SBI codes
An SBI code shows what the activities of your company are. You receive an SBI code when you register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. It is important that you have the right code, for example for permits and subsidies. Read here what exactly an SBI code is and how to look it up.
What is an SBI code?
SBI stands for Standaard Bedrijfsidentificatie, a classification of Statistics Netherlands (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, CBS). Every company and organisation that registers in the KVK Business Register is assigned one or more SBI codes.
The government uses SBI codes, for example when granting permits and subsidies. For example, all businesses with an SBI code for taxi transport must apply for a licence. Other organisations also use SBI codes. For example, an insurer may use the number to determine the amount of your premium. So, always report changes in your business activities to KVK.
You can look up SBI codes in Dutch on the website of Statistics Netherlands. KVK has an English language list of all SBI codes.
Examples of SBI codes:
- 9602 - Hairdressing and beauty treatment
- 6201 - Writing, producing, and publishing of software
How do you get an SBI code for your company?
When you register your company in the Business Register at KVK, you have to describe your business activities. KVK will then assign one or more SBI codes on the basis of your description. You can also suggest an SBI code yourself. Use CBS' s search programme (in Dutch) to find which code suits your activities. KVK will then assess your suggestion.
Multiple SBI codes
Your company may have several activities. You will then receive one SBI code for your main business activity and SBI codes for any additional activities. Read more about starting extra business activities.
Look up your own SBI code
Do you want to know with which SBI code(s) your company is registered in the KVK Business Register? You can view your company details via My KVK. Here you will find the business activities with which you are registered and the SBI codes belonging to them.
Find your SBI code via My KVKThe SBI codes are also listed on your Business Register extract. The top code under company details / activities is the SBI code for your main activity. The codes below are those for your secondary activities.
Searching SBI codes
Do you want to know which code belongs to certain activities or companies? Or are you looking for an overview of SBI codes, by industry for example? On KVK.nl you will find an overview of all SBI codes (pdf). On CBS.nl (in Dutch) you can search the list in various ways.
Would you like to know the SBI code of a particular business? Then ask KVK for a Business Register extract for this company.
Reporting changes to KVK
Do your business activities change? Always report this. You can report changes in your activities online. Are your business activities listed correctly, but do you think the corresponding SBI code is incorrect? You can also report this online. KVK assigns you an SBI code based on the description of your activities. So, describe your activities as clearly as possible.
Tips for describing your activity
- Describe your activities in a businesslike manner.
- Describe only the activities you actually carry out.
- Make your description as concrete as possible.
- Do not use jargon and describe your activities in Dutch.
Read more tips on how to properly describe your activity.
Who uses your SBI information?
- Government agencies use SBI codes for laws and regulations that apply to specific sectors, issuing certain permits or granting subsidies.
- Non-governmental organisations may also ask for your SBI code. For instance, pension funds, banks, or insurance companies.
- Statistics Netherlands (CBS) collects statistics based on SBI codes. A correct SBI code contributes to the quality of the statistics of your sector.