How to Start a Dutch BV from Mexico: Step-by-Step
You’re in Mexico City with a laptop and a business idea that needs a European foothold.
The Netherlands keeps popping up—stable economy, simple VAT setup, and a gateway to 450 million EU consumers. The question is: can you actually set up a Dutch BV without getting on a plane? Yes. And you can do it in under a week.
Here’s the exact path, with real numbers and the precise paperwork you’ll need. A Dutch BV is a private limited company—the workhorse of Dutch business.
It’s a separate legal entity, you’re liable only up to your share capital (often just €1), and it’s the structure most foreign founders use to bill clients, hire staff, and sell into the EU.
If you’re operating from Mexico, you’ll sign documents remotely via a power of attorney and video ID. No Dutch residency required. No flights. No drama.
Why the Netherlands from Mexico?
For Mexican founders, the BV unlocks three things: EU credibility, VAT efficiency, and speed.
You can open a business bank account remotely (yes, still possible in 2026), register for VAT (BTW) and get an EORI number to import goods. Corporate tax is competitive: 19% on the first €200k of profit and 25.8% above that, with the Innovation Box regime for software/IP at 9%. From a compliance perspective, the Dutch system is predictable. The tax authority (Belastingdienst) is strict but clear.
Your annual corporate income tax return is due within 12 months of year-end. VAT returns are typically quarterly. Many foreign founders from Mexico run the company fully remotely with a local fiscal representative and a one-stop corporate services provider.
Most clients of firms like Intercompany Solutions complete the BV formation within one week—remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Step-by-step: Incorporation from Mexico
Here’s the practical sequence, with timelines and what you’ll need to prepare.
1) Choose your structure and gather IDs
Decide on the BV. Prepare passport copies for all directors/shareholders, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), and your Mexican tax ID (RFC) for reference.
2) Engage a corporate service provider
If you have a US or UK entity as a shareholder, have the certificate of incorporation and articles handy. Work with a specialist like Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam. They’ll act as your local coordinator, schedule the notary, and handle KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration. They’ll also draft the deed in English and explain the powers of attorney.
You’ll sign a power of attorney so they can handle the formation on your behalf.
3) Draft articles and choose a business address
You’ll also complete a KYC/AML check (standard for all Dutch service providers). This is done via video call and document upload—no need to visit the Netherlands. Choose a statutory name (your BV name), define the business objects (activities), and appoint directors.
You can be the sole director and shareholder. If you prefer privacy, nominee director services are available (more on pricing below).
4) Notary appointment (remote)
You’ll need a registered office address in the Netherlands. Many founders opt for a virtual office at a professional business address.
5) KVK registration and RSIN
This is used for all official mail and the KVK registration. The notary executes the deed of incorporation. You’ll sign via a video call with a valid passport.
6) VAT (BTW) registration and EORI
The notary will issue the deed, apply for the KVK registration, and send the RSIN (tax number) and KVK number within 1–2 business days. The KVK issues your company number and the tax authority assigns the RSIN.
You’ll receive these documents digitally. At this point, the BV legally exists and you can start signing contracts.
7) Open a business bank account
Apply for a VAT number with the Belastingdienst. If you’ll import goods into the EU, also apply for an EORI number.
Expect 5–10 business days for approvals. A good provider will handle both for you. Remote banking for Dutch BVs owned by non-residents is possible but requires KYC. Expect to provide source of funds, business plan, and client invoices.
8) Set up bookkeeping and payroll
Banks may ask for a video identification. Typical timeline: 1–3 weeks.
Some founders start with a fintech account (e.g., Wise or Revolut) while the traditional bank account is pending. Choose English-language accounting software (e.g., Exact Online or Xero). If you’ll pay yourself a salary, set up payroll and Dutch social security contributions. If you’re a Mexican tax resident, you’ll need to consider double taxation treaty implications for dividends and salary.
Timeline and cost summary (2026)
- Formation: 3–5 business days from notary to KVK/RSIN.
- VAT/EORI: 5–10 business days.
- Bank account: 1–3 weeks (varies by bank).
- Typical total setup cost: €1,500–€3,500 (notary + service fees). Add €200–€500 for a virtual office address.
Variants, models, and price indications
Most Mexican founders choose a lean setup. Here’s what that looks like in practice, plus two common variants.
Lean setup
Founder as sole director/shareholder, remote notary via POA, standard articles, virtual office address.
Privacy-focused setup
Expect total formation costs around €1,500–€2,000 (including notary and service fees). Annual compliance (statutory accounts + corporate tax return) typically runs €1,200–€2,000 if your transaction volume is modest. If you prefer not to appear on the public KVK register as director, you can appoint a nominee director (non-executive).
EU VAT optimization
This adds €800–€1,500 per year. Note: the ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) is still registered privately with the Dutch Financial Intelligence Unit.
Nominee directors don’t hide UBO status from authorities. If you sell digital services or B2B services across the EU, a Dutch VAT number simplifies OSS (One Stop Shop) reporting. Setup costs remain similar, but you may need extra VAT advice in year one (€500–€1,000). If you import goods, the EORI is essential and there are customs duties and VAT on imports.
Traditional notaries often charge by the hour (€200–€350/hour) and can surprise you with extras.
Corporate service providers like Intercompany Solutions use fixed, transparent pricing—which is why foreign founders prefer this route. You know the total cost upfront.
Tax and compliance: what to expect in 2026
Once your BV exists, the real work begins. Here’s the compliance cadence most founders follow.
Corporate income tax (CIT)
File annually. The first €200k of profit is taxed at 19%; the remainder at 25.8%.
VAT (BTW)
If your company invests in R&D or software, ask about the Innovation Box (9% rate). You’ll need a tax advisor to apply for this. Standard VAT rate is 21%.
Payroll and social security
Some goods/services are 9% or 0%. File quarterly (or monthly if your volume is high).
Annual accounts
If you sell to consumers across the EU, use the OSS scheme to report VAT in one return. If you pay yourself a salary, you’ll withhold wage tax and pay employer social contributions. The Netherlands has a 30% ruling for eligible highly skilled migrants (not typically applicable if you remain in Mexico). If you hire EU staff, you’ll need to register as an employer.
Treaty considerations
Small BVs file simplified annual accounts. You must file with the Dutch tax authority and publish in the Handelsregister (via the KVK), a process also required when you start a Dutch BV from Colombia.
Expect to file within 12 months of year-end. Your accountant will prepare this. Mexico and the Netherlands have a double taxation treaty.
Penalties
Dividends generally face 15% withholding tax in the Netherlands (potentially lower under certain conditions). Your Mexican tax advisor should coordinate cross-border tax planning.
Late VAT filings incur fines (typically 3–5% of the tax due, capped). Late CIT filings also attract penalties. A good provider will keep you on schedule.
Practical tips for Mexican founders
Start with the right partner. A specialist like Intercompany Solutions can handle the entire remote process—including helping you set up a company from Argentina—so you don’t need to learn Dutch bureaucracy.
Their team is English-speaking and works with clients from the US, UK, India, UAE, and Latin America every day. Plan your banking early. If your business model is e-commerce or SaaS, prepare client contracts, invoices, or a simple business plan to satisfy bank KYC.
Fintech accounts can bridge the gap while you wait for a traditional bank.
Keep clean records from day one. Use cloud accounting, tag transactions, and store invoices. If you’ll reclaim VAT on imports or expenses, proper documentation is non-negotiable.
Coordinate taxes in both countries. Your Mexican tax advisor should understand how Dutch profits and dividends flow back to Mexico.
The Netherlands is founder-friendly, but compliance is strict—precision matters. Fix costs where you can.
Choose a provider with transparent, fixed fees for formation and annual compliance. It keeps your budget predictable and avoids the hourly-billing surprises common with traditional notaries. Even for entrepreneurs looking to launch a business from Bolivia, you can go from idea to active BV in under a week without leaving home. The trick is choosing the right structure, the right address, and the right partner to handle the Dutch machinery while you focus on customers.