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It has been possible to incorporate a BV online in the Netherlands since 2021. The process is handled through a notary who offers digital incorporation: you complete an online form, identify yourself using proof of identity and a facial scan, sign a digital power of attorney, and the notary executes the deed remotely. Processing time: one to two weeks. Costs: €350 – €650 for a standard BV. Below is how it works in practice and when it is or isn't suitable.
Anouk arranged her BV entirely online — from the kitchen table. Three hours of her own work spread over two weeks, one personal video meeting, and €575 total. No train ticket, no waiting room, no printed deed. For a standard incorporation, this is the smartest route.
How does an online BV application work?
- Fill out online form. Name, purpose description, founders, directors, capital structure.
- Digital identification. Upload proof of identity, facial scan, sometimes a liveness check. Complies with the Wwft.
- Draft deed received. Usually within 1–3 working days after the application.
- Agreement and optional video call. In standard cases, a digital declaration of agreement suffices; if there are questions, the notary will schedule a video consultation.
- Signing a digital power of attorney. Via a qualified digital signature.
- The notary executes the deed. Remotely. You will receive the executed deed digitally.
- Chamber of Commerce registration and UBO notification directly by the notary.
When is an online program suitable?
An online BV works perfectly in these situations:
- One or two Dutch founders living in the Netherlands.
- Standard one-person BV or holding structure.
- No special classes of shares (cumulative preferred shares, letter shares).
- No quality requirements for directors (medical BV, accountants).
- No complex international aspects.
This suffices for 80% of SME formations. For the detailed step-by-step plan: Setting up a BV in 2026 step-by-step plan.
When is it better to have an in-person notary?
An in-person appointment is more suitable for:
- International founders who cannot comply with digital identification.
- Complex articles of association (special classes of shares, quality requirements, veto rights).
- Contribution of an existing business with valuation issues.
- Founders who prefer personal contact — some entrepreneurs feel more comfortable with that.
- Situations in which a notary wishes to execute other deeds on-site (e.g., deed of contribution, amendment of holding company articles of association).
Pros and cons at a glance
Advantages online: faster, cheaper, no travel, suitable for standard cases, often a fixed price in advance.
Disadvantages of online: less scope for extensive personal consultation, suitability depends on standardization, some banks ask additional questions for BVs incorporated entirely digitally (a diminishing problem).
Identification: how does it work?
The Wwft requires identification that is “reasonably comparable” to physical identification. In practice:
- Upload a valid passport or identity card.
- A face scan with liveness check (blinking, turning head).
- In unusual situations: additional questions or a video call.
For founders who do not reside in the Netherlands or who do not possess a Dutch ID, an additional procedure may be required — sometimes involving a physical visit to a notary elsewhere. Check this in advance.
How much does it cost?
- Standard one-person BV online: € 350 – € 650.
- Holding structure online (two BVs): € 600 – € 1.200.
- Additional legal documents (shareholders' agreement, management agreement, General Meeting) not included.
For the complete cost breakdown: costs of setting up a BV.
Honest recommendation
For the average SME founder, an online process is the logical choice: faster, cheaper, and no travel. However, do invest in a preliminary consultation with a lawyer or accountant regarding the structure (holding company, purpose description, capital); the online notary executes your decisions and has less scope for strategic advice. For a broader overview: what is a BV and the role of the notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, since 2021 in the Netherlands this has been possible via a notary offering digital incorporation. Identification takes place digitally using proof of identity and a facial scan; the deed is executed remotely. This works well for most SME situations.
Typically, it takes one to two weeks from completing the form to the signing of the deed. In standard cases, it can be faster; with questions or additional documents, it takes slightly longer. After that comes the Chamber of Commerce registration, VAT application (1–3 weeks), and bank account (1–3 weeks).
€350 – €650 for a standard one-person BV. €600 – €1,200 for a holding structure. Shareholders' agreement, management agreement, and General Meeting are not included — you arrange those through a lawyer.
Via an online tool that scans your ID, takes a facial photo, and performs a liveness check (blinking, turning head). Complies with AML requirements. In unusual situations, an additional video call may be required.
Sometimes — depending on the proof of identity and place of residence. EU citizens with an EU ID can often use the same digital route. For non-EU founders or complex international situations, a physical notary or an additional identification route is sometimes required.
No, legally equivalent. A digital notarial deed has the same legal force as a physical one. Some banks asked additional questions in the early years regarding BVs incorporated entirely digitally, but this has largely been standardized.
Complex articles of association (special share classes, quality requirements, veto rights), contribution of an existing business involving valuation issues, or situations with international founders who cannot be identified via standard ID. For custom work, a physical notary pays off.
