What does it cost to set up a BV? The real costs laid out

What does it cost to set up a BV? The real costs laid out

Many entrepreneurs think a BV is expensive to set up. It is actually more affordable than you might expect. But the annual costs that come with it do add up. In this article we lay out all the costs honestly, so you know exactly where you stand.
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The one-off incorporation costs

To incorporate a BV you need a notary. The notary draws up the deed of incorporation and registers the BV with the Chamber of Commerce. That registration is included with the notary.

Sarabel handles BV incorporation from €599, including guidance throughout the entire process. Want a holding structure straight away? We set up both BVs for you. Get in touch at info@sarabeladministratie.nl for a tailored quote.
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The recurring annual costs

This is where it really counts. A BV has obligations that come back every year.

Annual accounts

Every BV is required to prepare annual accounts and file them with the Chamber of Commerce. You do not do this yourself, your accountant does.

Payroll administration

As a DGA you must pay yourself a salary. That requires payroll administration.

Tax returns

A BV files corporate income tax, payroll tax and VAT returns. These are handled by your accountant.
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What does that cost at Sarabel?

We work all-in, no surprises afterwards.

BV without holding: €1,608 per year. Includes annual accounts, VAT returns, corporate income tax and all other mandatory filings.

BV with holding: €2,412 per year. Includes annual accounts and returns for both BVs.

Payroll administration: From €5 per payslip. If you are the only DGA on the payroll, that is €15 per month for your payroll administration.

View all rates at sarabeladministratie.nl/en/pricing.
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Costs people forget

Banking costs

A BV needs a business bank account. Accounts at banks such as Bunq, Knab or ING cost between €5 and €20 per month. That is €60 to €360 per year extra.

Insurance

As a DGA you are not covered by employee insurance schemes. You are responsible for your own disability insurance and pension. Not mandatory costs, but costs you need to factor into your calculation.

Incorporation costs are tax deductible

Good news: the incorporation costs and annual administration costs are business expenses and therefore deductible from your BV’s profit. They reduce your tax burden.
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Comparison with a sole proprietorship

As a sole proprietor you have no notary costs and no mandatory annual accounts. Your administration costs are also lower because the bookkeeping is simpler. That is exactly why a BV only pays off when your profit is high enough to compensate for those extra costs.
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What determines how high the costs are?

Complexity of your administration: do you have staff, multiple bank accounts or international transactions? Then your bookkeeping is more complex and more expensive.

Holding or not: a holding structure means two BVs and therefore two sets of annual accounts and two sets of returns.

Which firm you choose: many firms charge per action or per hour. That means you never know in advance what you will pay. At Sarabel you do.
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Quick summary

Incorporation via Sarabel from €599. After that outsource your administration for €1,608 per year for a BV or €2,412 for a BV with holding, everything included. Payroll administration from €5 per payslip. All costs are deductible from your BV’s profit.