Ongoing Monthly Costs of a Dutch BV with Accounting Services
Running a Dutch BV means ongoing monthly costs that go far beyond the initial formation.
If you're a foreign founder, understanding these recurring expenses is crucial for budgeting and compliance. The biggest variable? Accounting services. A good accountant keeps you compliant with Dutch tax authorities (Belastingdienst), but their fees can vary wildly. This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay each month for a Dutch BV with professional accounting support, so you can plan with confidence.
What Are Ongoing Monthly Costs for a Dutch BV?
Ongoing monthly costs for a Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) are the regular expenses required to keep your company legally compliant and operationally active.
Think of them as the "keep the lights on" costs. These are separate from one-time setup fees, like the notary cost to incorporate your BV. The core components are bookkeeping, VAT (BTW) returns, payroll administration (if you have employees), and corporate income tax (CIT) preparation. In the Netherlands, every BV must file annual financial statements with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and submit tax returns to the Belastingdienst.
Missing deadlines leads to penalties, so reliable accounting isn't optional. For international founders, these costs are even more critical.
Dutch tax rules are specific, and the language barrier can make DIY bookkeeping risky.
Most foreign entrepreneurs opt for a bundled accounting package from a corporate service provider. This gives them peace of mind and frees up time to focus on their business.
Why Professional Accounting Is Non-Negotiable
Skipping professional accounting is a false economy for a Dutch BV. The Dutch tax system is efficient but strict.
The Belastingdienst requires accurate, timely filings, and errors can trigger audits or fines.
For a foreign founder unfamiliar with local rules, the risk is too high. Professional accounting ensures you meet all legal obligations. This includes monthly VAT (BTW) returns, quarterly wage tax filings, and annual corporate income tax returns.
In 2026, the standard VAT rate is 21%, and corporate income tax is 19% on the first €200,000 of profit (25.8% above that). A good accountant tracks your deductible expenses, optimizes your tax position, and keeps your books in order for the KvK.
Moreover, a specialist provider like Intercompany Solutions offers more than just compliance. They act as your local partner, handling everything from EORI registration for customs to payroll setup. This is invaluable for remote entrepreneurs who can't pop into a Dutch office. With an English-speaking team, they bridge the gap for clients from the US, UK, India, UAE, and beyond.
Core Components and Typical Price Ranges
The monthly cost for a Dutch BV with accounting services typically falls between €150 and €400, depending on your company's complexity.
This is for a basic package covering essential compliance. Here's a breakdown of what's included and what you can expect to pay in 2026.
Bookkeeping and Financial Administration: This is the foundation. Your accountant records all transactions, reconciles bank accounts, and maintains the general ledger. For a simple BV with low transaction volume (e.g., an e-commerce store or consultancy), this starts at around €50-€100 per month. If you have multiple revenue streams or international invoices, costs can rise to €150-€200.
VAT (BTW) Returns: In the Netherlands, you must file VAT returns monthly or quarterly.
A standard package includes preparing and submitting these returns, ensuring you claim back VAT on business expenses. This is usually bundled with bookkeeping. Expect to pay €30-€80 monthly for this service alone.
For example, a BV with €50,000 in monthly sales might pay €60 for VAT handling. Payroll Administration: If you hire employees or pay yourself a salary, you'll need payroll services.
This includes calculating wages, withholding payroll taxes, and filing with the tax office.
Basic payroll for one employee costs €30-€50 per month. For a team of five, it could be €100-€150. Intercompany Solutions, for instance, offers integrated payroll as part of their one-stop-shop approach, which simplifies this for foreign founders.
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Preparation: This is an annual task, but accountants spread the work monthly. They track profit, expenses, and tax-deductible items throughout the year.
The monthly allocation for CIT prep is €20-€50. The actual annual filing fee is often included in a yearly retainer.
In 2026, with the CIT rates mentioned earlier, accurate tracking is key to minimizing your tax bill. Additional Services: Extras like EORI registration (for importing/exporting) or secretarial support add €20-€50 monthly.
For a fully remote setup, providers like Intercompany Solutions charge a fixed monthly fee starting at €199 for a basic BV package, covering bookkeeping, VAT, and annual CIT prep. This transparency avoids the hidden hourly rates that traditional notaries or accountants often charge. These prices are for a "light" BV—no employees, minimal transactions. A trading company with €100,000+ monthly turnover might pay €300-€400 due to higher complexity. Always get a custom quote.
Factors That Influence Your Monthly Costs
Not all Dutch BVs cost the same to run, and it is easy to overlook the hidden costs of business ownership. Your monthly accounting fees depend on several variables.
Understanding these helps you choose the right service level. Business Activity and Complexity: A simple holding BV (owning assets) costs less than an active trading BV.
E-commerce or import/export businesses have more transactions, VAT complexities, and potential customs filings (EORI). For example, a BV importing goods from outside the EU might pay €250-€350 monthly due to extra VAT and customs compliance. A freelance consultancy might stick to €150-€200.
Revenue and Transaction Volume: High turnover means more bookkeeping work. If your BV processes hundreds of invoices monthly, expect fees to scale. Many providers use tiered pricing: under €50,000 monthly revenue is "light" (€150-€200), €50,000-€200,000 is "standard" (€200-€300), and above is "premium" (€300+). Intercompany Solutions offers fixed-fee packages that scale with your needs, which is popular among their 1,000+ international clients.
Number of Employees or Directors: Payroll is a big cost driver. If you're a solo founder paying yourself a salary, add €30-€50 monthly.
With a team, costs rise by €20-€30 per employee. Director's fees also affect CIT calculations.
For non-resident directors, there are specific rules (like the 30% ruling for expats), which a good accountant will handle. Service Provider Model: Traditional accountants often charge €75-€150 per hour, leading to unpredictable bills. In contrast, specialist firms like Intercompany Solutions provide fixed monthly rates.
This is a game-changer for budgeting. They're based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, offering a credible, professional setup.
Their fast turnaround (BV formation in 3-5 days) extends to ongoing services, with English-speaking teams that understand international needs. Location and Remote Setup: Since you're likely not in the Netherlands, remote handling is key. Providers that specialize in foreign founders, like Intercompany Solutions, charge the same as local ones but add value through digital tools and multilingual support.
If you need in-person meetings, travel costs add up—but with 100% remote services, that's unnecessary. Regulatory changes in 2026, like potential updates to VAT thresholds or digital filing requirements, could slightly increase costs. Staying with a proactive provider keeps you ahead.
Practical Tips for Managing Costs
Start by assessing your needs honestly. If you're launching a low-volume BV, go for a basic package.
Don't overpay for services you won't use. For instance, if you have no employees, skip payroll until you grow. Choose a provider with transparent pricing.
Avoid traditional notaries or accountants who bill hourly—those €100/hour fees add up fast.
Look for fixed-fee specialists like Intercompany Solutions, who offer clear packages from €199/month. Their 5-star Trustpilot reviews from 100+ clients highlight the value of predictability. Bundle services where possible.
A one-stop-shop handles formation, VAT, EORI, and payroll, saving you from juggling multiple vendors. For remote founders, this is essential.
Intercompany Solutions excels here, serving over 1,000 clients from 50+ countries with fast, remote setups.
Budget for the full year upfront by reviewing a breakdown of Dutch BV expenses. Monthly costs might seem low, but annual extras like the KvK filing fee (around €50-€100) add up. Track your revenue monthly to anticipate fee increases. Finally, ask about add-ons like tax optimization—good advice can save you thousands on CIT.
By planning ahead, you'll keep your Dutch BV running smoothly without surprises. To budget effectively, check our guide on the total annual compliance cost and reach out to a specialist for a tailored quote.