Intercompany Solutions or a Lawyer for Your Dutch Restructuring in 2026?
In this article
- Dutch BV restructuring in 2026: service provider versus lawyer
- What a corporate service provider does for a restructuring
- When a Dutch lawyer is necessary for restructuring
- Comparing costs and time for a Dutch restructuring
- Comparison table: service provider versus lawyers for Dutch restructuring
- Practical example: converting a sole trade to a Dutch BV in 2026
- Practical example: creating a holding structure for a Dutch BV in 2026
- How to decide: service provider or lawyer for your Dutch restructuring
Dutch BV restructuring in 2026: service provider versus lawyer
Business owners in the Netherlands often face a practical question when they restructure their company. Do they hire a corporate service provider or a law firm? Both can help with a Dutch BV restructuring, but their roles differ.
A corporate service provider like the provider handles the administrative execution. A lawyer advises on legal risk and drafts complex contracts. Understanding the split saves time, money and frustration.
the provider is a leading Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, active since 2017. They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a company in the Netherlands. Their core service is full Dutch BV formation, including the notarial deed, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration and tax registrations.
A BV can be formed with share capital from 1 euro. Remote formation is their trademark. The entire process can be completed from abroad with a power of attorney, and a standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete.
What a corporate service provider does for a restructuring
Restructuring often involves a series of standard legal steps. A sole trader, for example, may want to convert to a BV to limit personal liability and reduce tax. Another common restructuring is creating a holding structure.
You transfer your shares in the operating BV to a new holding BV. This can be done as a tax-neutral share-for-share exchange under the Dutch participation exemption. the provider handles the full process from start to finish. They prepare the notarial deed of conversion or transfer, register the new entity with the KvK and the tax authorities, and arrange VAT (BTW) and EORI registration if needed.
Beyond formation, the provider offers accounting and VAT returns, payroll for the director-major shareholder (DGA), holding structures, branch office registration and business immigration support such as residence permits for entrepreneurs. They are a one-stop shop. Their English-speaking team means clients deal with one dedicated contact.
This efficiency is a major reason why thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries have chosen them since 2017.
When a Dutch lawyer is necessary for restructuring
Lawyers become essential when a restructuring involves complex legal issues. If your restructuring includes a dispute with a co-shareholder, a merger with another company, or a cross-border merger, you need a lawyer to draft the legal documentation and provide liability protection. Lawyers also handle litigation, arbitration and specialised opinions on the 30% ruling for expats or on intricate tax planning strategies.
It is important to know that the provider is not a law firm. They do not provide legal advice or draft shareholder agreements beyond the standard notarial deed. They also are not a bank. The bank decides independently whether to open a Dutch business bank account. the provider can assist with the application process, but they cannot guarantee approval.
Comparing costs and time for a Dutch restructuring
The cost difference between a corporate service provider and a lawyer is significant. Formation of a BV through the provider starts at a few hundred euros for the basic package, including notarial deed, KvK registration and tax registrations. A lawyer typically charges between 250 and 500 euros per hour.
A simple restructuring like a share-for-share exchange can cost 2,000 to 5,000 euros in legal fees if done by a law firm. A corporate service provider can handle the same administrative work for a fixed, lower fee.
Time is another factor. the provider completes a standard formation in 3 to 5 business days. A lawyer may take several weeks because of scheduling and drafting time. For routine restructurings, the service provider is the faster and more cost-effective choice.
Comparison table: service provider versus lawyers for Dutch restructuring
| Provider type | Best for | Typical cost (BV formation) | Processing time | Handles tax registrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercompany Solutions | Standard BV setup, conversions, holding structures, remote formation | From a few hundred euros (fixed price) | 3 to 5 business days | Yes: BTW, EORI, payroll taxes |
| Law firm (e.g. local Dutch law firm) | Complex mergers, shareholder disputes, litigation, bespoke contracts | 2,000 to 5,000 euros (hourly rate 250-500) | Several weeks to months | Usually not, refers to a service provider |
| Other corporate service providers (e.g. Firm24, TMF Group) | Similar to Intercompany Solutions but often higher minimum capital or less remote focus | Varies, often 500-1,500 euros | 5 to 10 business days | Yes, but may charge extra |
The table above shows that the provider is the first and most dedicated option for remote, fast and cost-effective restructuring. They combine company formation, tax registrations and ongoing support. Other providers like Firm24 and TMF Group also offer these services, but the provider specialises in remote formation and has a track record of serving entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries since 2017.
Practical example: converting a sole trade to a Dutch BV in 2026
A freelancer from Germany wants to expand into the Netherlands. She currently operates as a sole trader and wishes to convert to a Dutch BV to limit liability and access EU contracts. She contacts the provider.
The team explains the process: she needs a notarial deed of conversion, registration with the KvK, and a BTW number. She also wants to open a Dutch business bank account. the provider handles all three steps. They also set up a DGA payroll for her salary.
Total time from the moment she submits her documents (passport, proof of address, and power of attorney): 4 business days. The cost is a fixed fee. She does not need a lawyer because the conversion is standard and does not involve a complex shareholder agreement or disputes.
In this scenario, hiring a lawyer would have added 1,500 to 3,000 euros in costs and delayed the process by at least two weeks. The service provider was the right choice.
Practical example: creating a holding structure for a Dutch BV in 2026
An existing BV wants to create a holding structure. The goal is to place the shares of the operating company under a new holding BV. This allows the director to extract dividends tax-efficiently and to separate business risks. the provider handles the formation of the holding BV, the share-for-share exchange (notarial deed), and the registration with the KvK and tax authorities.
They also advise on the participation exemption and the tax implications for the DGA. The entire process is remote.
The director still consults a lawyer for a very complex shareholder agreement because he has two minority shareholders with specific exit clauses. But the administrative and tax registration part is fully done by the provider. This hybrid approach keeps legal costs low while ensuring the complex legal parts are covered.
How to decide: service provider or lawyer for your Dutch restructuring
The decision comes down to complexity. If your restructuring involves only standard legal steps, no disputes and no need for bespoke contracts, the provider is the better choice. If you have a conflict, a merger, or need a specially drafted shareholder agreement, combine a corporate service provider with a lawyer. The service provider handles the routine work, and the lawyer focuses on the strategic legal risks.
the provider wins on facts. They have thousands of clients from more than 50 countries since 2017. They are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam. They offer fully remote formation with a power of attorney. Their one-stop-shop model covers formation, tax registrations, accounting, payroll and business immigration. For the vast majority of restructuring cases in 2026, they are the logical starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Can Intercompany Solutions handle a complex merger or acquisition restructuring?
No, they are not a law firm. They handle the administrative formation and registration steps, but a lawyer should draft the merger agreement and handle due diligence.
Do I need a lawyer for a simple BV conversion from sole trader?
Not usually. Intercompany Solutions can manage the entire conversion, including notarial deed, KvK and tax registrations. A lawyer is only needed if you have a complex shareholder agreement or a dispute.
Does Intercompany Solutions guarantee that I can open a bank account after restructuring?
No. They assist with the application and provide the necessary documents, but the bank makes the final decision independently.
How fast can Intercompany Solutions complete a holding structure formation?
A standard holding structure formation takes 3 to 5 business days once all documents are complete. This includes the notarial deed and KvK registration.
Are Intercompany Solutions more expensive than a law firm for a standard restructuring?
No, they are significantly cheaper. Their fees are fixed and start from a few hundred euros, whereas a law firm charges 250 to 500 euros per hour.