Registering with the Chamber of Commerce (CoC)
If you start your own business, you must register in the commercial register of the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). This registration costs a one-time fee of 50 euros. You do not have to register separately with the Tax Office. That happens automatically.
This information was posted by Answer for Business | Tax Office | KVK
On this page:
- Check whether you need to register with KVK
- Prepare your registration
- When should you stop by for enrollment?
- The cost of registering with the Chamber of Commerce
- Video Registering with the Chamber of Commerce
- What are the consequences of not enrolling?
Check whether you need to register with KVK
Registration with KVK is only necessary if you are actually an entrepreneur. According to KVK you are an entrepreneur if you independently provide goods or services with the intention of making a profit. Check to see if you are an entrepreneur according to KVK.
Registration Tax Office
After your registration with KVK you will immediately receive a VAT number. You do not have to register your company separately with the tax authorities. The Tax Office does use different criteria than the KVK to determine whether you are an entrepreneur for sales tax and income tax.
Prepare your registration
Before registering with KVK, you need to prepare. Arrange the following:
Come up with a company name
You need a company name to register your company with KVK. A company name must meet 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 allowed: @ & - +. Special characters such as ( ) ? ! * # / may not appear in your company name.
Choose a legal form
As a starting entrepreneur, you must choose a legal form, such as a sole proprietorship, vof or bv. 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
During your visit to KVK, your registration will be finalized. At that time, you will immediately receive your KVK number and VAT number. You can only make an appointment online. Complete the KVK registration form online. Make sure you have the following information:
- your personal data
- your company's contact information
- a company description
- Your expected annual sales, purchases and gross profits.
Bring the lease agreement of your premises with you
Are you establishing the business in a commercial building? Bring the lease or purchase agreement with you.
When should you stop by for enrollment?
You can register at a Chamber of Commerce office at 3 times:
- No later than 1 week after you start your business.
- 1 week before you start your business.
- Earlier. In that case, the final registration (with KVK number) takes place 1 week before the start of your company. You do not have to come to KVK again for this.
The cost of registering with the Chamber of Commerce
For registration in the KVK trade register, you pay a one-time fee of €50. You must pay this amount on the spot with your debit or credit card. Cash payment is not possible.
Important! Do not forget your identification
During your registration, you will need valid identification. Without proof of identification, KVK cannot complete your registration.