Registering a vof with non-natural persons

The partners of the vof are non-natural persons (for example, a bv, cv, association, cooperative, vof, or maatschap).

Before you register

1. About the vof (vennootschap onder firma)

Do you want to start a company with a business partner under a shared company name? The legal structure vennootschap onder firma (vof, general partnership) may be the right choice for you. Read more about the vof. 

2. The difference between natural persons and non-natural persons

A natural person is a person of flesh and blood. A non-natural person is an organisation. For example, a bv, cv, maatschap, vof, cooperative, vereniging (association), or stichting (foundation). This article is about registering a vof with non-natural persons as its partners. You can also: 

Fill in the forms

Fill in the following forms and send them to KVK by post. The form states who is authorised to sign it and which additional documentation you have to enclose. 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

  • We will process your registration within 15 working days (you will not receive status updates). 
  • 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 (AWB brief) and invoice by post. 

No need to make an appointment

Normally, you have to make an appointment at a KVK office to check the partners' identification documents. In this case, all partners are legal entities. The ID check took place when these legal entities were registered. So there is no need to make an appointment. 

Registration fee

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.

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

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.

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.