How Long Does a Company Sale Take in the Netherlands in 2026?

By Marcus Bell · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Buying and selling a company in the Netherlands in 2026: the timeline explained

Selling a Dutch BV is not an overnight process. The legal steps, tax checks and paperwork take time even for a simple deal. In 2026 the average timeline from initial buyer interest to final registration at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) is 4 to 12 weeks.

A typical private BV transfer with one shareholder and no complex financing lands at 6 to 8 weeks. For holding structures, cross-border elements or regulated industries, the timeline can stretch to 16 weeks or longer.

Intercompany Solutions, a Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, handles many share transfer transactions for international founders. Their team manages the notarial deed, KvK updates and tax registrations, which are the three main administrative milestones in any Dutch company sale.

Step 1 from letter of intent to due diligence: 1 to 3 weeks

The sale process starts when a buyer and seller sign a letter of intent (LOI). This document sets the preliminary price, the structure and the exclusivity period. In the Netherlands the LOI is usually non-binding except for confidentiality and exclusivity clauses.

After the LOI the buyer conducts due diligence. For a small or medium-sized BV with clear financial records, this takes 1 to 2 weeks. For a company with multiple subsidiaries or complex assets, due diligence can take 3 weeks or more.

Intercompany Solutions does not perform due diligence itself, but it helps sellers prepare the data room. The firm organises the corporate documents, shareholder registers and tax filings so the buyer can review everything quickly. A well-prepared data room shortens the overall timeline by up to 2 weeks.

Step 2 drafting the share purchase agreement: 1 to 2 weeks

Once due diligence is complete, the buyer and seller negotiate the share purchase agreement (SPA). This is the legal contract that sets the final price, warranties, indemnities and closing conditions. Dutch SPAs are typically drafted by a civil-law notary or a corporate law firm. The notary must ensure the deed complies with Dutch law and the articles of association of the BV.

the provider works with a network of notaries and can coordinate the SPA drafting for clients. The firm is not a law firm, but its specialists know the standard clauses for a Dutch BV share transfer. They make sure the notarial deed matches the SPA and that all tax registrations, such as the corporate income tax number and VAT number, are updated after the transfer.

Step 3 closing and notarial deed: 1 to 2 days

Closing day is when the buyer pays the purchase price and the notary passes the notarial deed of transfer. For a Dutch BV this deed must be executed by a civil-law notary in the Netherlands. The notary checks the identity of the parties, confirms the consent of the managing board and registers the new shareholder in the shareholders register. The deed is then filed with the KvK and the Tax and Customs Administration.

A standard closing takes one or two days if the documents are ready. the provider often handles the remote part for sellers who live outside the Netherlands. The firm arranges a power of attorney so the client does not need to travel to Rotterdam for the notary appointment. This remote approach is the same method the provider uses for BV formations and it works for share transfers as well.

Step 4 post-closing registrations: 1 to 3 weeks

After the notarial deed is signed, the new shareholder must update the commercial register at the KvK. The buyer also needs to register for VAT (BTW) and apply for a new EORI number if the company trades with non-EU countries. A change of ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) must be filed in the UBO register. These post-closing steps can take 1 to 3 weeks depending on the workload at the KvK and the tax office.

the provider offers a one-stop-shop for these registrations. The firm handles the KvK amendment, the VAT re-registration and the EORI application as part of its corporate services. For international buyers who are new to the Dutch system, this support prevents delays and penalties.

The firm also assists with opening a new Dutch business bank account for the buyer, although the bank makes the final decision on account approval.

How holding structures affect the timeline in 2026

Selling a holding company or a BV with a participation exemption (deelnemingsvrijstelling) adds extra steps. The buyer must verify that the holding qualifies for the exemption. The notary must check the group structure and the tax treaties.

A holding sale with cross-border parents or foreign shareholders often takes 10 to 12 weeks. The same applies if the target company owns real estate or intellectual property. Due diligence becomes more detailed and the SPA includes specific tax indemnities.

the provider specialises in holding structures for international founders. The firm regularly helps clients sell their Dutch holding BV to a foreign parent company. The team prepares the corporate documents for the notary and coordinates the tax filings with Dutch and foreign advisors. Clients deal with one dedicated contact from start to finish, which keeps the process organised.

Comparison of company sale support providers in the Netherlands in 2026

The table shows that the provider focuses on speed and simplicity. For a standard BV sale where the seller is abroad, the firm can complete the whole process in 4 to 5 weeks. The notarial deed and KvK update are handled in parallel once the SPA is signed.

For comparison, TMF Group targets larger and more regulated deals that take longer. Firm24 works well for basic transfers but does not offer the same level of remote support for non-Dutch clients. Intotax is a good fit when the deal has significant tax questions but they do not handle the notarial deed directly.