What is the KVK?
The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK (Kamer van Koophandel) is a public service provider that helps business owners run their businesses successfully. The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce manages the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister).
Drawing on their expertise, data and networks, you will be able to access impartial information and support for your startup or established business, or find help on innovation or doing business overseas. The KVK has several offices, where you can register your business or go for advice, workshops and network meetings.
Checking Dutch companies in the Business Register
When you want to do business with a Dutch company, you can check their registration in the Business Register (Handelsregister in Dutch) online. In the Netherlands, registration in the Business Register is compulsory for every company and almost every legal entity. This makes it an invaluable repository of business data. The register provides reliable answers to questions as: Does the Dutch company I want to do business exist in the Handelsregister? Is the person I am dealing with an authorised signatory or should I ask for another person of the company to sign? What are the company’s other trade names?
Click this link to search the Business Register - this KVK page is in Dutch. Fill in the name of the business you are looking for in the frame underneath 'Zoeken', and press enter. All entries of Dutch companies bearing the name you entered will appear.
Besides searching the Dutch Business Register, you can find and order registrations of the owner, legal entity, (former) trade names, head office and ancillary locations, annual financial statements such as year reports and (deposit) history, concern relations/group structure and an overview of authorised signatories. You can order the desired products online. This way you will receive data about a specific Dutch company or type of company. To finalise payment for your product you will be redirected to a Dutch language payment environment. If you need help navigating this Dutch environment, you can call +318858515 85.
Tasks
The main tasks of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK are:
- Managing the Dutch Business Register.
- Providing information, advice and support to businesses, e.g. startup, innovation, import and export etc.
- Managing and developing online and offline business plazas.
- Promoting regional economic development.
Netherlands Chamber of Commerce Financing Desk
If you are setting up a business in the Netherlands and you need funding, the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce Financing Desk may be able to help. It should be your first port of call for questions about funding and capital. Financing Desk experts can discuss all the options available to you in the Netherlands. They will help you prepare and then introduce you to potential Dutch investors.
You can contact the Chamber of Commerce Financing Desk on 0800 1014 (from within the Netherlands) or on +31 (0)88 585 2222 (from abroad).
Business.gov.nl and KVK
The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK is a co-founding partner of Business.gov.nl. Via the menu of Business.gov.nl you can find KVK information about writing a business plan, choosing a legal structure and registering your business, financing your business, import and export, startups and more.