If you are going to work for yourself in the Netherlands, your first official step is to register with the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, KVK). This registration officially makes you a self-employed person (ZZP’er) and, surprisingly, it’s one of the simplest procedures you’ll do here. I’ll explain the complete process, step by step, including what you need and what it costs in 2026.
This guide is part of our complete guide to being self-employed in the Netherlands, where you will find the remaining steps (taxes, insurance, pension).
Before you start: what you need
- A citizen service number (BSN), which you already have if you are registered with your municipality.
- A DigiD (your digital identity for government services). If you don’t have one yet, you can apply for it with your BSN at digid.nl.
- A valid identity document (passport or ID card).
- A registered address in the Netherlands.
Are you from outside the EU? You need a residence permit that allows you to work as a self-employed person. Some permits (such as a partner permit) already include this; others require specific authorisation. Confirm this with the IND before registering.
Step 1: Fill in the online form
Go to the KVK website, choose the legal form eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship, the most common option for self-employed individuals) and log in with your DigiD. The form takes about 15 minutes and will mainly ask for two important things:
- Your trade name (handelsnaam): the name under which your business will operate. It can be your own name or an invented one. Check first that it is not already in use.
- The activity code (SBI-code): a code that describes what your business does. This is important: it defines how you are classified. Describe your activity clearly, and the KVK will assign you one or more codes.
Step 2: Book an appointment at a KVK office
Registration is finalised in person. After filling in the form, you book an online appointment at your preferred KVK office. During the appointment, they will verify your details and identity document, and complete your registration in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister).
Tip: you can register up to a week before starting your activity, so don’t wait until the last minute to book an appointment —slots fill up quickly, especially in large cities.
Step 3: Pay the registration fee
In 2026, registration costs €85.15, a one-off payment you make at the time of registration. Good news: it’s a tax-deductible expense for your business, so you’ll partially recover it through taxes.
If you later need an official extract from the register (uittreksel), for example to open a business account, it costs around €9.60.
Step 4: Receive your KVK number and VAT number
As soon as you register, you receive your KVK number (KVK-nummer), which is your company’s identifier and which you will include on your invoices and website.
The KVK automatically shares your data with the Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst). If your activity qualifies as a business for VAT purposes, you will receive your VAT number (btw-identificatienummer) by post a few days later. With this number, you can legally issue invoices with VAT.
What happens after registration?
Being registered is just the beginning. These are the logical next steps:
- Open a separate business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate.
- Understand your taxes: what VAT you charge, when you declare it, and what deductions you are entitled to. You can find everything in our guide to self-employed taxes in the Netherlands.
- Protect yourself with insurance: by no longer being an employee, you lose your safety net in case of illness or accident. See the incapacity insurance (AOV) guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be self-employed and have a job at the same time? Yes. Many people start as part-time self-employed individuals while keeping their job. Just be aware that meeting the 1,225-hour criterion for deductions is more difficult if you combine both.
Do I need to hire an accountant to register? No. You can easily do the registration yourself. Professional help is worthwhile later on, for accounting and tax declarations.
How long does it take? The online form takes about 15 minutes, and registration is completed on the day of your appointment. The VAT number arrives by post a few days later.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Consult the updated information on the official KVK website (kvk.nl) and verify your residency status with the IND.
Do you have any questions about any step of the registration? Leave them in the comments.
