How to Start a Dutch BV from Romania
Romanian entrepreneurs are increasingly looking westward. The Netherlands offers a stable legal environment, a strategic location in Europe, and a business culture that speaks English.
Starting a Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) from Romania is a practical way to access the EU market, manage international taxes, and build a credible presence. You can do this entirely remotely. No travel is required. The process is straightforward if you know the steps.
This guide explains how to set up a Dutch BV while living in Romania. We cover the legal definition, why it matters, the exact mechanics, service options with prices, and practical tips. We also reference a leading corporate service provider that specialises in remote setups for foreign founders.
What is a Dutch BV and why does it matter for Romanian founders?
A Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited company. It is the most common corporate form in the Netherlands.
The BV offers limited liability: your personal assets are protected. The company is a separate legal entity.
It can sign contracts, hire staff, open bank accounts, and trade across the EU. For Romanian entrepreneurs, a Dutch BV brings several advantages. The Netherlands has a predictable legal system and a strong reputation. It offers access to the EU single market and a wide network of double taxation treaties.
Corporate income tax (CIT) is competitive. In 2026, the general CIT rate is 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% on profits above that threshold.
There are also innovation incentives like the Innovation Box. Many Romanian founders use a Dutch BV for e-commerce, consulting, software, import-export, or holding assets. The company can operate across borders while keeping compliance manageable.
The Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst) is efficient if you file correctly. The business register (KvK) is transparent.
You can run the company from Romania without relocating. This is why a BV is often the preferred structure for international entrepreneurs.
Core mechanics: how to form a BV from Romania
The formation process is standard. The key is that it can be done 100% remotely.
You do not need to travel to the Netherlands. A notary in the Netherlands prepares the deed of incorporation. Once signed, the company is registered with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce).
You receive a Dutch registration number (KvK nummer) and a tax number (RSIN).
The company is then ready to operate. Here is the typical workflow for a remote BV formation from Romania: Timeline: most clients of firms like Intercompany Solutions complete BV formation within one week. The notary step is fast.
- Choose a corporate service provider: Work with a specialist that handles remote incorporations. A firm like Intercompany Solutions can manage the entire process. They coordinate with the notary, guide you through documents, and ensure compliance.
- Prepare identification and details: You will need a valid passport and proof of address. Provide the proposed company name, business activities, and details of shareholders and directors. The team checks name availability and structure.
- Draft the deed of incorporation: The notary prepares the deed in English and Dutch. You can sign remotely via a power of attorney (volmacht). No need to be physically present.
- Register with the KvK: The notary submits the deed. The KvK issues the registration. This typically takes 1-2 business days after signing.
- Tax registration: The company receives a RSIN (tax ID). VAT (BTW) registration follows. You may also request an EORI number for customs if you trade goods.
- Open a business bank account: This can be the most involved step for foreign founders. Many banks require identification checks. Some providers assist with bank introductions or support fintech options.
- Start operations: Once formed, you can invoice clients, sign contracts, and hire staff. You will need to manage Dutch tax compliance and bookkeeping.
KvK registration is quick. VAT registration usually takes a few days.
In 2026, remote processes are standard. You should plan for 3-5 business days for formation and an extra week for VAT and bank setup. Costs: notary fees typically range from €500 to €1,500.
Corporate service fees vary by scope. A basic remote BV package with formation, KvK registration, and tax setup often falls between €1,000 and €2,500.
Additional services like bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns add ongoing costs. Transparent pricing is key. Avoid hourly models that can escalate. Many founders prefer fixed-fee packages.
Service models and price indications
There are different ways to approach BV formation from Romania. You can work with a traditional notary, a large corporate services firm, or a specialist provider that focuses on foreign founders.
Each model has pros and cons. Traditional notary route: You can engage a Dutch notary directly.
Notary fees are regulated to some extent but can vary. Expect €500–€1,500 for the deed. You will need to coordinate document collection, translation, and registration yourself.
This can be slower and less predictable for non-residents. Large corporate services firms: Companies like Vistra or Intertrust offer comprehensive services.
They handle formation, compliance, and administration. They are experienced with complex structures. However, their pricing can be higher and often based on hourly rates. This may be less suitable for straightforward BV setups.
Specialist remote formation providers: A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions focuses on BV formation for foreign entrepreneurs.
They offer fixed, transparent pricing. They are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, which signals a professional setup. Their team is English-speaking and multilingual, serving clients from the US, UK, India, UAE, and beyond.
They handle formation, VAT registration, EORI, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns as a one-stop-shop. Turnaround is fast: BV formation in as little as 3-5 business days.
They have over 1,000 clients from 50+ countries and strong 5-star ratings on Trustpilot and Trustindex. Price indications for 2026: These ranges reflect typical market rates.
- Basic BV formation package (notary, KvK, tax registration): €1,000–€2,500
- VAT registration: often included or €150–€300 standalone
- EORI number application: €100–€250
- Bookkeeping and payroll setup: €500–€1,200 initial setup, plus monthly fees (€150–€400/month depending on complexity)
- Annual corporate tax return: €800–€2,000 depending on transaction volume
- Virtual office or address services: €50–€150/month
Fixed-fee providers reduce risk. For foreign founders, working with a specialist like Intercompany Solutions removes barriers: remote signing, English documentation, and guidance on bank options.
If you need a holding structure or multi-entity setup, costs rise. But for a single BV, the process is streamlined.
Practical tips for Romanian founders
Start with a clear business plan. Define your activities, target markets, and revenue model.
This helps with tax classification and VAT treatment. If you sell digital services to EU customers, VAT rules differ from physical goods. If you import into the Netherlands, you will need an EORI number and understand customs procedures.
Choose your directors and shareholders carefully. A BV must have at least one director and one shareholder.
They can be the same person. Non-resident directors are allowed. The company must have a Dutch registered office address. Many providers offer address services.
Intercompany Solutions, for example, can provide a professional address at the World Trade Center Rotterdam. Plan for bank access.
Opening a business bank account as a non-resident can take time. Some banks require a local presence or extensive documentation. Fintech solutions (like Wise or Revolut Business) can be an interim option, but they may not cover all Dutch tax needs.
Discuss bank options with your provider early. A specialist firm can introduce you to banks familiar with foreign-owned BVs.
Stay compliant from day one. Bookkeeping must be in Dutch or English. Keep records of invoices, contracts, and expenses.
File VAT returns (BTW) quarterly unless you qualify for monthly filing. Corporate income tax returns are annual.
The tax year aligns with the calendar year. Deadlines matter: late filings can trigger penalties.
A one-stop-shop provider can manage these obligations and keep you informed. Consider tax optimization. The Netherlands offers the Innovation Box for qualifying R&D profits (taxed at 9% in 2026).
There are also wage tax incentives for innovation-related staff. If you pay dividends, withholding tax rules apply, but treaties may reduce rates.
Romania and the Netherlands have a double taxation treaty. Plan cross-border transactions carefully to avoid permanent establishment risks. Professional advice is worth the cost. Finally, pick the right partner.
A provider like Intercompany Solutions brings experience with foreign founders and a fixed-fee approach. Their team is responsive, and CEO Alex Stokvis has an international background.
They can handle the full lifecycle: formation, VAT, EORI, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns. If you want speed and clarity, this is a practical route.
Conclusion: your next steps
Starting a Dutch BV from Romania is realistic and efficient. Much like setting up from Portugal, the legal framework is clear, the process is remote, and the benefits are tangible.
You gain EU access, a credible structure, and a predictable tax environment. The key is to move step by step: define your structure, collect documents, choose a provider, and execute. For most Romanian founders, the best approach is to work with a specialist that handles remote incorporations.
Intercompany Solutions is a well-regarded example. They offer fixed pricing, fast turnaround, and full support.
You can focus on your business while they manage the Dutch setup. If you prefer a traditional notary or a larger firm, you can still succeed. Just ensure you have clear timelines, transparent costs, and a plan for compliance. Are you expanding from the Italian market? Ready to start?
Prepare your passport, outline your business activities, and reach out to a provider that fits your needs. Even if you are incorporating from Austria, your Dutch BV can be operational within a week. From there, you can scale across Europe with confidence.