Registering a VOF with organisations as partners

The partners of the VOF are organisations (for example, a BV, CV, vereniging, cooperative, VOF, or maatschap).

Before you register

More about the VOF (vennootschap onder firma)

Do you want to start a company with a business partner? The legal structure vennootschap onder firma (VOF, general partnership) is a possibility. Read more about the VOF. 

Registering a VOF with only organisations as partners

On this page you can read all about registering a VOF with only organisations as partners. Organisations can be a BV, CV, maatschap, VOF, cooperative, vereniging (association), or stichting (foundation). Would you also like to register individuals as partners? Then you can do this online.

Register by post

Download the forms below, fill them in and send them by post. The form tells you who can sign it and what supporting documents you need to include. Is there a VOF contract? Print out the contract and send it with the other supporting documents.

  • Form 2: 'registering a vennootschap onder firma / commanditaire vennootschap'
  • Form 10: 'registering a partner (vennoot)'
  • Form 32: 'registering a UBO for a CV, VOF, maatschap, EEIG, or shipping company' 

Is your starting date over 2 months ago? 

You must prove that you have executed business activities since the starting date you have submitted. Such as documents that prove you have made investments or executed assignments. Bring these to your appointment. 

Next steps

  • Check to see how long it takes for the registration to be processed. You will not receive any updates in the meantime.
  • Is your starting date in the future? The KVK registration (and issuing of your KVK number) will take place 1 week before the start of your company. 
  • You receive a registration confirmation letter and invoice for the registration fee by post. You will receive these at the visiting address of your VOF. 
  • After registration, you can order a certified KVK Business Register Extract. You can use this as proof of registration. Some banks and wholesalers ask for an extract. 

FAQ about registering a VOF

Only one of the partners in the vof can register. You can help someone else with the registration, but a partner must log in with their own DigiD.

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.

We advise you to document the agreements you make with your partners in a partnership contract (a vof contract). In this contract, you also document the authority of each partner. Bring the vof contract to your KVK appointment, or send it to KVK by post (if you do not have to make an appointment in person). 

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.

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.

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 (eenmanszaak), you need a DigiD. You apply for this using your Citizen Service Number (BSN). If you do not have a BSN, follow these steps:
  • Make an appointment at a KVK office to complete your registration.
  • 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.

You pay a one-off registration fee to register a new company or organisation.

All the FAQs about UBOs can be found under Help & Contact. 

You do not need to register separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration. After registration, we will pass this information on. You will receive a notification from the Tax Administration by post within 2 weeks of the start date of your business.

Is your question not included? More frequently asked questions can be found on our Help and contact page. It also states how you can contact us.