Dutch B.V. — the EU's most-trusted holding vehicle. Book an introduction
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Netherlands · EU jurisdiction

Netherlands.
Europe's cleanest holding structure.

A Dutch B.V. is the EU's most-trusted operating and holding vehicle. Full single-market access, 100+ tax treaties, the participation exemption for holdings, and the Innovation Box regime at just 9% on qualifying IP income. Your global attaché coordinates formation, notaries, banking, accountants and local marketing under one engagement.

Entity
B.V.
Formation
5–10 days
Corp tax
19% / 25.8%
IP regime
9% Innovation Box
Currency
EUR
Tax treaties
100+
Inside your Dutch market entry

Every part of a Dutch market entry.

Below is what a LeapGroup Dutch market entry includes — coordinated by Noah, delivered by specialists we've worked with directly.

01

B.V. incorporation via civil-law notary

Notarial deed of incorporation, KvK registration, UBO filing, share structure, articles of association, tax residency letter and Dutch tax number.

02

Dutch accounting, BTW & corp tax

Belastingdienst-qualified accountants for monthly bookkeeping, BTW (VAT) returns, corporate tax (VPB) filings, publication accounts to KvK, and Innovation Box preparation.

03

Dutch & EU marketing

Amsterdam-based marketers for Dutch-language SEO, EU-wide paid media, native NL copywriting, PR into FD/NRC, and regional GDPR-compliant campaign infrastructure.

04

Holding & IP structuring advisory

Structuring reads for cross-border holdings, participation exemption planning, Innovation Box qualification, and DAC6/transfer-pricing hygiene. From counsel who architect, not just file.

05

Dutch counsel & contracts

Notaries and corporate lawyers for shareholder agreements, employment contracts, IP assignments, commercial contracts, GDPR reviews, and cross-border restructuring.

06

Payroll, 30%-ruling & hiring

Dutch payroll, employment contracts under NL law, 30%-ruling applications for expat talent, and EOR/PEO for hires before you have a B.V.

Why the Netherlands

A serious jurisdiction for serious operators.

The Dutch B.V. is the vehicle of choice for cross-border operators who want EU credibility, tax-treaty depth, and a legal system that international counsel can read fluently.

Full EU single-market access

Free movement of goods, capital, services and people. The default answer for founders who need proper EU standing post-Brexit.

100+ double-tax treaties

One of the widest treaty networks in the world. Ideal for outbound investment structures, IP holdings and cross-border royalty flows.

9% Innovation Box on qualifying IP income

Income from self-developed IP can qualify for a preferential 9% rate. A meaningful lever for software, patents and licensable IP.

Participation exemption for holdings

Dividends and capital gains from qualifying subsidiaries flow up tax-free. The reason the Dutch B.V. is the standard European holding company.

Business banking that actually onboards founders

ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, plus fintech (Bunq, Revolut, Wise) all onboard B.V.s professionally. Multi-currency accounts standard.

English is the operating language

Dutch business culture runs in English. Contracts, courts, tax authority correspondence — all manageable end-to-end in English.

NR
Available this week
Noah Rasmussen
Partner in LeapGroup · Global attaché

Meet your global attaché.

Noah is the single point of contact for every LeapGroup engagement — including yours in the Netherlands. He takes your brief, shortlists two or three specialists from our Amsterdam network (civil-law notaries, tax counsel, banking), joins the first call, and stays on point throughout.

Fifteen years placing founders across our nine jurisdictions. Straight-talking, personally accountable, on the first call.

Send Noah a private brief →
Honest advisory

When the Netherlands fits — and when it doesn't.

Not every founder needs a B.V. Here's how we think about it on the first call.

The Netherlands is a strong fit if you...

  • Need full EU single-market access post-Brexit
  • Are building a European holding structure
  • Own IP that could qualify for the Innovation Box (software, patents)
  • Sell physical goods into the EU and need clean VAT registration
  • Want a reputable EU jurisdiction that international counsel can read
  • Plan to hire local or expat talent (30%-ruling is powerful)

Look elsewhere if you...

  • Want the absolute lowest EU corp tax (Hungary at 9% flat)
  • Need the fastest possible formation (UK is 24–48 hours)
  • Have minimal revenue and no EU presence (compliance load doesn't pay back)
  • Only sell into North America or Asia
Netherlands-specific FAQ

What founders ask us about the Netherlands.

Dutch B.V. formation requires a notarial deed executed by a civil-law notary. That's a legal safeguard (and part of why the vehicle is trusted). The notary drafts, KvK registers, and the tax authority issues your VPB number — typically within 1–2 weeks end-to-end.
No. A power of attorney allows the notary to execute on your behalf. Most of our clients complete the entire process without a flight.
Income attributable to self-developed intangibles (software, patents, some know-how) can be taxed at 9% instead of the standard rate. It requires proper R&D substance, ruling with the tax authority, and disciplined bookkeeping. Sander will tell you honestly on the first call whether your business qualifies.
Yes — this is one of the most common structures we set up. The participation exemption means qualifying dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries flow up tax-free. We coordinate with counsel in the sub jurisdictions to make it clean.
Bookkeeping and BTW: from €150/month. Corporate tax return and publication accounts: €800–1,500/year. Registered address: €600–1,200/year. Notary for changes: as needed. Exact figures quoted in writing after the first call.

Ready to enter the Netherlands?

Send a private brief. Noah will reply within one business day with a proposal covering your Dutch market entry and a shortlist of the specialists worth your time.