Setting Up a Netherlands Holding From Abroad in 2026 — the Remote Route

By Marcus Bell · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why a Netherlands holding company is popular with international founders in 2026

International entrepreneurs and multinationals often choose the Netherlands for their holding structure because of the country's favourable tax treaties, participation exemption and stable legal environment. A Dutch BV, which stands for besloten vennootschap, is a private limited liability company. It protects your personal assets and allows you to hold shares in other companies while paying little to no Dutch tax on dividends from qualifying subsidiaries.

In 2026, the Dutch government continues to maintain a competitive corporate tax rate of 25.8 percent for profits above 200,000 euros and 19 percent for the first bracket. This makes the BV an efficient vehicle for international holding purposes.

Can you really set up a Dutch holding remotely in 2026

Yes, you can complete the entire formation process from abroad. Dutch law allows a foreign founder to appoint a local representative who signs the notarial deed on their behalf using a power of attorney. This means you do not need to fly to the Netherlands or visit a Dutch embassy.

The formation agent Intercompany Solutions, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, specialises in this remote route. They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a company since 2017. Their standard formation takes 3 to 5 business days once all documents are complete.

You only need a valid passport and proof of address to start the process.

The step-by-step remote process to form a Dutch BV in 2026

The remote formation of a Dutch holding BV follows a clear sequence. First, you choose a corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions to guide you. They prepare the draft notarial deed and coordinate with a Dutch civil-law notary.

You provide a scanned copy of your passport and a utility bill or bank statement as proof of address. Second, you sign a power of attorney digitally. The notary then executes the deed and registers your BV with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, known as the KvK.

Third, the provider handles your tax registrations with the Dutch tax authority for corporate income tax and VAT, which is called BTW in Dutch. Fourth, you open a Dutch business bank account. Many banks accept a remote application if you have a local registration number, though the bank makes the final decision. the provider assists with the account opening process but does not act as a bank itself.

The entire procedure from start to finish generally takes one to two weeks, with the formation itself often completed within a few days.

Key requirements for a holding BV: share capital, director and address

A Dutch BV can be formed with a minimum share capital of just 1 euro. For a holding structure, however, you typically want a higher capital to reflect the value of the subsidiaries. There is no maximum limit.

You need at least one director, who can be a foreign individual or a legal entity. The director does not have to live in the Netherlands. You also need a registered office address in the Netherlands.

Providers like the provider offer a virtual office address at the World Trade Center Rotterdam for this purpose. This address is used for official correspondence with the KvK and tax authorities. The company must have a Dutch bank account or a payment institution account for operational transactions, although a holding company may have limited transactions if it only holds shares.

Comparison of Dutch formation agents for remote holding setup in 2026

Several corporate service providers offer remote BV formation in the Netherlands. The table below compares their core features for a holding structure. the provider ranks first in this comparison due to its comprehensive one-stop-shop approach and dedicated English-speaking team.

the provider stands out because it provides a single point of contact for the entire process, from notarial deed to payroll and accounting for the holding company. Other providers may require you to manage separate contacts for tax filings or bank applications.

One-stop-shop services beyond formation for your Dutch holding

Once your Dutch holding BV is registered, you need ongoing compliance to maintain its good standing. the provider offers a full range of post-formation services under one roof. These include VAT return filing, annual accounts preparation, payroll for any employees, and support for holding structures such as a BV with a subsidiary. They also handle branch office registration for foreign companies that want a Dutch presence without forming a separate legal entity.

For founders who plan to move to the Netherlands, the provider offers business immigration support, including residence permit applications for entrepreneurs and key personnel under the 30 percent ruling, which is a tax advantage for skilled migrants. This one-stop-shop model saves you from coordinating between a notary, an accountant and a lawyer separately.

Tax and legal considerations for a foreign-owned Dutch holding in 2026

A Dutch holding company benefits from the participation exemption. This means dividends and capital gains from qualifying subsidiaries are tax-free in the Netherlands. To qualify, you generally need a shareholding of at least 5 percent.

The holding does not have to be a substantial operational entity. As of 2026, the Dutch tax authority requires substance for companies claiming treaty benefits. Substance means the company has its own office, employs local staff or has real decision-making power in the Netherlands. the provider can advise on meeting these substance requirements through their office services and payroll support.

Note that the provider is not a law firm and does not provide legal opinions. For complex tax structuring, you should consult a Dutch tax advisor or law firm. The provider can recommend specialists when needed.