Starting a business in the Netherlands

Legal Forms of Companies

The BV (Besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheidi) is a Private Limited Company.

Number of partners: One or more. It can be constituted of several legal entities or individuals, and 1 shareholder for a BV proprietorship. At least one person on the board of directors must have Dutch citizenship.
Capital (max/min): EUR 0.01
Shareholders and liability: Liability of each partner is limited to the amount of capital contributed.

The NV (Naamloze Vennootschap) is a Public Limited Company.

Number of partners: One or more without limitation in the number of partners.
Capital (max/min): Minimum EUR 45,000. 20% should represent the subscribed amount and 25% the amount released at the incorporation
Shareholders and liability: Liability is limited to the amount of capital contributed.

The VOF (Vennootschap Onder Firma) is a general partnership.

Number of partners: Minimum 2 without limitation in the number of partners.
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital required.
Shareholders and liability: Partners' liability is joint and unlimited.

The CV (Commanditaire Vennootschap) is a limited partnership.

Number of partners: Minimum 2 without limitation in the number of partners. 2 types of partners: active partners and sleeping partners.
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital required.
Shareholders and liability: At least one active partners have an unlimited liability. Sleeping partners have a liability limited to the amount contributed.

Bijkantoor is a branch.

Number of partners: No legal entity, it depends on the status of the parent company.
Capital (max/min): No minimum capital is required, if the branch is registered with the Trade Register.
Shareholders and liability: The parent company is liable for actions carried out by the branch except for management which is limited, joint and several.

Business Setup Procedures

Source: Doing Business - Latest available data.