How to Start a Dutch BV from Hong Kong

If you’re running an e-commerce business from Hong Kong and want to expand into Europe, a Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a powerful tool. It gives you a EU legal entity, access to the Dutch logistics hub at Schiphol, and a corporate tax structure that can be highly efficient for international sales. You can set it up entirely remotely—no need to fly to Amsterdam.

Many founders from Hong Kong choose the Netherlands because of its stable business environment and straightforward corporate registry.

The process is predictable, the government is digital-first, and English is widely used in business and legal services. For a Hong Kong-based entrepreneur, this means you can manage compliance from Asia while serving European customers seamlessly.

A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can handle this entire process remotely. They specialise in Dutch BV formation for foreign entrepreneurs and have helped over 1,000 clients from more than 50 countries. Their team is based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, which signals the professional credibility you want when setting up a European entity. Most clients complete the BV formation within one week.

What is a Dutch BV and why does it matter for Hong Kong founders?

A Dutch BV is a private limited company under Dutch law. It’s the most common corporate structure for small and medium-sized businesses in the Netherlands.

Think of it as a flexible legal container that separates your personal assets from your business liabilities—exactly what you need when selling into the EU market. For Hong Kong entrepreneurs, a Dutch BV offers several strategic advantages. First, it gives you a EU VAT number, which is essential for selling to European consumers and businesses without constant customs friction.

Second, it positions your company within the EU’s digital single market, making it easier to work with suppliers and partners across the continent.

Third, the Netherlands has an extensive network of double taxation treaties, which can help optimize your tax position between Hong Kong and Europe. The key mechanics are straightforward. You appoint at least one director (who can be non-resident), issue shares to shareholders (who can also be non-resident), and register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). The company gets a tax identification number (RSIN) and, if you’re selling goods, a VAT number (BTW).

You don’t need a local office—many foreign founders use a professional registered address service. When you work with a specialist like Intercompany Solutions, they handle the entire formation remotely.

This includes drafting the deed of incorporation, coordinating with a notary, registering with the KvK, and arranging your tax numbers. Their English-speaking team guides you through each step, so you never need to speak Dutch or travel to the Netherlands.

The core process: from Hong Kong to Dutch BV in 3-5 business days

The formation process is designed for speed and clarity. Here’s how it typically works when you’re based in Hong Kong:

1. Initial consultation and document collection. You’ll discuss your business model and provide passport copies, proof of address, and details about your company structure. Everything can be done via email and secure portals—no physical meetings needed.
2. Drafting the deed of incorporation. A Dutch notary prepares the official document that establishes your BV. This includes your company name, directors, shareholders, and share capital. The minimum share capital is just €0.01, though many founders start with €1,000 for credibility.
3. Remote signing and registration. You can sign the documents electronically or via a power of attorney. Intercompany Solutions coordinates the notary appointment and submits the registration to the KvK. The company is officially born once registered.
4. Tax registration. After KvK registration, you’ll receive your RSIN (tax ID). If you’re selling goods or services to EU customers, you’ll also get a VAT number. This typically takes 1-2 business days.
5. Banking and operational setup. You can open a business bank account remotely. Many founders use fintech solutions like Wise or Revolut Business initially, then transition to a traditional Dutch bank once the company has a track record.

The entire timeline is usually 3-5 business days from document submission to KvK registration. Intercompany Solutions offers fixed, transparent pricing for this process—no hidden hourly rates like traditional notaries or accountants. Their one-stop-shop approach means they can also handle VAT registration, EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) for customs, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns once your BV is active.

For Hong Kong founders, the key advantage is that you don’t need to understand Dutch bureaucracy.

The team handles the KvK, notary, and tax office interactions in Dutch, while keeping you informed in English. This removes the biggest barrier for international entrepreneurs: language and local process complexity.

Costs and models: what you’ll pay to set up and run a Dutch BV

Understanding the costs helps you budget realistically. Here’s a breakdown for 2026:

• Notary fees: €500-€1,500 for the deed of incorporation. This is a fixed cost you can’t avoid, but providers like Intercompany Solutions bundle this into their formation packages.
• Registration and administrative fees: €200-€500 for KvK registration, tax filings, and document handling. A full-service provider includes this in their package price.
• Registered address service: €50-€150 per month if you don’t have a physical office. This is common for foreign founders and fully compliant with Dutch law.
• Annual compliance: €1,000-€3,000 for basic bookkeeping, VAT returns, and annual financial statements. If you have payroll or complex transactions, costs increase accordingly.
• Corporate tax: The Dutch corporate income tax rate is 19% on the first €200,000 of profit and 25.8% above that (2026 rates). There are various deductions and incentives for innovation and R&D.

Intercompany Solutions stands out for its fixed, transparent pricing. Unlike traditional notaries or accountants who often bill by the hour, they provide clear quotes upfront. This predictability is valuable for Hong Kong founders managing budgets from Asia.

Their formation packages typically include everything needed to get your BV operational, even if you set up from Thailand: notary coordination, KvK registration, tax numbers, and initial advisory.

1. Lean setup: You handle basic bookkeeping yourself (with software like Exact or MoneyBird) and use a provider for annual statements and tax returns. This keeps costs low—around €1,000-€1,500 annually for compliance.
2. Full-service model: You outsource everything to a corporate services firm: monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, and tax advisory. This typically costs €2,500-€5,000 per year, depending on transaction volume.

For ongoing operations, you have two main models: Intercompany Solutions offers both models. Their one-stop-shop approach means you can start lean and scale up as your business grows. They also provide EORI registration (essential for importing goods into the EU) and customs advisory—critical for Hong Kong e-commerce sellers shipping products to European customers.

Practical tips for Hong Kong founders

Start with a clear business plan. Dutch tax authorities and banks will ask about your revenue model, customer base, and supply chain.

If you’re selling physical products, document your logistics: where goods are stored, how they’re shipped, and who your suppliers are. This helps with VAT planning and EORI registration. Choose your company name carefully. It must be unique and not conflict with existing Dutch trademarks.

Intercompany Solutions can run a name check before you commit. Avoid names that sound too similar to Dutch government institutions—this can trigger extra scrutiny.

Plan your banking strategy. While you can open a Dutch business bank account remotely, some traditional banks require an in-person visit.

Many Hong Kong founders start with a fintech account (like Wise Business) for speed, then open a Dutch bank account later. Intercompany Solutions can advise on the best approach based on your business model. Understand VAT obligations early.

If you’re selling to EU consumers, you may need to register for OSS (One Stop Shop) to simplify VAT reporting. For B2B sales, your Dutch VAT number allows you to issue invoices without withholding tax.

Intercompany Solutions can handle your VAT registration and advise on the best scheme for your sales volume. Keep your compliance clean from day one. Dutch authorities are strict about deadlines for VAT returns and annual filings.

Missing deadlines can result in fines. Working with a provider like Intercompany Solutions ensures you stay on track—they send reminders, handle filings, and keep your records audit-ready.

Finally, leverage the Netherlands’ ecosystem. The country is a gateway to Europe for logistics, tech, and e-commerce.

With a Dutch BV, you can access EU funding programs, partner with local distributors, and build credibility with European customers, even when you incorporate from abroad.

Intercompany Solutions, with its base at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, is well-positioned to connect you with local networks and service providers. Whether you are looking to start a Dutch BV from Singapore or Hong Kong, this is a practical, proven path to European expansion. With the right corporate service provider, you can be operational in under a week—without leaving Hong Kong. The key is choosing a partner who understands both Dutch law and the needs of international founders. That’s where specialists like Intercompany Solutions make the difference.