Reinier advises national and international companies
reinier.russell@russell.nl +31 20 301 55 55Would you like to start a private limited company (BV) in the Netherlands? We will let you know, step-by-step, how to do it!
Due to intellectual property rights, a previous registration of the same or similar trade name might cause problems. Therefore, you are well-advised to investigate whether or not the trade name you have in mind is already being used by a different company.
The initial action in the incorporation procedure consists in the drafting of a notarial deed of incorporation, which will be done by a civil-law notary. The deed of incorporation includes the articles of association. The articles of association are the principles of the BV establishing the mutual relationships within the company. The content of the articles of association should be considered carefully, thus it is advisable to get the advice of a lawyer. The deed of incorporation has to be signed by the incorporator(s) – or by an authorized representative acting on their behalf – and by the civil-law notary.
To be able to establish a BV, at least 1 eurocent has to be paid into the company.
After the deed of incorporation has been signed and the minimum start-up capital has been paid up, the BV has to be listed in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Before this registration the BV can engage in trade. Until it has been listed it will be considered a BV in formation. However, people acting on behalf of the BV in formation, commonly directors, are in principle liable for the fulfilment of agreements concluded by the BV in formation. After the registration the BV will be liable.
Do you establish the BV with one or more shareholders? Then, it is advisable to make mutual agreements and establish them in a shareholders’ agreement.
If you intend to set up a BV, you will have to make sure that it is well-established at once. Thorough preparations are essential, especially regarding the future success of a new business. Therefore, ask the advice of a lawyer who can help you even before taking step 1. Naturally, we will gladly assist you. For further information on establishing an business or an NV, please check our website www.startingabusinessnl.com or contact us:
Would you like to start a public limited company (NV) in the Netherlands? We will let you know, step-by-step, how to do it!
Under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft), banks may be obliged to refuse a customer or terminate their relationship with them. This can also happen to charities. When is a bank permitted to terminate the relationship? And must a customer cooperate with a bank’s investigation?
The Transparency and Countering Undermining by Civil Society Organisations Act (Wtmo) imposed a number of new obligations on charities in the Netherlands. However, the Act has been rejected by the Dutch Senate on 24 March 2026 and will not enter into force.
Statutory directors enjoy less protection against dismissal, but there must still be reasonable grounds for the dismissal. Otherwise, the employer must pay fair compensation. This can be substantial, as a recent ruling has shown. Why was the employer required to pay this compensation?
Reinier W.L. Russell, LL.M. has published an article on The benefits of a works council for entrepreneurs in the “Off the record” section of Primerus Weekly on March 3, 2026. Below you will find the text of this article.
On 16 December 2025, the House of Representatives of the Netherlands adopted the Digital General Meeting for Private Law Legal Entities Act. This Act makes it possible to hold general meetings entirely digitally. What does this mean for directors and shareholders of private limited companies, public limited companies and other legal entities?
