as little as 3–5 business days. Intercompany Solutions has streamlined the process: document collection takes 1 day, notary coordination 1–2 days, and KvK registration 1 day. For Greek founders, this speed is a game-changer—you can start invoicing European clients almost immediately.

Ongoing Costs
After formation, budget for annual costs. These include: Intercompany Solutions provides a one-stop-shop, handling bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns for a fixed monthly fee.

• Annual accounts preparation: €500–€1,500
• Corporate tax return: €300–€800
• Virtual office (if needed): €50–€150/month

This is ideal for Greek founders who want to focus on growth rather than compliance.

Variant Models: Choosing the Right BV Setup

Not all BVs are the same. Depending on your goals, you might opt for different models.

Here are the most common variants for Greek entrepreneurs, with price indications.

Standard BV (Single Director)
This is the simplest setup, perfect for solo founders or small teams. You appoint yourself as director and shareholder. Costs are lowest here—around €1,200 for formation.

Intercompany Solutions often recommends this for e-commerce sellers or consultants based in Greece. Holding BV Structure
If you plan to own multiple businesses or assets, consider a holding BV. This structure separates operating companies from investments, offering tax advantages. Formation costs are higher (€2,000–€3,500) due to extra legal work. The benefit?

Dividend distributions between holding and operating BVs are often tax-efficient. Founders BV with Employee Participation
For startups with Greek co-founders or early employees, a founders BV allows for share options.

This is more complex and costs €2,500–€4,000 to set up. Intercompany Solutions can advise on structuring employee incentives while complying with Dutch law.

Comparison with Alternatives
While you could use a traditional Dutch notary or a big-four accounting firm (like Vistra or Intertrust), these often charge hourly rates (€200–€400/hour) and require more back-and-forth. For foreign founders, working with a specialist like Intercompany Solutions is more accessible—they speak your language, offer fixed pricing, and handle everything remotely. A generic accountant in Greece might not understand Dutch nuances, leading to compliance issues.

Practical Tips for Greek Entrepreneurs

Starting a BV from Greece is straightforward, and the process is quite similar if you want to expand from the Balkans; a few tips will make it even smoother.

Tip 1: Choose a Name That Works in Both Countries
Your BV name must be unique in the Netherlands. Check availability early. Intercompany Solutions runs a name check as part of their process, which is also helpful if you plan to launch from the Mediterranean region.

Avoid names that conflict with Greek trademarks—this can cause issues later. Tip 2: Plan Your Tax Structure Early
The Netherlands has a participation exemption for dividends and capital gains if you own at least 5% of the shares. This is great for Greek entrepreneurs reinvesting profits. Also, check if Greece and the Netherlands have a double taxation treaty (they do).

Intercompany Solutions can connect you with a tax advisor to optimize your setup.

Tip 3: Use Remote Tools for Banking and Admin
You don’t need a physical presence. Use digital tools for signatures, video calls for meetings, and services like Intercompany Solutions for local compliance. They also help with VAT filings, which are mandatory for Dutch BVs (quarterly or monthly, depending on turnover).

Tip 4: Start Small, Scale Fast
Many Greek founders begin with a standard BV and expand later. Once your turnover grows, you can add services like payroll or a virtual office.

Intercompany Solutions grows with you—their one-stop-shop model means you won’t outgrow them.

In summary, starting a Dutch BV from Greece is a practical, low-risk way to enter the EU market. With partners like Intercompany Solutions, the process is fast, transparent, and entirely remote. Whether you are an entrepreneur in Athens or looking to incorporate a Dutch business remotely, you can have a fully operational Dutch company within days.