If you want to open a foundation in the Netherlands, our local agents are at your disposal with tailored services.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | Civil Code |
Main uses | – charity, – special purpose vehicle (SPV), – holding company |
Forms it can take | – association, – trust, – family foundation, – charitable organization |
| Documents required for creation | – establishment deed created by a civil notary, – Articles of Association |
| Trade Register incorporation required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Share capital required (YES/NO) | No |
| Director requirements (YES/NO) | No, however, it must have a board of directors and a supervisory board |
| Foreign participation possibility (YES/NO) | Yes, the founders can be foreign citizens or companies |
| Taxes to be paid | The corporate tax when operating as a business |
| Tax benefits | Inheritance and gift tax exemptions |
| Possibility to be created by natural persons (YES/NO) | Yes, the Dutch foundation is available for establishment by natural persons. |
Possibility to be created by companies (YES/NO) | Yes, companies, such as Dutch BVs, can set up foundations. |
Dutch legal address required (YES/NO) | Yes, when created in the Netherlands, the foundation must have a legal address. |
| Activities permitted | – charity; – social causes; – cultural activities; – preservation of nature, etc. |
| Applicable restrictions (if any) | Yes, the foundation cannot have shareholders and cannot issue shares. |
| Assets to be held in a Dutch foundation | – real estate; – money; – movable assets; – jewelry, etc. |
| Possibility to hire personnel (YES/NO) | Yes, foundations can hire employees. |
| Social security contribution registration requirements (if applicable) | When hiring employees, the foundation must register for social security purposes. |
| Possibility to use a foundation for tax minimization purposes (YES/NO) | Yes, the Dutch foundation can be used as a tax minimization vehicle. |
| Requirement to open a local bank account (YES/NO) | The foundation must set up a bank account in the Netherlands when completing commercial activities. |
| Specific accounting requirements (if any) | Yes, foundations must file reports with the Trade Register if its annual revenue is more than EUR 6 million for 2 consecutive years. |
| Timeframe for creation (approx.) | Approx. 5 business days |
| Conditions to terminate a Dutch foundation | A foundation can be terminated upon liquidating its debts if it has any. |
| Travel requirements for setting up a foundation YES/NO) | No, it is not necessary for the founders to travel to the Netherlands to create a foundation. |
| Foundation setup services availability (YES/NO) | Yes, you can rely on our local consultants for setting up a foundation in the Netherlands. |
Table of Contents
What are the main characteristics of a Dutch foundation?
- it is created for social purposes;
- it can make a profit; however, the profit must be used to achieve its purpose;
- it does not have shareholders or members;
- it must have a board of directors (optionally, it can also have a supervisory board).
Who can set up a foundation in the Netherlands?
Dutch and foreign nationals, as well as companies – local and foreign.
What are the forms a Dutch foundation can take?
A foundation can take the following forms:
- a private foundation in the Netherlands;
- family foundation;
- an association;
- a charitable organization;
- a trust.
It should be noted that the association can take the form of an entity with full legal capacity or with limited capacity.
Our company formation consultants can explain the forms of the stichting in the Netherlands and help you open a private foundation in the Netherlands or other types.
We also invite you to read about the creation of Dutch foundations (stichting) in the infographic below:
What are the steps to open a foundation in the Netherlands?
- have the foundation deed drafted (the procedure must be done with a public notary);
- appoint the board of directors;
- register the foundation with the Dutch Commercial Register.
What are the documents required to open a foundation in the Netherlands?
Your ID or passport (depending on your nationality), proof of residential address (recent utility bill), and the foundation deed (we can handle its creation locally) are required. For companies, additional documents must be provided.
The document through which the Dutch foundation is registered must contain the following information:
- the name of the foundation;
- information about the assets;
- the purpose of the foundation;
- information about the managers or directors;
- the local address of the foundation.
Our Dutch agents will inform you about this aspect once you reach out.
Is a Dutch foundation required to register for taxation?
Yes, if it carries out commercial activities. In this case, VAT registration rules must also be observed.
Are there other requirements to comply with?
Yes, registration with the Ultimate Beneficial Owner Register is required for participants who have decision-making powers in the foundation.
Can I register a Dutch foundation remotely?
Definitely. Our local agents can offer representation based on a power of attorney.
How long does it take to set up a Dutch foundation?
Approximately 2 weeks.
Are there any administration matters for a Dutch foundation I should know about?
Yes, you need to keep records of the activities of the foundation. Furthermore, in the case of commercial operations and 2 years with a minimum annual turnover of EUR 7.5 million, financial statements must be submitted.
You can also find out from the video below how a Dutch foundation can be created:
How are Dutch foundations taxed?
Dutch foundations are covered by several tax laws applicable in this country. Among these are:
- the State Tax Law;
- the Income Tax Law;
- the Income Tax, Donations and Public Benefit Organizations Act.
The private foundation created in the Netherlands or in the Dutch Antilles is exempt from paying the income and corporate tax. Also, foreign citizens establishing private foundations in the Netherlands will be exempt from paying the gift tax.
We can also help you if you want to open a company in another country, such as the Czech Republic. The minimum share capital for a Czech LLC is CZK 1 and the incorporation takes just a few days.
Our company registration advisors in the Netherlands can assist with the registration of astichting in the Netherlands with the authorities. For information about other tax optimization solutions, please contact our Dutch company formation agents. You can rely on us for full company registration services in the Netherlands.