Before you can officially start as a self-employed person, you register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). That sounds more daunting than it is: it's a half-hour appointment after which you can start trading right away. This article explains the steps, the cost and what gets arranged automatically afterwards.
What do you need for registration?
For your registration you need a valid ID and a residential or business address. You decide on a business name in advance and a short description of your activities. It's wise to phrase that description well, because it partly determines which sector you fall under.
How does registration work?
You make an online appointment at a KvK office and fill in a form in advance. During the appointment an employee checks your details and ID. Right after that you're registered and receive your KvK number. You're automatically registered with the tax authorities.
What does registration cost?
For registration you pay a one-off amount to the KvK. This amount is set annually, so check the current cost on kvk.nl. It's a one-off cost; after that you pay no annual membership fee as a self-employed person.
What gets arranged automatically?
After registration you get your KvK number immediately. Within a few days you receive your VAT identification number and turnover tax number from the tax authorities. From that moment you can send invoices with your VAT number on them and you're officially an entrepreneur.
This article provides general information based on the rules known for 2026 and does not replace personal tax advice. For your specific situation, we're happy to take a look with you.
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