Registering, updating, or deregistering with the KVK: how it works

Whether you're starting up, moving, or stopping: different steps apply at the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) for each situation. Below we walk through the three most common scenarios one by one.

Registering a business

You register a sole proprietorship or general partnership (vof) in person at a KVK office, by appointment. You'll need:

• A valid form of ID
• Your business details: name, address, activities (SBI code)
• For a vof: the partnership agreement and details of all partners

Registration involves a one-off fee; check the current registration fee on the KVK website, as this amount is adjusted annually. Right after registration you receive a KVK number, and within a few days to two weeks you automatically receive a VAT number from the Tax Authority — the two agencies exchange your details with each other.

If you set up a BV (private limited company), registration runs through the notary, who registers the incorporation directly with the KVK.

Reporting an address change

If your business moves, you're legally required to report this to the KVK within one week. You can easily do this online via Mijn KVK, without having to visit an office. Also remember to update your new address with:

• Your bank (for your business account)
• Your insurers
• Important customers and suppliers, so correspondence and invoices reach the right address

The Tax Authority receives an address change automatically through the link with the KVK, so you don't need to report it separately.

Deregistering a business

If you stop running your business, you report this to the KVK as well, either via Mijn KVK or at a branch office. Keep the following in mind:

• You still file one final VAT return for the period up to deregistration
• For a sole proprietorship with business assets (such as a car or equipment) that you'll start using privately, a deemed sale may apply for VAT purposes
• Your record-keeping obligation continues as normal after deregistration (see our article on the record-keeping obligation)

Never deregister too early. As long as invoices are still outstanding or work still needs to be completed, stay registered — otherwise you can no longer send legally valid invoices.

The role of the Tax Authority

The KVK and the Tax Authority are linked: changes you report to the KVK (address, legal structure, stopping) are passed on automatically. For VAT-specific matters, such as ending your VAT liability or questions about your final return, it's best to contact the Tax Authority directly.

Just registered with the KVK? Get your first invoice ready right away with FactuurMakenOnline — with your KVK and VAT number automatically included on every invoice.