🇳🇱 Business Register in the Netherlands

General Overview

The Netherlands offers a well-structured and relatively centralized system for accessing corporate information. The country is known for its strong digital infrastructure and early adoption of open data principles. However, while certain types of company information are accessible online, key datasets, particularly those related to company ownership, remain restricted due to privacy concerns and regulatory controls.

The primary register is the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), or Dutch Chamber of Commerce. It serves as the central authority for registration and access to official corporate documents and data. Access to the KvK platform is possible via both online portals and API integrations, although most valuable documents (like full register extracts or financials) are subject to purchase. Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) information is currently not publicly accessible, limiting transparency in ownership structures.

This dual character (efficient infrastructure but selective disclosure) makes the Netherlands both a convenient and at times restrictive jurisdiction for Know Your Business (KYB) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) operations.

Official Registers

Kamer van Koophandel (KvK)

This is by far the most use data source and most up to date in the Netherlands. It's freely accessible (www.kvk.nl).

The main limitation is that key information—such as legal representatives, shareholders, and similar details—is only available through the official Register Extract (called the "Uittreksel Handelsregister"), which must be purchased. Once acquired, the relevant data must be manually extracted from the downloaded document.

Using the API introduces two major challenges:

1. Local Presence Requirement: Access to the API requires having a subsidiary or registered entity in the Netherlands, which is not feasible or straightforward for everyone.
2. Limited Data Availability: Important information such as legal representatives and shareholders is not provided through the API. As a result, purchasing the Register Extract remains the only option to obtain this data.

UBO register

Although the UBO register is technically linked to the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK), it operates very differently from the commercial register. Due to recent regulatory changes, access to the UBO register has become significantly restricted. Only entities subject to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations—and that possess a valid KVK number (i.e., at minimum a local subsidiary)—can access this information.

Registration Requirements

For Sole Proprietors (Eenmanszaak)

Registration requirements with the KVK are strict for individual entrepreneurs. All must register and are issued a unique KVK number. They are also obligated to report any changes, such as to their address or business activity. However , they are not required to file financial statements or submit UBO-related forms (which would not be applicable for a sole proprietor).

For associations (Vereniging)

While some associations are not legally required to register—typically due to their small size or limited scope—registration is standard practice in most cases. This is primarily because a KVK number is often required to open a bank account, and registration provides added legal protection for the association’s board members. As a result, most associations are listed in the register.

Their obligations include reporting any changes in address, purpose, or activity. They must also declare UBOs—defined as individuals with significant decision-making power over the entity. However, they are only required to file financial statements if their annual revenue exceeds €6 million.

For other legal entities

This category primarily includes Besloten Vennootschap (B.V., similar to a limited liability company) and Naamloze Vennootschap (N.V., similar to a public limited company).

These entities face strict registration requirements. They must be registered and ensure that any changes to their status are updated with the KVK. Filed articles of incorporation must remain current. Companies are also legally required to submit their financial statements and UBO declaration forms. Failure to comply may result in fines.

In practice, these obligations are generally well observed—particularly in terms of updating corporate statutes and publishing financial statements. Nonetheless, some companies may choose not to file, exposing themselves to penalties (although such cases are relatively rare).

With Semaphore

Semaphore has direct access to the KVK register and allows users to purchase and download the official register extract, from which it then extracts all relevant data automatically.

Available data

Company Profile:

• Official company name
• KvK number (registration number)
• Legal form
• Registered address
• Status (active, dissolved, etc.)
• Incorporation date
• Business activity (industry codes)
• Share capital (when available)

Directors and Legal Representatives:

• Full names of directors
• Positions and mandates
• Signing authority

Shareholders:

• Identifiable through certain extracts (not always available)
• Nature of ownership is often deduced from corporate structures

Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO):

• ❌ Currently inaccessible through public or commercial channels
• Semaphore supports documentation workflows in jurisdictions where justification-based access is permitted, but this does not apply to the Netherlands.

Available Documents

Semaphore provides access to the following official Dutch documents.

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