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In 2026, setting up a BV typically takes one to two weeks via an online process with a digital notary, and two to four weeks with a physical notary. The turnaround time depends mainly on how quickly you submit the documents, whether additional identification is required, and whether the structure is standard or complex. This is followed by the operational start-up: Chamber of Commerce registration immediately, VAT number within 1–3 weeks, and business bank account 1–3 weeks.
The phases and their typical duration
- Preparation (1 day – 1 week): name, goal description, choice of structure, gather founder details.
- Application to a notary (online form or intake): 0.5 – 1 hour of your own work.
- Draft deed received: 1 – 3 working days.
- Approval + identification: 1 – 3 days (online) or 1 – 2 weeks (in-person, depending on schedule).
- Execution of the deed: 1 working day.
- Chamber of Commerce registration: the same day or within 24 hours, by the notary.
- UBO notification: the same day, by the notary.
- VAT number: 1 – 3 weeks after registration, by the Tax and Customs Administration.
- Business bank account: 1 – 3 weeks, sometimes longer for international shareholders.
For the complete step-by-step plan: Setting up a BV in 2026 step-by-step plan.
What speeds it up, what slows it down?
Accelerators:
- Online process with digital notary.
- Dutch founders with a valid Dutch ID.
- Standard articles of association without special classes of shares.
- Clear agreements in advance (objective description, capital, governance).
- Quick response from the founder to questions from the notary.
Delayors:
- International founders (additional AML/CFT investigation).
- Complex structure (holding structure, quality requirements, contribution).
- Special classes of shares (cumulative preferred shares, letter shares).
- Unclear objective description or structural choices — leads to multiple consultation moments.
- Waiting for a valuation report for contributions in kind.
Does the BV exist immediately after the deed has been executed?
Yes. The BV comes into legal existence the moment the notary executes the deed — also towards third parties as soon as the Chamber of Commerce registration has been processed (the same day or within 24 hours). This means that from that moment on, you can enter into contracts in the name of the BV, invoicing will be possible soon (after obtaining a VAT number), and the founder's liability is limited.
When will you really be done?
“Done” depends on how you define it:
- Legally, the BV exists: after the deed is executed (~1 week from intake).
- You can start operations: after Chamber of Commerce registration and bank account (~2–4 weeks).
- Fully set up: after VAT number, legal contracts (shareholders' agreement, General Meeting, management agreement), insurance, and accountant (~6–8 weeks).
Therefore, plan six to eight weeks for the entire start-up process. For the process after the signing: what happens after the notary has signed the deed.
Honest recommendation
For a standard SME incorporation, count on one to two weeks for the legal incorporation and six to eight weeks for the full operational process. Start in parallel: the Chamber of Commerce registration is automatic, you can start the VAT application immediately, and you begin the bank application in week 1. Do not wait until one is ready before starting the other.
For the step-by-step plan: Setting up a BV in 2026.For the costs: Costs of setting up a BV.
Frequently Asked Questions
For an online process, one to two weeks from the intake to the signing of the deed. At a physical notary, usually two to four weeks. For the entire operational process (Chamber of Commerce, VAT, banking, contracts), six to eight weeks.
At the moment the notary executes the deed of incorporation. Towards third parties, your BV is visible from that moment on, as soon as the Chamber of Commerce registration has been processed — usually the same day or within 24 hours after execution.
Almost immediately. The notary usually arranges the registration the same day or within 24 hours of the signing of the deed. You will receive the Chamber of Commerce number and the extract digitally.
Usually one to three weeks after registration with the Chamber of Commerce. The Tax and Customs Administration assesses the application independently and may ask additional questions. It may take longer for unusual activities or large amounts.
For standard situations, one to three weeks. For complex situations (international shareholders, large amounts, unusual industries), it increases to four to six weeks. Banks conduct their own AML check.
Yes, partially. Choose an online track, submit all documents immediately, answer questions within one working day, and choose standard articles of association where possible. In case of urgency, inform the notary — some firms offer an expedited process of a few working days for an additional fee.
Ideally, an online digital notary can finalize the transaction within three to five working days. Conditions: standard structure, Dutch founders, rapid digital identification, and all documents immediately available. For most situations, one and a half to two weeks is realistic.
