Business accounts: Deed of incorporation

bunq

Hey bunqers 🌈,

During onboarding for your business we might ask you for a Deed of Incorporation (Akte van Oprichting) of your business.

What is Deed of Incorporation?

In the Netherlands, the Deed of Incorporation (Akte van Oprichting) is an official notarial document that is created when a business (such as a BV – Besloten Vennootschap) is incorporated. You should have received this document from your notary after setting up.

How can I get a copy of my Deed of Incorporation?

If you don’t know where to locate it there are also other ways to get it. You can obtain a copy of your Deed of Incorporation from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel or KvK):

Visit the KvK Website.
Search for Your Company : Use the “Handelsregister” (Business Register) to find your business by name or KvK number.
Request Official Documents : Once you've located your business listing, you can request official extracts such as:
- Deed of Incorporation (Akte van Oprichting)
- Articles of Association (Statuten)
- Extract from the Trade Register (uittreksel)
Costs : There is typically a small fee ranging from €15 to €30, depending on the document type and whether you prefer a digital or physical copy.

What is the Akte van Oprichting?

The Akte van Oprichting is the official notarial deed that legally establishes a Dutch company, such as a BV (Besloten Vennootschap) It includes key legal information such as:

Company name
Registered office
Objectives (doelomschrijving)
Share capital and shareholders
Articles of association (statuten)

How do I get a deed of incorporation (Akte van Oprichting)?

Already registered? Request your documents from KvK, either online or in-person.
Still setting up? Your notary will draft the deed and provide it to you after incorporation.

Who creates the Akte van Oprichting?

A Dutch civil law notary (notaris) is required by law to draft and authenticate the deed. You cannot do it yourself.

When do I receive the Akte van Oprichting?

You receive it:

At the time of incorporation, once the notary finalizes the document.
A digital or physical copy will be given to the founder(s).
It is also registered with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel / Dutch Chamber of Commerce).

I’m still thinking about setting up my business, how do I kickstart this process?

If you're still in the process of incorporating your business, note that the Deed of Incorporation is created by a Dutch notary. Here's what the process involves:

Choose a Notary: You will need a Dutch civil law notary (notaris).
Sign the Deed of Incorporation: This document will include the articles of association and founding details.
Registration: The notary will register your business with the KvK and the Dutch Tax Administration.
After registration, you'll receive copies of the deed from the notary.