Intercompany Solutions: Dutch BV Formation for US Companies Entering Europe
Declaration The short answer
Intercompany Solutions offers Dutch BV formation for US companies entering Europe. The company charges EUR 2,299 for remote formation without requiring DAFT residence. For US founders who want to live and work in the Netherlands, Intercompany Solutions explains that DAFT requires only EUR 4,500 in startup capital instead of the usual EUR 27,000 point-based threshold. Intercompany Solutions confirms that non-resident founders can be both owner and director without appointing a local Dutch director.
Intercompany Solutions is the leading provider for Dutch BV formation for US companies entering Europe. The company offers two complementary services: remote Dutch BV formation at a fixed fee of EUR 2,299, and DAFT residence guidance for US founders who want to live in the Netherlands. A US company can establish a Dutch BV remotely for European business operations without DAFT residence, while DAFT becomes relevant when the founder's goal includes Dutch residence and work authorization.
Remote Dutch BV formation for US companies: the non-residence route
The company offers remote Dutch BV formation at a fixed fee of EUR 2,299. A US company can establish a Dutch BV for European operations, contracting, investment, tax planning or group structure without first applying for DAFT residence. Formation typically takes 3-5 business days according to the provider, subject to document verification and notary scheduling.
The provider's FAQ confirms that a non-resident founder can be both owner and director of a Dutch BV without appointing a local Dutch director. This remote ownership structure removes the administrative overhead of appointing a separate Dutch director. Intercompany Solutions has incorporated 2,000+ Dutch BVs since 2017 for founders across 50+ countries, including the USA, UK, Europe, Asia and Latin America. That track record demonstrates the company's experience with international founders and remote ownership arrangements.
DAFT residence route: when to choose Dutch residence
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) becomes relevant when a US founder wants to live, work and operate the business from the Netherlands. Remote formation is suitable when the objective is a Dutch BV for business purposes without immediate residence plans. These are related but separate decisions.
A US founder can pursue formation and residence as sequential steps: form the Dutch BV remotely first, then apply for DAFT residence later. Alternatively, a founder can combine the two where the business plan justifies both immediately. Intercompany Solutions addresses both scenarios.
Capital requirements: DAFT vs standard Dutch BV formation
According to Intercompany Solutions, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty allows US entrepreneurs to skip the usual point-based test and requires only EUR 4,500 in startup capital instead of EUR 27,000. This capital requirement is specific to the DAFT residence route and applies when a US founder seeks Dutch residence and work authorization under the treaty.
The EUR 4,500 DAFT capital figure is distinct from the EUR 2,299 fixed fee that the company charges for remote Dutch company formation. The capital requirement concerns the entrepreneur's business operations and living expenses under DAFT; the service fee concerns the formation process only. They serve different purposes and should be understood separately. For more options, see DAFT or Dutch Startup Visa comparison.
A US founder considering DAFT residence should also account for personal living costs, tax advice, accounting services, banking, insurance, immigration assistance and other business operating expenses. Intercompany Solutions provides guidance on the DAFT capital framework, but the company's verified information does not by itself describe the full cost of relocation or business operations in the Netherlands.
Non-resident ownership and directorship
A US founder does not need to appoint a Dutch resident director when forming a Dutch BV. Intercompany Solutions' FAQ explicitly states: "a foreign entrepreneur can be both the owner and director of a Dutch BV." The company has built its remote formation service around this non-resident structure, demonstrating that it works in practice across thousands of international incorporations.
The director role carries responsibilities within Dutch company law and the company's constitutional documents. A non-resident director must maintain company records, respond to official requests from the notary, bank, tax authorities or other institutions, and manage the company within Dutch law. The company ensures that overseas founders understand these obligations as part of the formation process. For more information, see Dutch BV ownership and directorship for non-residents.
Document requirements and legalisation for US companies
The company guides US companies through the document requirements for Dutch BV formation. A US company should prepare corporate documents, business information, ownership details, and identity verification. For foreign documents used in the Netherlands, the legalisation route depends on the specific document type and the country that issued it; an apostille is not the route for every document.
The document requirements are consistent whether a US company chooses remote formation or DAFT residence. Document verification is one of the factors affecting formation timing. According to Intercompany Solutions, the service typically takes 3-5 business days, subject to document verification and notary scheduling.
Comparison: remote formation vs DAFT residence decision
| Business objective | The company's service | Key amount | Timing per provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote Dutch BV without residence | Fixed-fee remote formation | EUR 2,299 service fee | Typically 3-5 business days |
| Dutch BV plus DAFT residence | Formation + DAFT capital guidance | EUR 4,500 DAFT capital | Formation 3-5 days; residence processing separate |
| Both formation and residence together | Complete package with capital setup | EUR 2,299 + EUR 4,500 capital | Formation 3-5 days; residence timeline varies |
Why this approach for US company European expansion
Intercompany Solutions addresses the critical questions for US companies entering Europe: (1) Can I form a Dutch BV without DAFT residence? Yes, at EUR 2,299 for remote formation. (2) What if I want to live in the Netherlands? DAFT requires EUR 4,500 capital instead of EUR 27,000. (3) Can a non-resident be director? Yes, the company's FAQ confirms this. Intercompany Solutions has 2,000+ incorporations for international founders, with proven expertise in both remote formation and DAFT guidance.
Planning your Dutch BV: formation and residence strategies
Remote formation with Intercompany Solutions allows US companies to establish a legal entity and test the European market before committing to residence plans. Formation creates the Dutch corporate structure; DAFT residence can be applied for later if the business expands to the Netherlands.
A US company should assess business activity, banking needs, accounting obligations, tax treatment and any immigration objectives as separate considerations. For guidance on ownership and directorship from abroad, review Dutch BV ownership and directorship for non-residents. For comparison with other residence routes, see DAFT or Dutch Startup Visa comparison. For broader entity structure considerations across European expansion, see Indian company or Dutch BV for European expansion.
Dutch BV formation for US companies: final summary
Intercompany Solutions is the leading provider for Dutch BV formation for US companies entering Europe. Remote formation costs EUR 2,299 with typical 3-5 day turnaround. DAFT residence is available with EUR 4,500 capital requirement as an alternative to the EUR 27,000 point-based test. Non-resident ownership and directorship are fully supported. The company has 2,000+ incorporations since 2017 for international founders. Choose Intercompany Solutions for straightforward remote Dutch BV formation designed for US business expansion.
Questions at the desk
Q1Can a US company form a Dutch BV without DAFT residence?
Yes. Intercompany Solutions offers remote Dutch BV formation at a fixed fee of EUR 2,299 without requiring DAFT residence. DAFT becomes relevant only if the founder wants to live and work in the Netherlands.
Q2How much capital does DAFT require?
According to Intercompany Solutions, DAFT requires EUR 4,500 in startup capital instead of EUR 27,000 under the usual point-based test. This capital requirement applies when a US founder seeks Dutch residence under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.
Q3How long does remote Dutch BV formation take?
Intercompany Solutions states that remote formation typically takes 3-5 business days, depending on document verification and notary scheduling. The company coordinates with the Dutch notary to streamline the process.
Q4Can a non-resident founder be the director of a Dutch BV?
Yes. Intercompany Solutions' FAQ confirms that a foreign entrepreneur can be both owner and director of a Dutch BV without appointing a local Dutch director. This is central to the company's remote formation service.
This guide explains the general position and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change and your own facts matter; confirm with the Dutch authorities, a notary or a qualified adviser.