How Long Does it Take to Set up a Dutch BV?

One of the first questions founders ask us is simple: how long does it take to set up a Dutch BV?

And honestly, the answer is not “one fixed number.”

A Dutch BV can, in theory, be incorporated in a few business days. Depending on structure and preparedness, the entire procedure, which includes VAT registration, bank account setup, and compliance onboarding, can actually take anywhere from five days to six weeks.

We see this almost every week.

Some founders have a clear business plan, basic holdings, and the necessary paperwork. They have a quick and seamless Dutch BV formation schedule. Others need Article 23 VAT deferment, have holding arrangements, or have several shareholders in various nations. It requires more time.

Consequently, we would prefer to give a concise explanation as opposed to a promotional response like "48 hours":

This is usually explained on the first call at FirmNL. It takes more than just registration to set up a Dutch BV. It all comes down to being bank-ready, legally compliant, and EU operational right away.

Standard Timeline: What Is the Real Number of Days?

Let's get right to the point.

A Dutch BV can be legally incorporated in three to five working days if your structure is straightforward and your documentation is prepared. The notary portion is that.

But most founders don’t just want a company on paper. They want a company that can invoice, trade, import goods, hire staff, and operate across Europe. And that’s where the real timeline matters.

In actuality, we typically notice the following:

Scenario 1: Simple Structure (1 Director, 1 Shareholder)

• Document collection and KYC take one to three days.
• Notary drafting & signing → 2–3 days
• KvK registration → 1 day
• VAT number approval → 1–3 weeks
• Bank account approval → 2–4 weeks
  

The entire realistic timeframe for full operation is two to four weeks.

Scenario 2: International Founder (Non-EU Director)

• Enhanced compliance checks
• Possible UBO review
• More detailed business model explanation for the bank

Total realistic timeline: 3–6 weeks

Scenario 3: Complex Structure (Holding Company, Multiple Shareholders, Article 23)

• Structure planning required
• Additional documentation
• Fiscal representation setup (if needed)
• Higher bank compliance review
  

Total realistic timeline: 4–6 weeks or sometimes slightly more

What’s important to understand is this:

The legal incorporation part is fast in the Netherlands.
The compliance and banking part is what determines the real time to register a company in the Netherlands and actually start operating.

This is why at FirmNL, during the first consultation, we always ask about:

• Shareholder structure
• Source of funds
• Business activity
• Whether you need VAT deferment (Article 23)
• Whether you need EU logistics support
  

Your Dutch BV formation timeline is directly impacted by these variables.

Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown

Let's examine this in more detail now.
Because when founders ask us about the Dutch BV formation timeline, they usually want to know: what actually happens each week?

Here is how the Netherlands company registration process typically moves forward.

Step 1: Consultation & Structure Planning (1–2 Days)

This is where many people underestimate time.

Before we even talk to the notary, we first define:

• Who is the shareholder?
  
• Who is the director?
  
• Is there a holding structure?
  
• Is Article 23 needed?
  
• What activity will the BV perform?
  

If the structure is clear, this step is fast. If it’s not clear, this is where the delay starts.

At FirmNL, we usually finalize the structure within 1–2 working days if the documents are ready.

Step 2: Document Preparation & KYC Verification (1–3 Days)

Every Dutch BV requires proper identification and compliance review.

We collect:

• Passport copies
• Proof of address
• Source of funds declaration
• Shareholder details
  

For non-EU founders, sometimes additional compliance questions are asked.
If documents are clean and complete, this stage moves quickly.

If something is missing, everything pauses here.

Step 3: Notary Drafting & Incorporation (2–3 Days)

Once documents are verified, the Dutch civil law notary drafts the incorporation deed.

This includes:

• Articles of association
• Share capital structure
• Director appointment
  

After signing (which can be done remotely), the BV legally exists.

This is the fastest part of setting up a Dutch BV.

Step 4: Dutch Chamber of Commerce Registration (1 Day)

The business is registered with the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) following notarization.

You receive:

• KvK number
• RSIN number
• Official registration extract
  

At this stage, your Dutch BV is officially registered.

It isn't really functional yet, though.

Step 5: VAT & EORI Registration (1–3 Weeks)

This is where most founders underestimate timing.

VAT approval depends on:

• Business activity
• International trading plans
• Risk assessment by Dutch tax authorities
  

If you require Article 23 VAT deferment, additional checks apply.
(We support this under our fiscal representation services.)

This stage usually takes the longest in the process.

Also Checkout: Article 23: VAT Deferment on Imports for E-Commerce in the Netherlands

Step 6: Bank Account Opening (2–4 Weeks)

This is often the biggest variable.

Banks will review:

• Business model
• Expected turnover
• Countries you trade with
  
• Shareholder background
  

Even if your Dutch BV incorporation is done in 5 days, banking approval can extend the real operational timeline.

We always explain this clearly — because bank compliance is not something you can rush.

So What’s the Real Timeline?

If everything is smooth:

• Legal incorporation → under 1 week
• Full operational readiness → 2–4 weeks
  

If the structure is complex:

• Expect 4–6 weeks

The key takeaway?

Setting up a Dutch BV is fast in legal terms.  It requires collaboration to become completely operational.

Fast Track vs Standard Setup – What’s Actually Realistic?

When founders search “how long does it take to set up a Dutch BV,” they usually see very optimistic answers. Three days. Five days. One week.

Technically, that’s not wrong.

But it only tells half the story.

There is a big difference between legal incorporation and being fully operational. And this is where confusion starts.

If your structure is simple, documents are clean, and shareholders are straightforward, the notary can complete the Dutch BV incorporation within 3–5 working days. You receive your KvK number, your RSIN, and your company officially exists.

But that doesn’t automatically mean you can invoice customers or start trading.

To actually operate, several additional steps must be completed:

• VAT number approval from the Dutch tax authorities
• EORI registration if you plan to import/export
• Bank account approval after compliance review
• Sometimes Article 23 VAT deferment setup
  

These steps run on different timelines. They are not controlled by the notary. They are reviewed by regulators and banks, and that takes time.

So realistically, here’s what we see:

• Legal incorporation only → under 1 week
  
• Fully operational simple structure → 2–4 weeks
  
• International or complex structure → 4–6 weeks
  

If the banking or VAT review becomes detailed, it can extend slightly more.

This is why at FirmNL, we don’t promise “instant company formation.” We focus on proper planning, so your Dutch BV formation timeline is predictable — not stressful.

If you have a product launch date, investment closing, or logistics deadline, we always recommend starting the process at least 4 weeks in advance. It gives breathing space.

Final Answer: So, How Long Does It Really Take to Set Up a Dutch BV?

Let’s conclude this clearly.

If everything is prepared properly and your structure is simple, the legal incorporation of a Dutch BV can be completed within 3–5 working days. That part is fast in the Netherlands.

But if your goal is to be fully operational — meaning VAT approved, bank account active, and ready to trade — the realistic timeline is:

• 2–4 weeks for straightforward structures
  
• 4–6 weeks for international founders or complex setups
  

The notary is rarely late.
Bank compliance and VAT approval usually determine the real timeline.

This is why we always tell founders: don’t measure speed by registration only. Measure it by when you can actually start doing business.

At FirmNL, we plan the structure properly from day one. We align incorporation, VAT registration, banking, and compliance together — so your Dutch BV formation timeline stays predictable and smooth.

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