How to Get a VAT Number for Your Netherlands Company in 2026

By Jonas Weber · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why your Netherlands company needs a VAT number in 2026

If you plan to sell goods or services in the Netherlands, you need a Dutch VAT number. The VAT number is your identification for the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration. Without it, you cannot charge VAT on your invoices or reclaim VAT on your business expenses.

The number is also required for customs procedures and for trading with other EU countries. In 2026, the rules for VAT registration remain largely the same as in previous years, but the processing times may vary. A standard Netherlands BV (Besloten Vennootschap, a private limited company) with a minimum share capital of 1 euro can be registered quickly.

Intercompany Solutions, a corporate service provider active since 2017, has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a company and obtain a VAT number. The entire process, from company formation to VAT registration, can be completed remotely.

Step-by-step process to get a Dutch VAT number

The first step is to register your company with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, known as the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel). You need to provide details about your business activities, your legal structure, and your address. For a BV, you also need a notarial deed of incorporation.

The KvK then forwards your registration data to the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration. The tax authority checks your information and assigns a VAT identification number (BTW-identificatienummer) and a VAT fiscal number (BTW-nummer). The VAT identification number is the one you use for invoices and communication with customers.

The VAT fiscal number is for your own tax returns. The entire process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after KvK registration. the provider offers a one-stop-shop service that includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. Their team handles the paperwork and communicates with the authorities on your behalf.

You only need to provide the required documents.

Remote company formation and VAT registration for foreign entrepreneurs

One of the advantages of the Netherlands is that you can form a company without ever visiting the country. the provider is known for its remote formation service. You give a power of attorney to their team, and they handle the entire process from the World Trade Center Rotterdam. The standard formation takes 3 to 5 business days once all documents are complete.

After the company is registered with the KvK, the VAT registration follows automatically. The tax authority sends the VAT number to the company's address in the Netherlands. If you do not have a physical office yet, you can use a registered address service. the provider can assist with this as well.

They also help with opening a Dutch business bank account, though the bank itself decides on the account approval. For entrepreneurs from outside the EU, the VAT number is essential for importing goods and for selling on online marketplaces like Amazon or Bol.com.

Required documents for VAT registration in 2026

To obtain a Dutch VAT number, you need to submit several documents to the tax authority. These include a valid passport or ID card for each director or shareholder, proof of the company's registered address in the Netherlands, and a description of the business activities. For a BV, you also need the notarial deed of incorporation and the extract from the KvK register.

If you are forming the company remotely, you need a power of attorney authorising a local representative. the provider provides a checklist of required documents and reviews them before submission. The tax authority may request additional information, such as a business plan or proof of funding, especially for new companies. The team at the provider, with their English-speaking staff, can help you prepare the responses.

There is no government fee for the VAT registration itself, but the company formation costs include the notary fee and the KvK registration fee. These costs typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand euros, depending on the complexity.

Comparison of corporate service providers for VAT registration

VAT obligations after receiving your number

Once you have your Dutch VAT number, you must file VAT returns. In the Netherlands, the standard frequency is quarterly, but you can request monthly or yearly filing depending on your turnover. The VAT rate is 21% for most goods and services, 9% for food, medicine, and books, and 0% for exports to non-EU countries.

You must submit your VAT return through the portal of the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration. You also need to keep records of all sales and purchases for at least seven years. If you sell goods to consumers in other EU countries, you may need to register for the One-Stop Shop (OSS) scheme.

For e-commerce sellers, the VAT number is often required by platforms like Amazon to verify your business. the provider offers ongoing accounting and VAT return services. Their team can prepare and submit your returns, so you stay compliant with Dutch tax rules. They also help with payroll taxes if you hire employees in the Netherlands.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

One common mistake is starting business activities before the VAT number is issued. You cannot charge VAT on invoices until you have the official VAT identification number. Another mistake is providing incorrect information about your business activities.

The tax authority checks the description and may reject the application if it is too vague. A third mistake is forgetting to register for VAT if you are a foreign company selling goods in the Netherlands. Even if you do not have a physical presence, you may still need a VAT number for distance sales.

To avoid these issues, work with a professional service provider. the provider has experience with entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries and can guide you through the correct steps. They also assist with business immigration support, such as residence permits for entrepreneurs, which may be needed for non-EU founders. The team at the provider is based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and speaks English, so you can communicate easily.