Costs of setting up a BV: notary, Chamber of Commerce, and start-up capital in 2026

In 2026, setting up a BV will cost roughly between €400 and €1,500 for a standard incorporation. With an online notary, you are generally at the lower end of that range; for an in-person appointment or custom work, costs will be higher. For a holding structure (two BVs simultaneously), you should expect to pay between €750 and €1,800. Below are the cost components, what you need to know in advance, and where most mistakes are made.

Anouk compared three offices beforehand. Difference between the cheapest and most expensive online process: €350. Difference between online and a traditional notary office in her city: another €600. With the same outcome. So the question is not just “what does it cost”, but “what do I get for it”.

The short answer: the main costs

• Notary fees: €350 – €1,200 (one BV, standard).
• Chamber of Commerce registration: often free for BVs via a notary in 2026; check the current rate with the Chamber of Commerce.
• Starting capital: no minimum, often symbolic €0.01 – €100.
• Additional legal documents (shareholders' agreement, management agreement): variable, €350 – €1,500.
• First financial year / accountant: € 300 – € 1.500.

What is included in the notary fees?

The notary charges a price for:

• Drafting the deed of incorporation and articles of association.
• Wwft customer due diligence and identification.
• Statutory fees and disbursements.
• Chamber of Commerce registration (often included).
• UBO notification (often included).

Standard online process with a digital notary: €350 – €650. In-person at a traditional office: €600 – €1,200. Holding structure (two BVs simultaneously): €600 – €1,500. Always ask for a fixed price in advance; hourly-rate notaries quickly become expensive.

What is NOT in it?

This is what many entrepreneurs forget:

• Shareholders' agreement: not included in the notary fee. Highly recommended for multiple shareholders — see what is a shareholders' agreement. Expect €350 – €1,500 with a specialized lawyer.
• Management agreement: between you and the operating company, often via the holding company. €250 – €750.
• General terms and conditions: for your customers. See costs of having general terms and conditions drafted.
• Name and trademark check: in advance in the Chamber of Commerce register and trademark register. Often free to do yourself, or €50 – €200 with a specialist.
• Accounting work for the first financial year: opening balance sheet, first corporate income tax return, and payroll. €300 – €1,500 depending on complexity.

Online process versus in-person notary

The difference in figures:

• Online process: typically €350 – €650 for a single BV. Fast turnaround time (1–2 weeks), digital identification, fine for standard situations.
• In-person notary: €600 – €1,200. Personal contact, more scope for customization, often favorable in complex or international situations.

For the average SME formation, an online process works perfectly well and saves significantly. For exceptions (international founders, quality requirements, holding mergers), a physical notary is often worthwhile.

How much extra does a holding structure cost?

A holding structure means establishing two BVs simultaneously: a personal holding company and an operating company. For the notary, this involves approximately 1.5 to 2 times the work of one BV — but because much of the due diligence (AML/CFT, identification) only needs to be done once, it does not result in a full doubling of costs.

Indication: €600 – €1,500 for a holding structure. Will you recoup this amount upon a later sale? Often handsomely — a holding company separates assets and provides tax flexibility.

Hidden costs and pitfalls

Four cost items that are not always visible in advance:

• Subsequent amendment to the articles of association. Is the purpose description too narrow? An amendment can easily cost €400 – €750 at the notary.
• Had to change name later. Due to a trademark claim or conflict with another Chamber of Commerce registration — €400 – €800 plus name change in all marketing.
• Personal guarantee. Banks often require a personal guarantee for loans — by doing so, you undermine the BV liability protection on that single contract. No direct cost, but a hidden risk.
• Additional registrations. UBO registration mandatory within eight days — violation = fine. Often forgotten.

When is cheap too cheap?

A digital notary for €350 is fine for a standard one-person BV. It becomes too cheap in these situations:

• Complex incorporation structure where standard articles of association do not fit.
• International founders requesting customized identification.
• Special classes of shares (cumulative preferred shares, letter shares) for which the standard deed was not created.
• Quality requirements for directors (medical BV, accountants).

In those cases, making proper arrangements in advance pays off — both with the notary and with the supplementary legal infrastructure.

Honest recommendation

For a standard one-person BV, a digital notary is the smartest choice at €350 – €650. Additionally, set aside €350 – €1,000 for the associated legal infrastructure (shareholders' agreement, management agreement, general meeting). And count on a few hundred euros for the first financial year with an accountant.

For the step-by-step plan: Incorporating a BV in 2026 step-by-step plan. For the big picture: what is a BV. The legal infrastructure after incorporation: shareholders' agreement and general terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions