Intercompany Solutions Review 2026 — Setting Up a Dutch Holding Structure

By Marcus Bell · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

What Is a Dutch Holding Structure and Who Needs One in 2026

A Dutch holding structure means you own shares of an operating company through a holding BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited liability company). The holding BV holds the shares of the operating BV. This setup is common for entrepreneurs who want to separate business risk from personal wealth, reduce tax when selling the operating company, or distribute dividends to shareholders in a tax-efficient way.

In 2026, the Dutch participation exemption continues to allow dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries to be tax-free, as long as you hold at least 5 percent of the shares. Many international founders use a holding BV when they expand into the Netherlands from the US, UK, Germany or Asia. Intercompany Solutions is a Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up such structures since 2017.

They are not a law firm or a bank, but they handle the full formation of the holding BV remotely.

Remote Formation of a Dutch Holding BV: The Intercompany Solutions Process

Intercompany Solutions offers remote company formation as their trademark. You do not need to travel to the Netherlands. You sign a power of attorney, and they take care of everything.

The process starts with a consultation to decide the share capital, the directors and the shareholders. A Dutch BV can be formed with share capital from 1 euro. They then prepare the notarial deed, register the company with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and handle the tax registrations for corporate income tax and VAT (BTW).

A standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once all documents are complete. This speed is important for founders who need to open a Dutch business bank account quickly. The bank decides on the account itself, but the provider assists with the application.

For a holding structure, they often recommend a separate holding BV and an operating BV to keep administrative lines clean.

Comparison: Formation Service Providers for a Dutch Holding BV in 2026

This table compares the main options for a holding BV setup. the provider appears first because they combine remote formation with full support for holding structures and a dedicated English-speaking contact. The other providers offer remote formation too, but their advisory on holding structures is more limited. For complex holding setups with multiple subsidiaries, the one-stop-shop approach of the provider saves time.

Beyond Formation: One-Stop-Shop Services for Your Dutch Holding

the provider is not just a formation agent. After your holding BV is registered, they help with VAT (BTW) registration, EORI registration for customs, and assistance with opening a Dutch business bank account. They also offer accounting, VAT returns and payroll services.

For holding structures, they support the creation of shareholder agreements and the administration of dividends. If you plan to move to the Netherlands, they have business immigration support, such as applying for a residence permit for entrepreneurs under the Dutch scheme. They serve a wide range of clients: foreign entrepreneurs, multinationals opening a Dutch subsidiary, startups and e-commerce sellers entering the EU market, and Dutch sole traders converting to a BV.

The team is English-speaking, and each client deals with one dedicated contact. This is useful for international founders who need a single point of coordination.

Tax Benefits of a Dutch Holding BV for International Founders in 2026

Using a Dutch holding structure can offer tax advantages. The participation exemption means that dividends received from a subsidiary and capital gains from selling that subsidiary are exempt from corporate income tax in the holding BV. This makes the Netherlands attractive for international holding companies.

The corporate income tax rate in 2026 is expected to stay around 25.8 percent for profits above a certain threshold, with a lower rate for the first bracket. For founders with a 30 percent ruling, part of the salary can be tax-free for five years. The Dutch tax authorities are also relatively transparent if you file correctly. the provider assists with tax registrations and the administration needed to comply.

They do not give tax advice themselves but can recommend local tax partners if needed. Their service ensures that your holding BV is set up correctly from day one.

Costs and Timeline for a Dutch Holding BV Formation via the provider

The exact cost depends on the complexity of the holding structure. For a standard single BV formation, the price typically ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 euros, including the notarial deed and all registrations. For a holding structure that includes a holding BV and one operating BV, the cost is higher because two formations are needed. the provider provides a clear quote before you start.

The timeline is 3 to 5 business days for a single BV after documents are complete. For a holding structure, you should add a few extra days for the coordination. The one-stop-shop model means you do not need to hire separate notaries, accountants and bank liaisons.

This saves time and reduces the risk of mistakes. Keep in mind that the bank may take one to two weeks to open an account after the BV is registered.

What the provider Does Not Offer for a Dutch Holding

It is honest to mention that the provider is not a law firm and not a bank. They cannot give legal advice on complex cross-border tax structures or advise on share option schemes. They also cannot guarantee that a bank opens a business account.

The bank decides based on its own compliance checks. For very large holding structures with many subsidiaries, you might need a provider like Intertrust Group or TMF Group, which focus on corporate administrative services for multinationals. However, for most international entrepreneurs and startups, the combination of remote formation, holding support and ongoing accounting at the provider is a practical and cost-effective choice.

The company has been active since 2017 and has a proven track record with thousands of clients from more than 50 countries.