Help with registration

Use the registration form on our website to prepare the registration of your sole proprietorship online. Log in with your DigiD and fill in the form completely. Check the overview with your details. Have you completed everything 100%? Then make an appointment online at a KVK office of your choice to finalise your registration.

Appointment

You choose the date, time, and location yourself. You can schedule an appointment up to 8 weeks in advance. You will receive confirmation by email. Carefully read and save this confirmation.

Plan an appointment on time. Most KVK locations are often busy, so you may not always be able to make an appointment within a week.

Additional evidence

Is your visiting address not the same as your private address? Then provide one of the following documents as proof that you may use this address as your business address:

• a copy of the lease, purchase, or rental contract signed by both parties; or
• proof you own the property; or
• a declaration of consent.

Will you become a franchisee? Then also bring your signed franchise agreement with you.

Is your private address correct?

The Business Register is linked to the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP). The private address you give us must be the same as the address at which you are registered with the municipality.

Registration fee

A registration fee applies for registering a business with a new KVK number.

Proof of registration

You can immediately request a certified KVK Business Register Extract.

Tax administration (Belastingdienst)

When you register as an entrepreneur, we pass on your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration. Are you subject to paying VAT? If so, the Tax Administration will send you the turnover tax number and the VAT ID number of your business within 2 weeks of your registration. You will also find these numbers on Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk, (in Dutch), the online tax portal for business owners. You can log into that portal via your DigiD or eHerkenning.

Have you not received a response from the Tax Administration after 2 weeks? Call the Tax Information Line (0800 05 43).

Visit the Register and make an appointment page. Choose the legal structure you want to register. You will then learn how to register your company or organisation in the Business Register. 

Register a new branch of your company via our website:

• Go to Report a change. This takes you to the online Dutch form.
• Search for and select your business.
• Click 'Nieuwe vestiging inschrijven' (register a new branch)
• Follow the steps and send the details digitally or by post

Additional proof

Is the visiting address not the same as your private address? Then provide one of the following documents as proof that you may use this address as the visiting address for your new branch::

• a copy of the rental or lease contract, signed by both parties; or
• a supporting document from the 'Kadaster' (Land Registry Office); or
• a declaration of consent. 

For associations and foundations

Are you not sure whether to register the branch office? Then take a look at the branch office registration decision tree for foundations and associations (in Dutch). 

If you already have one eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship), you cannot register a second one. You can in fact make changes to your current sole proprietorship, such as new activities or an additional trade name. If the new activities take place at an address other than the one currently registered, you need to register a branch.

Netherlands Tax Administration

We report the change of activities to the Netherlands Tax Administration. You may not need to file a VAT return at the moment, for example because your business activities are exempt from VAT. If these activities change or you start new activities, you may have to start filing VAT returns. The Tax Administration will notify you automatically.

It depends on the number of weeks the business has been deregistered and the proof you have for this.

Deregistered for longer than 6 weeks

Did you deregister your eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship ) more than 6 weeks ago? In this case, you cannot undo your deregistration. You have to register a new eenmanszaak.

To prepare for the registration, please complete the online registration form. Then make an appointment at a KVK office to finalise your registration. You can do this at any KVK office in the Netherlands. 

For this new registration you will receive a new KVK number and a new VAT identification number. For the registration of the new eenmanszaak, you must pay a registration fee.

Deregistered for less than 6 weeks

Did you deregister your sole proprietorship less than 6 weeks ago? Then you can reverse your deregistration if you can prove that your business has continued to be active. To do so, complete and send form 18 (Additional information regarding other Business Register forms), and include the requested evidence. For example:

• Recent bank statements in the name of the company, showing that there still are – or have been – activities.
• Recent purchase and sales invoices, or order confirmations. If your company was deregistered retroactively, include invoices from that period.
• A statement from your bookkeeper or accountant.
• Proof of business activities (WUO) or results from other activities (ROW) issued by the tax administration. Or other forms of administration that can prove that the rectification is correct.

Complete, sign and send form 18 by post. Include a copy of a valid ID and your supporting documents. Do this within 6 weeks from the date of the deregistration confirmation. You received this from us by post.

We will assess whether the supporting documents offer sufficient proof to reinstate the registration. If so, you will keep the same KVK number. You will receive confirmation of this by post. You can then apply for a new certified KVK Business Register Extract.

Tax Administration

The Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) is not automatically notified of the reversal of your deregistration.

To re-activate your VAT number, please send a letter to the Tax Administration stating that you want to re-activate the VAT number for your business. Send the letter to:

Belastingdienst/Klantbeheer
Postbus 2892
6401 DJ Heerlen

Your VAT number may not remain exactly the same. You can speak to the Tax Administration about this.

You can only register your business if you have a Dutch visiting address. Do you live in an area bordering the Netherlands? And can you show genuine, physical business activities in the Netherlands? Only then you can register with a visiting address that is abroad. Follow these steps to register:

• Choose a legal form and fill in the (digital) registration form
  To register as a sole proprietorship (zzp), you need a DigiD. You apply for this using your Citizen Service Number (BSN). If you do not have a BSN, follow these steps:
  • Register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI)
  • You will immediately get a BSN.
  • Use your BSN to apply for a DigiD. The Netherlands Worldwide website explains how to apply for a DigiD abroad. This requires Dutch nationality, or the nationality of another country in the European Economic Area (EEA).
  • Use your DigiD to register your sole proprietorship.
• Make an appointment and complete your registration at a KVK office.
• Bring the following with you:
  • A valid proof of identity and an original extract (or a legalised copy) from the personal records database where you live, or another original proof (or a legalised copy), such as from an official organisation or a bank, showing your private address.
    Note: this proof may not be older than 1 month. Submit this proof in a language we can read. If we cannot read it, KVK can ask you to have the documents translated into Dutch, English, German or French. This does not need to be by a sworn translator.
  • A copy of the rental, purchase or lease contract of the (Dutch) visiting address. This must be signed by 2 parties.

Read the article Foreign company registration to learn whether you have to register a foreign business and how to do so. 

You only register a stille maatschap (undisclosed partnership) if the maatschap (professional partnership) has a company. Therefore, first check whether the stille maatschap meets the conditions that KVK uses to register a company.

There is no company

Does the stille maatschap have no company? Then registering in the Business Register is not possible. You also do not need to register any UBOs (ultimate beneficial owners).

There is a company

Does the stille maatschap have a company? Then use the registration form on our website to prepare the registration of the stille maatschap online. To do so, log in using DigiD. Complete the form in full. Check your details in the summary. Have you filled in all necessary information? Then make an appointment to finalise registration at a KVK office of your choice.

A partner (maat) can be either a natural person (a person), a legal entity (for example, a bv), or a partnership (maatschap, vof, and cv). Personal identification only applies to natural persons.

We register all partners in the Business Register. Even partners who only contribute goods, labour, or money. This is because they sometimes also must comply with agreements entered by the maatschap or other partners.

Choose a trade name that is different from the registered name of the maatschap

The words 'stille maatschap' must be included in the registered name of the undisclosed partnership. But do not use the words 'stille maatschap' or ‘maatschap' in the trade name. If you do this, then you may give the impression that it is a public maatschap.

UBO register

When registering in the Business Register, you immediately register the UBOs (the ultimate beneficial owners). Use the step-by-step guide on our website to determine who the UBOs of your maatschap are. Form 32 says which documents you need to include.

Register your business 1 week before or after the start of business activities. Prepare your registration online. Then make an appointment for the identification check and the completion of your registration. You will then immediately receive your KVK number. Registering is possible at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

You can also visit us earlier for the check of your pre-completed details and proof of identity. This is possible up to a maximum of 3 months before your start date. In this case, you will receive your KVK number by post in the week prior to your start date. You can schedule an appointment up to 8 weeks in advance.

Even if you start on 1 January, you can register your company 1 week before or after the start of your business activities. You can prepare online for registration. Log in with DigiD and complete the form. Then schedule an appointment online at a KVK office of your choice to finalise your registration.

You can also visit us earlier to have your ID checked and to go over the completed details. In this case, you will receive your KVK number by post in the week after Christmas. You can then apply for a certified KVK Business Register extract.

VAT identification number (VAT ID)

You will receive a letter with your VAT ID from the Netherlands Tax Administration within 2 weeks of your company's start date. January is a very busy time for the Tax Administration so keep in mind that this may take longer than 2 weeks. Is it taking a very long time for you to receive the VAT ID? If so, contact the Tax Information Line (0800 05 43).

To register a new enterprise or organisation, you must pay a registration fee. If you want to purchase a certified KVK Extract from the Business Register when you register, you can do this directly. 

You will receive a KVK number number when you register in the Business Register. If you register your company 1 week before or after starting business activities, you will receive your KVK number immediately.

Visit earlier

You may also visit us earlier to check your pre-completed details and proof of identity. This is possible up to a maximum of 3 months before your start date. Then prepare your registration online and make an appointment at one of our offices. You can schedule an appointment up to 8 weeks in advance.

We will register your company from 1 week before your specified start date. After registration, you will receive a written confirmation, your KVK number and an invoice for the registration fee by post.

Taking over a business

Are you taking over a business? Then we will send you the new KVK number on the takeover date.

We use 3 criteria to determine whether you have a business:

1. You supply goods and/or services. Or you are preparing to do so. For example, you have already started buying products.
2. You demand more than symbolic payment for this. Or a (commercial) price or hourly rate that makes you money. Think of making a profit or cutting costs. So it is not a hobby that only costs money and does not make a profit.
3. You regularly provide goods and services to people other than just your family or friends.

Do you meet these 3 entrepreneurial criteria? Then you can register your business at KVK.

There are also 4 additional questions that say something about entrepreneurship and help you decide if registration is necessary.

Additional questions

1. Do you invest money and/or time to start or grow your company?
2. Do you work in your own business on a regular basis, as opposed to a one-off assignment? You should also register large one-off activities, such as Christmas tree sales.
3. Will you be working for more than 1 client? If you have a single client over a longer period of time, it is more likely that you are in salaried employment.
4. Do you decide when and how you do your work? Even if you get hired by a client. Does that apply to you too?

Are you in doubt? Check out the examples on how to deal with these 3 criteria and 4 questions.

That depends on whether your business fulfils the criteria for a business. If it does, you are required to register.

Registration in the preparation phase is possible in some cases. Preparations include ordering goods, applying for permits, or renting business premises. To complete the registration, make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD. Registration is possible at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Click the 'Report a change' button. Enter your business name or KVK number. Click on Functionarissen ('Officers') and follow the steps.

To identify yourself in person or not?

You do not always have to come in person to identify yourself at a KVK office. On our website and the forms, you can read when personal identification is or is not necessary.

Do you have to identify yourself? Then make an appointment online. You can register at any KVK office in the Netherlands. 

Register and deregister at the same time

Does the director or partner who will be deregistered also sign for the registration of the new director or partner? Then give the deregistration form to the new director or partner when they come to register at a KVK office.

This will prevent the registration and deregistration from crossing paths, possibly making registration impossible at that time. Only a director or partner who is still registered may sign for the registration of a new director or partner.

Check whether the change affects the UBO registration

Via the online UBO report, determine whether the new director or partner will also become a UBO of your organisation and immediately register the new UBO or submit a change.

Consequences for (financial) institutions

A change of officials may have consequences for, for instance, permits of the municipality, financing, insurance, pension fund, or bank account of the company. Check the website of the relevant (financial) institution for which steps you must follow when changing officials.

You register a director online. You can read how to do this in our article 'Reporting a board change for a stichting, vereniging, or VvE'.

To register the new official, use the online form. Fill in which organisation you want to arrange this for and go through the steps. The form states whether the new official must provide personal identification and what supporting documents we need.

Bring valid proof of identity. You need your mobile phone to pay the one-off registration fee. You scan the QR code with your mobile phone and then pay with iDEAL or credit card.

Always take

• valid proof of identity
• a mobile phone  to pay the one-off registration fee

If applicable, you might also need to bring

• a copy of the rental or lease contract, signed by both parties, or a declaration of consent, if your visiting address is different from your private address
• vof, cv, or maatschap contract, if you have made one
• a franchise contract, if you are starting a franchise business

Do you not live in the Netherlands? Check what additional information we need from you. 

Check if your organisation also need to register UBOs. If so, bring the necessary information and documents with you as well:

• Preparation for registering UBOs for a new nv, bv, SE, or SCE
• Preparation for registering UBOs for a new foundation
• Preparation for registering UBOs  for a new cv, vof, professional partnership, EEIG, or shipping company
• Preparation for registering UBOs for a new association, cooperative, or mutual insurance company

You can directly request a certified KVK Business Register Extract.

You may not have to come to the office to have your ID checked at the desk. Read this article to find out in which situations you do not need to make an appointment. 

You can use the following documents as valid forms of ID:

• Passport
• Dutch driving licence or moped licence (category AM)
• European ID card (ID card from an EEA country)
• Dutch document for foreign nationals (a residence permit, a Foreign National Identity Document (of Type W or W2, formerly 'W-document'), or a diplomatic visa)
• Dutch foreign-national passport
• Dutch refugee passport

Please note: the document you use as ID must be valid. The validity date appears on the ID. An emergency passport is not a valid form of identification.

Copy of ID 

If you have to send a copy of your proof of identity with a form, copy or print the front and back of your proof of identity. You may - for your privacy - make your photo and nationality illegible with a sticker or marker, for example. Or you can use the KopieID app (in Dutch) from the national government. We do not need your photo and nationality to assess the declaration. You may not mask out other data, such as the number of your passport, driving licence or identity card. Driving licences do not show your nationality.

Copy of ID for an UBO

To register UBOs in the UBO register, you must also enclose colour copies (front and back) of the IDs of the UBOs. You are not permitted to block out the nationality on the ID copies. You are permitted to block out the photo. Do not block out the document number of the passport, driving licence, or ID card. Print the copy on a sheet of A4 paper or scan the ID document in actual size.

You do not need to register separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration. You submit information when preparing your registration, which the KVK forwards in digital form to the Tax Administration. You will receive a letter of confirmation for your registration with the Tax Administration. After around 10 working days, you will receive a notification from the Tax Administration.

The Netherlands Tax Administration will send you your VAT-ID and VAT number (btw-id and omzetbelasting number) within 2 weeks of your starting date. Have you not received a communication from the Tax Administration after 2 weeks? Call the Tax Information line: 0800 05 43.

You use the btw-id for your communications with clients and suppliers. On your website or invoices, for example. You use the omzetbelasting number when you file your VAT returns. 

Our website tells you how to find your VAT number or VAT identification number.

Are you registered in the Business Register? Some of your details are public. Bu that does not mean that anyone can approach you without your consent. Sometimes, that does happen. Read how to limit the use of your details by others on this page. And find out why some of your details are public. 

Anyone can see the visiting address of your business. Sometimes you may not want that. That is why you can shield the visiting address of your sole proprietorship. With other legal structures, shielding can only be done if there is a threatening situation. You must always register a postal address. 

Learn more about shielding your business address.