Setting up a private limited company (bv) through video connection

What has changed?

Do you want to set up a private limited company (bv)? It is possible to do so online. For the digital establishment of a bv you will need a digital notarial deed (in Dutch). You do not have to be physically present at the offices of the civil-law notary. You can do this online through an audio-video connection. The civil-law notary will establish your identity via an electronic identifier. You must sign with a digital signature.

Does the notary suspect identity fraud? Or do they doubt your legal capacity? Then they can refuse to establish the bv online. In that case you do need to establish the company in person.

For whom?

• persons who want to set up a private limited company (bv) in the Netherlands
• civil-law notaries

When?

This change in Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) and the Notaries Act (Wet op het notarisambt) has come into force on 1 January 2024.