Reinier Russell

managing partner

Reinier advises national and international companies

reinier.russell@russell.nl
+31 20 301 55 55

1 January 2024: Entirely online incorporation of a company will become possible

Publication date 25 October 2023

It will become even easier to set up a company in the Netherlands. As from 1 January 2024, this can be done entirely online. What will change?

online oprichten bv

A European directive requires the EU member states to make it possible to set up a company entirely online. Without the founder having to appear before a Dutch notary or – if the private limited company (BV) is incorporated from abroad – the local notary.

The Netherlands have decided to start with BVs only. The other legal entities come in later. BVs will be able to be incorporated digitally from 1 January 2024, at which time the Online Incorporation of Private Limited Companies (DOBV) Act will finally come into force.

What will change?

Currently, founders of a BV are obliged to identify themselves in person. Especially when a BV us set up from abroad, this obligation poses a challenge. In that case the founder will have to see a local notary who can confirm the identity of the founder. Such an appointment entails the necessary costs. In addition, the BV is set up by means of a paper deed.

As from 1 January 2024, the founder no longer has to provide personal identification. This can be done through a digital audio-video link and a digital identifier. In addition, a paper deed of incorporation is no longer required; the deed may be entirely electronic.

Advice on incorporation of a BV

The procedure for setting up a BV will become simpler with the entry into force of the DOBV. To ensure a smooth procedure, it is important to consider in advance what exactly you want to achieve with your BV. And whether that is legally possible. Russell Advocaten will be happy to advise you on this. We are very experienced in establishing BVs and know exactly what requirements they have to meet. In addition, you can make use of our network of notaries and tax experts so that the incorporation of your company will run smoothly and meet your needs as much as possible.

After the incorporation of the BV, the real work will start and you can start running your business. We will be happy to help you draw up the necessary contracts and documents, such as employment contracts, general terms and conditions and guarantees to protect your IP/IT rights.

Please contact us through the form below or through our special website for foreign entrepreneurs: startingabusinessnl.com.

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