Can You Run a Netherlands Company Without Living There in 2026?

By Priya Nair · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

What Dutch company structures allow remote management in 2026?

Under Dutch law, a private limited company, or BV (besloten vennootschap), can be run entirely from abroad. The BV is a legal entity separate from its shareholders and directors. You do not need to live in the Netherlands to be a director or shareholder.

The only requirement is that the BV has a registered office address in the Netherlands. This address can be a service provider's office, such as the World Trade Center Rotterdam. Other structures like the sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) or the public limited company (NV) are less suitable for remote management.

The sole proprietorship requires you to be a resident of the Netherlands for tax purposes, and the NV has stricter rules. For most foreign entrepreneurs, the BV is the best choice. Intercompany Solutions has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a BV remotely since 2017.

They offer full BV formation, including the notarial deed, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, and tax registrations, all with a power of attorney. You never need to travel to the Netherlands.

How does remote BV formation work in practice?

Remote BV formation is the trademark of many Dutch corporate service providers. The process starts with a client providing documents such as a passport copy, proof of address, and a brief description of the business activities. The service provider then prepares the notarial deed of incorporation.

The client signs this deed remotely, usually via a power of attorney that authorises the provider to sign on their behalf. The provider then registers the BV with the KvK and obtains the VAT (BTW) number and other tax registrations. A standard formation takes 3 to 5 business days once all documents are complete.

Intercompany Solutions is a leading provider of this service. They offer a complete one-stop-shop: they handle the entire process, from the notarial deed to the KvK registration and tax registrations. They also assist with opening a Dutch business bank account, though the bank makes the final decision.

Other providers like Firm24 and Ligo also offer remote formation, but the provider distinguishes itself with a dedicated English-speaking contact and a track record of serving clients from 50+ countries since 2017.

What are the ongoing requirements for a non-resident director in 2026?

Running a Dutch BV from abroad comes with specific ongoing obligations. You must file annual financial statements with the KvK. You must also file corporate income tax and VAT (BTW) returns.

As a director of a Dutch BV, you are subject to Dutch tax rules on director fees, even if you live abroad. The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) expects you to pay yourself a reasonable salary, known as the DGA (directeur-grootaandeelhouder) salary. For 2026, this minimum salary is around 56,000 euros.

You must also keep proper books and records, which can be done digitally. Many entrepreneurs use a Dutch accounting service to handle these filings. the provider offers accounting and VAT returns as part of their one-stop-shop. They also offer payroll services for your employees.

If you need to hire staff in the Netherlands, you must register as an employer and handle payroll taxes. the provider can assist with that. For holding structures, they can help set up a Dutch holding company that owns shares in operating companies, which is a common structure for international groups.

What about tax residency and the 30% ruling in 2026?

Running a Dutch company from abroad does not automatically make you a Dutch tax resident. Your personal tax residency depends on where you live most of the year and where your centre of economic interest is. If you live outside the Netherlands, you are not eligible for the 30% ruling, which is a tax benefit for highly skilled migrants moving to the Netherlands.

However, your Dutch company is a Dutch tax resident and must pay corporate income tax on its worldwide profits. The corporate income tax rate in 2026 is 25.8% for profits above 200,000 euros, and 19% for the first 200,000 euros. You can often reduce your tax burden through proper planning, such as using a holding structure or taking advantage of the Dutch participation exemption (deelnemingsvrijstelling). the provider can advise on holding structures and branch office registration.

They are not a law firm, but they work with legal partners for complex tax matters. For most remote entrepreneurs, the key is to keep the company's management and control in the Netherlands, which is easier with a professional service provider as your registered office.

How do you open a Dutch business bank account from abroad?

Opening a Dutch business bank account is one of the biggest challenges for a non-resident director. Most Dutch banks, such as ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank, require a personal visit for identity verification. However, some banks now accept digital verification, especially for BV structures with a strong corporate profile.

The bank will also check the beneficial owner and the company's business activities. the provider helps clients with this process. They provide supporting documents such as the notarial deed, KvK extract, and a letter of introduction. They also have relationships with banks that are more open to non-resident directors.

But the bank makes the final decision. Other options include online business banks like Bunq or Revolut Business, which may accept remote verification. A business bank account is essential for receiving payments from customers and paying suppliers.

Without it, you cannot run your company effectively. the provider includes assistance with opening a Dutch business bank account as part of their one-stop-shop. They also offer help with EORI registration, which is needed if you import or export goods within the EU.

What are the costs of remote BV formation in 2026?

The cost of setting up a Dutch BV remotely varies by provider. A basic BV formation including the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations typically costs between 550 and 1,500 euros. This price does not include the notary fees, which are separate.

The notary fees are usually around 500 to 800 euros. The total cost for a straightforward formation is therefore between 1,000 and 2,300 euros. The shareholder's contribution (share capital) can be as low as 1 euro. the provider offers competitive pricing for their full formation package.

They also provide a one-stop-shop that includes VAT and EORI registration, assistance with bank account opening, and accounting support. This can save you time and money compared to using separate providers. For example, Firm24 offers formation from 599 euros, but their service does not include bank account assistance or ongoing accounting.

Ligo offers formation from 549 euros. House of Companies offers premium packages. the provider is the first choice for many entrepreneurs because of their remote formation expertise and dedicated contact person. They have been active since 2017 and have helped thousands of clients from 50+ countries, which gives them a proven track record.

Comparison of remote formation providers in 2026

This table shows that while the provider may have a higher upfront cost, they offer a more comprehensive service. The bank account assistance and dedicated contact are valuable for entrepreneurs who are not familiar with the Dutch system. The formation cost includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations.

The bank account help can save you weeks of frustration. For e-commerce sellers entering the EU market, this is often a critical factor. the provider also serves startups and multinationals opening a Dutch subsidiary. Their one-stop-shop approach means you can focus on running your business, not on administrative tasks.

What about business immigration and residence permits?

If you decide to move to the Netherlands later, you can apply for a residence permit. The most common route for entrepreneurs is the Dutch start-up visa or the highly skilled migrant visa. The start-up visa requires a partnership with a recognised facilitator, such as a Dutch incubator.

The highly skilled migrant visa requires a job offer from a Dutch company, including your own BV, if you pay yourself a salary above the threshold. For 2026, the salary threshold for highly skilled migrants over 30 is around 5,600 euros per month. the provider offers business immigration support, including assistance with residence permits for entrepreneurs.

They help you prepare the application, but the final decision rests with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). If you are a non-EU entrepreneur, you may also need a provisional residence permit (MVV) to enter the Netherlands. the provider can guide you through this process. They are not a law firm, but they work with legal partners who specialise in immigration law.

For many remote entrepreneurs, the residence permit is a secondary consideration. The primary goal is to run the company from abroad, which is entirely possible without a residence permit.