Register Your DAFT Business at KVK: A Step-by-Step

Registering your business with the KVK (Kamer van Koophandel, or Chamber of Commerce) is one of the final steps before completing your DAFT residence permit application. The good news? It's actually one of the easier parts.

We walked in nervous and walked out with our business registered in under an hour.

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Where Registration Fits in the Process

KVK registration comes after you arrive in the Netherlands but before you can finish your IND application:

1. Arrive with MVV visa
2. Find housing
3. Register at gemeente (get BSN)
4. Register business at KVK ← you are here
5. Open Dutch business bank account
6. Transfer €4,500 to business account
7. Submit IND residence permit application

You need your BSN number before you can register with KVK. For the full timeline, see DAFT Application Timeline.

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Choosing Your Business Structure

For most DAFT applicants, there are two realistic options:

Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship)

This is what we chose and what we recommend for most people.

• Simplest structure, free to register
• Minimal administration
• Personal liability for business debts
• Business income = personal income for taxes

Best for: freelancers, consultants, small e-commerce, anyone starting out.

BV (Private Limited Company)

Similar to a US LLC—separate legal entity with liability protection.

• Costs €3,000-5,000 to set up (notary required)
• More complex tax filing
• Annual reporting requirements
• Better for scaling or hiring employees

Best for: businesses with significant revenue, liability concerns, or investment plans.

Our take: Start with eenmanszaak. You can convert to a BV later if your business grows. Don't overcomplicate it. For ideas on what type of business works well, see our guide to DAFT business ideas.

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Before Your Appointment

You'll book an appointment at kvk.nl. Usually available within 1-2 weeks.

What to bring:

• Valid US passport
• BSN confirmation
• Proof of Dutch address
• €75 for registration (cash or debit—credit often not accepted)

What to have ready:

• Business name (can just be your personal name)
• Description of what your business does
• Business address (your home address works fine)

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What Happens at the Appointment

The appointment takes 45-60 minutes. A KVK employee will:

• Review your documents
• Ask about your business activities
• Assign industry codes (SBI codes) based on your description
• Process your registration
• Give you your KVK number on the spot

They're registering your business, not evaluating whether it will succeed. It's administrative, not an interview.

For the complete appointment walkthrough, see our KVK Registration Guide.

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After Registration

Immediately: You'll have your 8-digit KVK number and official certificate.

Within 2 weeks: Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office) will send you tax registration information. They contact you automatically.

Next steps:

• Open a business bank account (you need KVK number for this)
• Transfer your €4,500 investment
• Get health insurance
• Submit IND application

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Common Questions

Can I register before arriving? No. You must be physically in the Netherlands with a BSN.

Can I change my business activities later? Yes, you can update your registration anytime.

Do I need an accountant to register? No. You might want one later for taxes, but not for initial registration.

Can my partner and I register together? An eenmanszaak is single-owner. For partners, you'd need separate registrations or a different structure (VOF partnership or BV).

Not sure if you meet the basic requirements? Review the complete DAFT requirements checklist before your KVK appointment.

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Ready to understand the full DAFT process from start to finish? Check out our complete DAFT guide for the step-by-step timeline.

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We're not immigration lawyers—just Americans who did this. Requirements change, so verify with official sources.