The service has been developed in collaboration with the Amsterdam law firms Zebra Legal and Van Campen Liem. Together, they provide the legal structure, documentation, and guidance for the establishment of the business. Zebra Legal advises entrepreneurs on the most suitable business structure and prepares the legal documentation, while Van Campen Liem provides notarial services, including drafting the articles of association and registering the company with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). With the new service, Qonto aims to solve one of the biggest bottlenecks for new entrepreneurs.
'Starting a business often consists of various separate steps with multiple parties,' says Georg Nüchtern, Managing Director Netherlands at Qonto. 'Now that we offer this company formation service, we bring all phases together on one platform. Entrepreneurs can establish their BV and open their business account in one digital flow, allowing them to focus more quickly on building their business.'
Faster and fully digital company formation
Establishing a BV in the Netherlands typically involves several steps, including drafting articles of association, depositing share capital, registering with the KvK, and opening a business bank account. According to Qonto's customers, it is precisely that last step that many entrepreneurs find to be one of the most challenging parts of the process.
With the new service, entrepreneurs can complete the entire process online, from starting their business to opening a business account. According to Qonto, establishing both a BV and holding can be completed within five working days. Immediately afterwards, a business account can be opened, which is often active within one working day.
The service also offers a bilingual experience (Dutch and English), making it easier for international entrepreneurs to start a business in the Netherlands. Entrepreneurs go through the entire process via one platform, with clear pre-defined costs for the establishment and notarial services.
Targeted at start-ups and international entrepreneurs
The Netherlands sees a significant number of new BV formations each year. According to figures from the CBS, approximately 31,400 BVs are established annually. At the same time, the number of international entrepreneurs and start-ups settling in the Netherlands is growing.
According to Qonto, existing solutions for company formation do not always align well with this target group, as many platforms have been developed for individual entrepreneurs and are only available in Dutch. Many notaries also require a physical appointment at their office, which can prolong the process.
The new service from Qonto supports companies with multiple founders and enables international entrepreneurs to set up a Dutch business through a fully digital procedure.
Since its launch in the Netherlands in 2024, Qonto has focused on simplifying financial processes for local entrepreneurs. With the introduction of this company formation service, Qonto aims to support the entire process, from the establishment of the company to financial management.
