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Establishing a foundation 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 on how quickly you submit the documents, whether additional identification is required, and whether the structure is standard. After the signing, the operational start-up begins: Chamber of Commerce registration immediately, a business bank account one to three weeks, and any ANBI application a few weeks to months.
The phases and their typical duration
- Preparation (1 day – 1 week): formulating the objective, assembling the board, statutory choices.
- Application to notary: 0.5 – 1 hour of own work.
- Draft deed received: 1 – 3 working days.
- Approval + identification: 1 – 3 days (online) or 1 – 2 weeks (in-person).
- 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.
- Business bank account: 1 – 3 weeks (see business bank account for your foundation).
- ANBI application (optional): 4 – 12 weeks with the Tax and Customs Administration.
What speeds up or slows down?
Accelerators:
- Online process with digital notary.
- Dutch founders and directors.
- Standard objective description and governance structure.
- Prompt response to questions from the notary.
Delayors:
- Non-Dutch-speaking founders (interpreter requirements).
- Complex governance structure (Supervisory Board, multi-tier management).
- International aspects and additional AML/CFT investigation.
- Waiting for bank approval for business account.
When will you really be done?
- Legally, the foundation 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 established: after ANBI status (if applied for, 2–3 months), first board meeting and internal regulations.
Allow six to twelve weeks for the entire start-up process.
Honest recommendation
For a standard foundation, allow one to two weeks for legal incorporation and six to eight weeks for the entire operational process. Plan in parallel: Chamber of Commerce registration is automatic, start the bank application in week 1, and the ANBI application immediately after registration.
For the step-by-step plan: establish a foundation. For the online route: apply for a foundation online.
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 full operational process (Chamber of Commerce, bank, ANBI if applicable), six to twelve weeks.
At the moment the notary executes the deed of incorporation. Towards third parties, the foundation 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 of execution.
Usually the same day or within 24 hours after the deed is signed. The notary arranges this. You will receive the Chamber of Commerce number and an extract digitally.
One to three weeks for standard situations. Banks conduct AML checks; for foundations with international aspects or large donations, sometimes longer. Start the application immediately after registration with the Chamber of Commerce.
Typically 4–12 weeks at the Tax and Customs Administration. Faster for well-substantiated applications; longer with questions or additional documents. ANBI status often works retroactively to the date of incorporation.
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 execute the transaction within three to five working days. Conditions: standard articles of association, Dutch founders, rapid digital identification, and all documents immediately available. For most situations, one and a half to two weeks is realistic.
