Complete guide to registering your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under 2024 pilot process
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The KvK (Kamer van Koophandel / Chamber of Commerce) registration is mandatory for all businesses in the Netherlands. Under the new 2024 DAFT pilot process, you have 6 months after IND approval to complete this registration.
- Deadline: Within 6 months of IND approval
- No Rush: No need to register before DAFT application
- Verification: IND may check registration at 6-month mark
- Legal Requirement: Must register before starting business activities
- Invoicing: Cannot issue invoices without KvK registration
- Bank Account: Required for business bank account opening
Best for: Simple operations, annual profits under €66,000
Characteristics:
- Liability: Personal liability for business debts
- Taxes: Income taxed as personal income
- Administration: Simple bookkeeping requirements
- Cost: Lower setup and ongoing costs
KvK Registration:
- Documents: ID, address proof, business description
- Process: Single appointment, immediate registration
- Cost: Approximately €50
Best for: Higher revenues, 30% ruling eligibility, limited liability
Characteristics:
- Liability: Limited to company assets
- Taxes: Corporate tax + director salary
- Administration: Complex requirements, annual filings
- Cost: Higher setup and ongoing costs
KvK Registration:
- Documents: Articles of incorporation, shareholder agreements
- Process: Notary involvement required
- Cost: €50 (KvK) + €1,000+ (notary and legal fees)
Required Documents:
- Valid passport or ID
- Proof of Dutch address
- Business plan outline
- Bank account details (for BV)
Business Description:
- Clear description of business activities
- SBI codes (Standard Business Industry codes)
- Target market and services
Online Booking:
- Visit kvk.nl
- Select "Inschrijven" (Register)
- Choose appointment date and location
- Receive confirmation email
Appointment Availability:
- Usually 1-2 weeks wait
- Check regularly for cancellations
- Some locations have walk-in hours
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Process:
- Document verification
- Business details discussion
- SBI code selection
- Payment processing
- Immediate registration completion
Payment:
- Approximately €50
- Cash or Dutch debit card
- Some locations accept credit cards
Immediate:
- Digital KvK extract
- Registration confirmation
- Business registration number
Follow-up:
- Formal extract mailed within few days
- Online access to business portal
- Ability to order additional extracts
- Business Name: Must be unique and appropriate
- Legal Structure: Eenmanszaak or BV
- Business Address: Dutch address required
- Contact Information: Phone, email, website
Purpose: Classify business activities
Selection: Choose primary and secondary activities
Examples:
- 62010: Computer programming
- 70221: Business management consultancy
- 74101: Graphic design
- 85592: Business education and training
- Number of Employees: Current and projected
- Annual Turnover: Estimates for planning
- Business Objectives: Clear description of goals
- Market Focus: Local, national, or international
- Bank Account: Use KvK extract to open business account
- Tax Registration: Register with Belastingdienst within 8 weeks
- Insurance: Consider professional liability insurance
- Website Update: Add KvK number to website/materials
- Annual Update: Update business information annually
- Address Changes: Report address changes within 8 days
- Activity Changes: Update SBI codes when business changes
- Closure: Report business closure when ending operations
- Incomplete Information: Missing required documents
- Address Issues: Incorrect or unverified address
- ID Problems: Expired or invalid identification
- Translation Needs: Foreign documents not translated
- Wrong Entity Type: Choosing inappropriate structure
- Timing Issues: Not considering growth trajectory
- Tax Implications: Not understanding tax consequences
- Professional Advice: Making decisions without expert input
- Too Narrow: Limiting future business activities
- Too Broad: Unfocused business description
- Incorrect Classification: Choosing wrong industry codes
- Missing Activities: Not covering all business activities
- Uniqueness: Must be distinguishable from existing businesses
- Appropriateness: Must reflect business nature
- Language: Dutch or English acceptable
- Restrictions: Cannot use certain protected terms
- Business Address: Must be in Netherlands
- Home Office: Can use residential address
- Virtual Office: Some providers offer registered addresses
- Address Changes: Must report within 8 days
- Primary Activity: Main business focus
- Secondary Activities: Additional services offered
- SBI Codes: Can register multiple codes
- Future Planning: Consider planned expansions
¶ Costs and Fees
- KvK Registration: €50
- Additional Extracts: €9.50 per extract
- Online Services: Free for basic information
- Amendments: Free for most changes
- Notary Fees: €1,000-2,000
- Legal Advice: €200-500 per hour
- Accounting Setup: €500-1,500
- Bank Account: €10-30 per month
- KvK Maintenance: Free annual updates
- Extracts: €9.50 when needed
- Website Updates: Update business information
- Professional Services: Ongoing accounting/legal support
- Business Profile: Manage business information
- Extracts: Download current registration extracts
- Updates: Submit address and activity changes
- Statistics: Access business data and reports
- KvK App: Access business information on mobile
- QR Codes: Scan to verify business registrations
- Notifications: Receive important updates
- Document Access: View and download extracts
- Research: Understand your business classification
- Documentation: Gather all required documents
- Planning: Consider future business development
- Professional Advice: Consult experts for complex structures
- Early Booking: Schedule as soon as possible
- Flexibility: Consider multiple locations
- Punctuality: Arrive on time with all documents
- Questions: Prepare list of questions in advance
- Immediate Actions: Open bank account, register for taxes
- Record Keeping: Maintain KvK documents safely
- Regular Updates: Keep registration information current
- Compliance: Stay informed about ongoing obligations
2024 Pilot Process Update:
- Timeline: Within 6 months of IND approval (no rush initially)
- Flexible: No need to register before DAFT application
- Verification: IND may check registration at 6-month mark
Business Structure Options:
- Eenmanszaak (ZZP): €50 registration, simple structure, profits under €66,000
- BV: €50 KvK + €1,000+ notary fees, complex structure, profits over €66,000
Required Documents:
- Valid ID: Passport or Dutch ID
- Address Proof: Dutch residential address
- Business Plan: Basic outline of activities
- SBI Codes: Industry classification codes
Key SBI Codes for DAFT:
- 62010: Computer programming
- 70221: Business management consultancy
- 74101: Graphic design
- 85592: Business education and training
Critical Steps:
- Prepare Documentation: ID, address proof, business description
- Schedule Appointment: Book online at kvk.nl (1-2 week wait)
- Attend Registration: 30-60 minutes, pay €50, immediate registration
- Use Extract: Open business bank account immediately after
This guide covers KvK registration requirements. Next, use your KvK extract to open a business bank account and deposit the required €4,500.
📍 Current Location: KvK Registration Guide
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