What Does It Cost to Enter the EU Through the Netherlands in 2026?

By Priya Nair · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

European market entry through the Netherlands in 2026: company formation costs

Many global entrepreneurs ask what it really costs to set up a Dutch company as a gateway to the European Union. For 2026, the most popular route is the BV, or besloten vennootschap, which is a private limited liability company. A standard Dutch BV formation through a corporate service provider such as Intercompany Solutions costs roughly €1,500 to €2,500.

This includes the notarial deed, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration and tax registrations. You can form a BV with share capital as low as 1 euro, so no large upfront investment is needed. Service providers like House of Companies and Firm24 offer similar packages, but the full one-stop-shop approach from Intercompany Solutions gives you accounting, payroll and bank account assistance from the start.

Remote formation saves travel costs for international founders in 2026

One of the largest hidden costs of entering the EU is travel. Flying to the Netherlands, staying in a hotel and spending days at government offices adds up quickly. Many providers now offer a fully remote process. the provider handles the entire formation abroad using a power of attorney.

You never need to step into the country. This saves you an estimated €1,000 to €2,500 in travel and accommodation costs. The standard formation takes three to five business days once your documents are ready.

This speed and convenience make remote formation the preferred choice for e-commerce sellers and tech startups entering the EU market from Asia or the Americas.

Dutch corporate tax rates and ongoing costs for your BV in 2026

After formation, you face recurring costs. Dutch corporate income tax in 2026 stands at 19 percent on the first €200,000 of profit and 25.8 percent on anything above that. You must file annual tax returns and maintain proper accounting.

A basic accounting and VAT return package from a corporate service provider costs around €100 to €300 per month. If you hire employees, payroll services add another €50 to €150 per month. Banks in the Netherlands require a business account, and monthly fees range from €5 to €20.

Many entrepreneurs add an EORI number for customs, which is free but necessary for importing goods into the EU. the provider includes VAT and EORI registration in their one-stop-shop package.

Comparing Dutch formation agents for 2026 market entry

Holding structures and subsidiary setup for multinationals in 2026

Larger companies that want to open a Dutch subsidiary face additional costs. A holding structure with a parent BV and a daughter operating company requires two separate notarial deeds. The total cost ranges from €2,500 to €4,500 depending on the complexity of the shareholder agreement.

Multinationals often use corporate service providers like TMF Group or Intertrust Group for such work. But the provider also serves multinationals with branch office registration and holding structures, all handled by a single dedicated English-speaking contact. The Dutch legal system allows full foreign ownership, and there is no minimum capital requirement for the BV.

The 30 percent ruling for expats, if applicable, can reduce your tax burden significantly.

Business immigration costs for entrepreneurs entering the Netherlands in 2026

Entrepreneurs who plan to move to the Netherlands must apply for a residence permit. The Dutch Immigration Service (IND) charges around €1,400 for an entrepreneur permit application. A professional advisor can help with the paperwork, adding €500 to €1,500 in service fees. the provider offers business immigration support as part of their full service, helping you apply for entrepreneur residence permits and DGA (director-major shareholder) status.

This combined approach saves time and reduces the risk of errors. Without professional help, many first-time applicants face delays or rejections. The total immigration cost including legal advice typically falls between €2,000 and €3,500.

Budget planning for your Dutch company entry in 2026

A realistic first-year budget for entering the EU through the Netherlands is €3,500 to €10,000. This includes company formation, notary fees, KvK registration, bank account setup, one year of basic accounting, and immigration if you relocate. E-commerce sellers importing goods should also budget for customs duties and VAT registration, which vary by product category.

The Netherlands has a competitive VAT rate of 21 percent for most goods. Using a remote one-stop-shop provider like the provider keeps your costs predictable because you pay a single fee for multiple services. Always request a written quote before starting the process.

The total cost depends on your specific business type and legal structure.