KVK number (KvK-nummer)
A KVK number (KvK-nummer) is the unique registration number of a business or legal entity in the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister).
What is the KVK number?
A KVK number (KvK-nummer) is the unique registration number of a business or legal entity in the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister).
It identifies the registered entity. The number is not the same as the RSIN or VAT identification number; use the correct entity identifier in publication documents.
How does it work?
The KVK number has eight digits and is assigned on registration in the Business Register. The Dutch Business Register Act 2007 speaks of a unique number assigned by the Chamber (art. 9(a)). Every business or organisation has one, even with several trade names or activities. It belongs on letters, quotes, invoices, the website and business e-mails.
In the annual accounts it is a mandatory item: the notes state the name, legal form, registered office and the number under which the entity is registered in the Business Register (art. 2:380b DCC). When filing, the number determines which file the documents end up in.
Example
A director-major shareholder (DGA) has two BVs. Holding BV has KVK number 12345678 and Werk BV 87654321. Werk BV also has two twelve-digit establishment numbers, for its shop and its warehouse. When filing the 2025 annual accounts of Werk BV, with a balance sheet total of € 320.000, number 87654321 applies. If the holding's number is used by mistake, the operating company's balance sheet ends up in the holding's file and Werk BV itself has filed nothing.
In the annual accounts
Identification in the Business Register and publication documents; not a balance sheet item.
Difference from the RSIN
The KVK number belongs to the registration in the Business Register. The RSIN, the Legal Entities and Partnerships Information Number (Rechtspersonen en Samenwerkingsverbanden Informatienummer), identifies the legal entity or partnership, among other things in dealings with the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). A BV, foundation (stichting) or general partnership (vof) receives both on registration; only a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) does not receive an RSIN.
Common mistakes
- Using the group's KVK number
- Entering the RSIN in the wrong place
What to watch for
- Copy the number from the Business Register extract, not from memory or an old invoice.
- In a group, each legal entity has its own number; with every set of annual accounts and every 403 declaration, use the number of the legal entity the document relates to.
- Small, medium-sized and large entities state the number in the notes. This notes requirement does not apply to micro entities (art. 2:395a(6) DCC), but their documents too are filed under this number.
Legal basis and source
Dutch Business Register Act 2007 (Handelsregisterwet 2007); KVK
Frequently asked questions
Is the KVK number the same as the VAT number?
No. You receive the VAT identification number from the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) and use it on invoices and in the VAT return. The KVK number comes from the Business Register. Both usually appear on an invoice.
Can one company have several KVK numbers?
No. Each business or organisation has one KVK number, even with several trade names or activities. Multiple establishments each get their own establishment number under the same KVK number.
Where do I find a company's KVK number?
In the Business Register, by searching on name or address. Your own number is also on your extract, in My KVK and in the welcome letter of your registration.
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Preparing Dutch annual accounts?
Your first set of annual accounts is free, for every size class. Create an account and prepare the annual accounts of your Dutch company under Title 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.
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