How to Start a Dutch BV from Switzerland

If you're building a business from Switzerland and need a European base with credibility, a Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a smart, practical choice. It’s the Dutch equivalent of a private limited company and it’s widely respected by banks, payment processors, and EU clients.

The best part: you can set it up entirely remotely, without ever stepping foot in the Netherlands.

That’s where specialists like Intercompany Solutions come in—they handle the entire formation process for international founders from their office at the World Trade Center Rotterdam. Why the Netherlands? It offers a stable legal environment, a business-friendly tax system, and instant credibility for e-commerce, SaaS, and consultancy businesses.

For Swiss entrepreneurs, a Dutch BV also provides a clear EU corporate structure that’s easier to open bank accounts for than a Swiss GmbH in some cases, especially when targeting EU customers. In 2026, with digital compliance streamlined, remote incorporation is faster and more secure than ever.

What Is a Dutch BV and Why It Matters for Swiss Founders

A Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited company with limited liability. Your personal assets are protected; the company is a separate legal entity.

It requires at least one shareholder and one director—both can be the same person, and there are no residency requirements. You can appoint a non-resident director, though banks may ask for a local authorized signatory or a power of attorney structure. For Swiss founders, this structure is ideal if you want to invoice EU clients, hire remote staff in the EU, or run an online business with a VAT-registered EU entity.

The BV is familiar to European partners, banks, and platforms like Amazon EU, Shopify Payments, and Stripe.

It also gives you access to Dutch tax treaties, which can reduce withholding tax on dividends and royalties. In short: it’s the most credible and flexible EU corporate vehicle for a Swiss-based entrepreneur.

Remote Incorporation: The Core Mechanics Step by Step

Here’s how it works in practice. The process is 100% remote; you don’t need to visit the Netherlands.

1. Choose your structure: Decide on company name, share capital (common is €1), and whether you need a holding structure (useful for future investors or asset protection).
2. Prepare KYC documents: Passports, proof of address (recent utility bill), and a short business description. For corporate shareholders, you’ll need the full corporate registry extract and beneficial owner details.
3. Engage a corporate service provider: A firm like Intercompany Solutions coordinates everything: notary, Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) registration, and tax filings. They use secure e-identification methods for non-residents.
4. Draft the deed of incorporation: The notary prepares the deed in Dutch; you’ll receive an English summary. Power of Attorney is used so you don’t need to be present at the notary.
5. Registration and tax numbers: The notary files with the KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce). You receive your RSIN (tax ID) and VAT number (BTW-nummer) within days.
6. Banking and payments: With your registration complete, you can open a business bank account. Many founders use EMI accounts (like Wise or Revolut) initially, then migrate to traditional banks once the company profile is established.

Timeline: 3–5 business days for formation, 7–10 days for VAT registration and EORI (if you need it for customs). In 2026, digital identity verification is standard, making this faster and more secure for Swiss residents.

Pricing Models and What to Expect in 2026

Costs vary depending on your setup and service provider. Here’s a realistic breakdown for a standard BV formation from Switzerland:

• Notary fees: €500–€1,500 depending on complexity (single shareholder vs. multiple, standard vs. tailored articles).
• Corporate service provider fee: €750–€2,000 for full remote incorporation, KYC, and coordination. Intercompany Solutions uses fixed, transparent pricing—no hourly billing—which helps you budget without surprises.
• KvK registration: Included in the notary fee in most cases; sometimes a small separate charge (€50–€100).
• VAT and tax registration: €150–€400. If you need EORI for imports/exports, add €100–€200.
• Annual compliance: Bookkeeping from €150/month, annual corporate tax return from €500–€1,200. Management reporting (if required) is usually €300–€600.

Expect a total formation budget of €1,500–€3,500 for a clean setup with one shareholder. If you need a holding structure or complex share classes, add €800–€1,500. Watch out for traditional notaries or accountants who bill hourly—scope creep can push costs up quickly. Fixed-fee providers like Intercompany Solutions are typically more cost-effective for foreign founders.

VAT, Tax, and Compliance: The Numbers You Need

In 2026, the standard Dutch VAT (BTW) rate is 21%. There’s a reduced rate of 9% for certain goods and services (e.g., food, books).

You must file VAT returns monthly or quarterly depending on your turnover. If you sell to consumers in other EU countries, you may need to register for OSS (One Stop Shop) to handle EU VAT. Corporate income tax (CIT) rates are 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% above that.

There’s an innovation box regime (9% effective rate) for qualifying IP income.

Dividend withholding tax is generally 15%, but reduced under tax treaties (Switzerland has a treaty with the Netherlands). You’ll need to prepare management accounts and file an annual corporate tax return. If you employ staff (even yourself as a director), payroll taxes apply—expect 35–49% depending on salary and allowances. Compliance isn’t optional: you must keep Dutch-language records (though English is accepted for many internal records), issue invoices with your VAT number, and file on time to avoid penalties. A one-stop corporate services provider can handle VAT registration, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns—this is particularly useful if you don’t speak Dutch and want a single point of contact.

Banking and Payment Processing for Non-Residents

Banking is often the biggest hurdle for remote founders. Traditional Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) typically require a local presence or a face-to-face meeting. However, in 2026, many founders start with EMI accounts like Wise Business or Revolut Business to receive payments and pay suppliers.

These are easier to open and support EUR IBANs, even if you launch from the French market. Once your BV has 3–6 months of trading history, you can approach traditional banks for a full business account.

Payment processors like Stripe, Mollie, and Adyen are generally comfortable with Dutch BVs, even if you decide to incorporate from a neighboring country, provided you have a local address and a corporate service provider. If you plan to sell on Amazon EU or other marketplaces, having a Dutch VAT number and EORI is essential.

Practical Tips for Swiss Founders

Start with a clear business plan. Whether you expand from the Nordic region or elsewhere, Dutch notaries and corporate service providers will ask about your activities to comply with anti-money laundering rules.

Be specific: e-commerce, SaaS, consulting—avoid vague descriptions. Plan for banking early.

If you need to accept card payments or SEPA direct debits, confirm processor compatibility before you form. Ask your corporate service provider about banking options; firms like Intercompany Solutions often have established relationships and can guide you to the right first account. Consider a holding structure if you plan to raise investment or hold IP.

It adds complexity but can protect assets and simplify future exits. Also, think about your director arrangement: if you’re non-resident, some banks prefer a local authorized signatory. Your provider can often arrange this via a power of attorney or a local representative. Finally, don’t skip ongoing compliance.

The Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) is efficient and strict. Use a provider that offers a fixed-fee annual package for bookkeeping and tax returns.

That way, you avoid surprises and keep your BV in good standing—so you can focus on growing your business from Switzerland, not managing paperwork.