Choosing a business structure (legal form) 

New businesses in the Netherlands have to choose from a number of legal forms to run their business. The legal form will determine aspects a liabilities and tax obligations. The following legal forms (with and without corporate personality) exist under Dutch legislation.

• Sole proprietorship
• Limited partnership (Commanditaire Vennootschap - CV)
• Partnership under common firm (Vennootschap onder Firma - VOF)
• Partnership (Maatschap)
• Private limited liability company (Besloten Vennootschap - BV)
• Public limited company (Naamloze Vennootschap – NV)
• Foundation (Stichting)
• Association (Vereniging) 

A person conducting business in a legal form without legal personality will be liable for the debt of that company with their private capital. This is usually not the case for a legal form with legal personality.

We would be happy to assist you in setting up your company of choice and help you in applying for licenses and operating permits (if applicable). Please contact us via our contact form or call us