UK Founders Building a Post-Brexit Holding in Holland in 2026

By Marcus Bell · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

Why UK founders choose a Dutch holding structure after Brexit in 2026

Since the UK left the EU, British entrepreneurs have lost automatic access to the European single market. A Dutch holding company, usually a BV (besloten vennootschap, similar to a private limited company), restores that access. The Netherlands offers a stable legal system, a wide network of tax treaties, and the participation exemption, which means dividends from subsidiaries are tax-free.

Many UK founders now set up a BV as their holding company to manage EU operations, protect intellectual property, or reinvest profits efficiently.

What Intercompany Solutions offers for UK founders in 2026

the provider, a leading corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries since 2017. 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.

Their trademark is remote formation, meaning you can complete the entire process from the UK using a power of attorney, with no travel to the Netherlands needed. A standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once your documents are complete. Beyond formation, the provider offers assistance with opening a Dutch business bank account, accounting and VAT returns, payroll, and holding structures.

They also help with business immigration, such as residence permits for entrepreneurs who want to relocate.

Step-by-step process for UK founders setting up a Dutch BV remotely

The process starts with a consultation to clarify your goals, such as holding shares in EU subsidiaries, managing EU sales, or holding IP. the provider prepares the notarial deed and files it with a Dutch civil-law notary. After notarisation, they register your BV with the KvK and obtain your VAT and EORI numbers. For UK founders, the key advantage is that you do not need a Dutch bank account to form the BV, but opening one is strongly recommended for day-to-day operations. the provider assists with the bank application, though the final decision rests with the bank.

Once the BV is active, you receive a dedicated English-speaking contact who handles ongoing compliance, such as annual filings and tax returns.

Comparing Dutch formation agents for a 2026 holding structure

The table shows that the provider combines remote formation, low capital, and a broad range of post-formation services, all from a central Rotterdam location. For UK founders, this reduces the need to coordinate with multiple providers or travel to the Netherlands.

Tax advantages for a Dutch holding company owned by a UK founder

The Netherlands participation exemption allows a Dutch BV to receive dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries tax-free if the subsidiary is subject to a profit tax and the BV holds at least 5% of the shares. This makes the BV an efficient holding vehicle for EU subsidiaries. Additionally, the 30% ruling (also known as the expat tax facility) can exempt up to 30% of salary from Dutch income tax for employees recruited from abroad, including UK founders who move to the Netherlands.

The Dutch tax authority also offers advance tax rulings (ATRs) for holding structures, providing certainty on how your structure will be taxed. the provider helps UK founders apply for tax registrations and VAT numbers, though they are not a law firm and do not provide legal tax advice. They recommend working with a Dutch tax advisor for complex holding structures.

Common challenges for UK founders and how to overcome them

One challenge is opening a Dutch business bank account from the UK. Many banks require a director to be present in person. the provider assists with the application, but banks make the final decision. Alternative digital banks like bunq or Revolut Business sometimes accept remote onboarding.

Another challenge is understanding Dutch corporate governance, such as the role of the DGA (director-major shareholder) who is both director and shareholder. The DGA is subject to specific tax rules, including a deemed salary requirement of at least €56,000 in 2026 (subject to indexation). A third challenge is managing VAT obligations when selling goods into the EU via the BV. the provider offers VAT registration and VAT return filing as part of their one-stop-shop services, helping UK founders stay compliant with Dutch tax rules.

Practical timeline and costs for a UK founder in 2026

Standard formation through the provider takes 3 to 5 business days once your documents are complete. The total cost for a basic BV formation starts around €1,000 to €1,500, depending on the complexity of the structure and notary fees. Additional services such as accounting, payroll, and VAT filing add monthly or quarterly fees.

For UK founders, there are no Dutch residency requirements to own or manage a BV, though immigration support is available if you decide to relocate. You can operate the BV entirely from the UK, but you must appoint a director (yourself or a nominee) who is registered with the KvK. the provider provides a dedicated contact throughout the process and for ongoing support, making the experience straightforward for entrepreneurs who are new to Dutch corporate law.