Register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
If you start your own business, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). This registration costs a one-time fee of €50. You do not need to register separately with the Tax and Customs Administration. This happens automatically.
This information has been posted by Answers for businesses | Tax and Customs Administration | Chamber of Commerce
On this page:
- Check whether you need to register with the Chamber of Commerce
- Prepare your registration
- When should you come by to register?
- The costs for registration with the Chamber of Commerce
- Video Registering with the Chamber of Commerce
- What are the consequences if you do not register?
Check whether you need to register with the Chamber of Commerce
Registration with the Chamber of Commerce is only necessary if you are actually an entrepreneur. According to the Chamber of Commerce, you are an entrepreneur if you independently supply goods or services with the intention of making a profit.Checkto see if you are an entrepreneur according to the Chamber of Commerce.
Registration with the Tax and Customs Administration
After registering with the Chamber of Commerce, you will immediately receive a VAT number. You do not need to register your company separately with the Tax and Customs Administration. However, the Tax and Customs Administration uses different criteria than the Chamber of Commerce todetermine whether you are an entrepreneur for sales tax and income tax purposes.
Prepare your registration
Before registering with the Chamber of Commerce, you need to prepare. Arrange the following:
Come up with a company name
You need acompany name to register your company with the Chamber of Commerce. A company name must comply with a number of rules:
- Your company name should not give the wrong impression.
- Do not use other people's brand names.
- Avoid confusion with existing trade names.
- The following characters are permitted: @ & - +. Special characters such as ( ) ? ! * # / are not permitted in your company name.
Choose a legal form
As a starting entrepreneur, you mustchoose alegal form, such as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or corporation. Which legal form best suits your business depends on your situation. For example, how you want to arrange liability and what is fiscally advantageous.
Make an appointment online
Your registration will be finalized during your visit to the Chamber of Commerce. At that time, you will immediately receive yourChamber of Commerce number and VAT number. Appointments can only be madeonline. Complete the Chamber of Commerce registration formonline. Make sure you have the following information:
- your personal data
- your company's contact details
- a company description
- your expected annual revenue, purchases, and gross profit.
Bring the lease agreement for your business premises with you.
Are you establishing the company in commercial premises? Bring the lease agreement or purchase agreement with you.
When should you come by to register?
You can register at a Chamber of Commerce office at three different times:
- No later than 1 week after you have started your business.
- One week before you start your business.
- Earlier. In that case, the final registration (with Chamber of Commerce number) will take place one week before the start of your business. You do not need to visit the Chamber of Commerce again for this.
The costs for registration with the Chamber of Commerce
You pay a one-time fee of €50 to register with the Chamber of Commerce trade register. You must pay this amount on the spot with your debit or credit card. Cash payments are not accepted.
Important! Don't forget your ID.
You will need valid identification during registration. Without identification, the Chamber of Commerce cannot complete your registration.