Dutch UBO Registry Guide: Registering, Modifying and Deregistering UBOs
UBO Obligations for Dutch Companies: What You Need to Know
Dutch UBO Registry Guide: Registering, Modifying and Deregistering UBOs
UBO Obligations for Dutch Companies: What You Need to Know
If you own or manage a Dutch company, you must ensure that all Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) are correctly registered in the Dutch UBO Register. UBOs are individuals who ultimately own or control a company through direct or indirect shareholdings or voting rights.
Tamm Solutions supports foreign entrepreneurs with all Dutch incorporation and compliance requirements, including UBO registration, updates, and deregistration. Proper UBO compliance is essential to remain aligned with Dutch and EU anti-money-laundering laws and to maintain a transparent and trustworthy business operation.
If you need assistance with UBO matters or Dutch company establishment, we provide non-binding professional advice anytime.
Why the Netherlands Requires UBO Registration
The Dutch UBO Register has been operational since 27 March 2022. It was introduced under the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering Directives (AMLDs) to improve transparency and combat financial crime throughout the EU.
1. Preventing Financial Crime
The UBO Register helps authorities:
Combat money laundering
Prevent terrorist financing
Reduce tax evasion and fraud
Identify individuals who ultimately benefit from company activities
By linking each legal entity to its true controllers, the Netherlands can more effectively detect and deter criminal misuse of corporate structures.
2. Increasing Transparency
The UBO system clarifies who stands behind companies and foundations. This helps:
Businesses conduct due diligence
Journalists investigate corporate activity
The public assess the trustworthiness of organizations
Certain UBO information is publicly accessible, which increases trust and reduces the risk of hidden ownership.
3. Meeting EU Requirements
As part of EU AMLD legislation, all member states must maintain a UBO register. This ensures:
Harmonized AML controls across the EU
Cross-border cooperation
Prevention of criminal misuse of the Single Market
4. Facilitating Due Diligence & KYC
Banks, notaries, accountants, and financial institutions use UBO data to conduct:
Know Your Customer (KYC) checks
Risk assessments
Compliance investigations
This helps businesses avoid partnering with high-risk entities.
5. Promoting Fair Competition
Transparent ownership discourages unethical behavior and protects honest entrepreneurs, contributing to a healthy and competitive business environment.
Understanding the Dutch UBO Register
The UBO Register identifies individuals who ultimately own or control a Dutch legal entity, aligning with EU AMLD definitions.
Who Qualifies as a UBO?
A UBO is any individual who directly or indirectly owns or controls more than 25% of:
Shares
Voting rights
Economic interest
The EU is considering lowering the threshold to 25%, which would expand the scope of obligated individuals. UBOs must be registered and kept up-to-date at all times.
Registration Requirements & Penalties for Non-Compliance
All Dutch legal entities must register their UBOs with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Required details include:
Full legal name
Date of birth and nationality
Type and percentage of ownership or control
Supporting documents (e.g., shareholder register, shareholder agreements)
Penalties
Failure to comply may result in:
Administrative fines up to €21,750
Additional enforcement penalties
Criminal liability under the Economic Offences Act (for intentional misrepresentation or non-compliance)
Authorities actively monitor registration accuracy.
Current Compliance Status
As of March 2024:
Approximately 80% of Dutch legal entities have complied
Public access was temporarily restricted due to privacy concerns
Financial institutions, notaries, insurers, and other authorized bodies regained access in mid-2024
Since June 2024, companies may request certified UBO extracts to prove compliance during onboarding or KYC checks.
Which Entities Must Register UBOs?
UBO registration applies to:
BVs (private limited companies)
NVs (public limited companies)
Foundations
Associations
Partnerships (general, limited, and professional partnerships)
Exemptions
Sole proprietorships
Listed companies
Certain associations without legal capacity
Publicly accessible information includes basic identity and ownership percentages, while personal data such as residential address is restricted to authorities.
How to Register UBOs in the Netherlands
If one or more individuals qualify as UBOs but are not yet registered, your company must update the register without delay.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
1. Identify the UBOs
Individuals who:
Own >25% of shares
Hold >25% of voting rights
Exercise control through contractual arrangements
2. Gather Required Information
Collect:
Identification documents
Proof of ownership structure
Personal details (name, DOB, nationality)
Residential address (not publicly accessible)
3. Submit Details to the KvK
Registration can be submitted:
Online
In person
Through Tamm Solutions as your authorized representative
4. KvK Verification
The Chamber of Commerce reviews and validates the information before updating the register.
5. Maintain Accurate Records
Any change must be registered immediately, and always within 7 days.
How to Change UBO Details
Changes include:
Adding new UBOs
Updating percentages
Removing former UBOs
Adjusting or shielding certain information
Steps to Update UBO Data
Determine which UBO details have changed
Prepare updated documentation (e.g., share transfers, new registers)
Notify the KvK using the official forms
Submit the amendment online or via Tamm Solutions
Wait for verification and confirmation
Failure to update can result in fines.
Deregistering UBOs
UBOs must be deregistered when they no longer meet the ownership or control criteria.
Deregistration Steps
Confirm the individual no longer meets the >25% threshold
Submit the official KvK deregistration form
Provide supporting documents (e.g., updated shareholder register)
Await verification
Update internal company records accordingly
Privacy & Data Protection
Public access to UBO data is now restricted, following EU court rulings on privacy. Authorized entities (banks, notaries, insurers, government bodies) retain full access for AML and compliance purposes.
Planning to Establish a Dutch Company? Register Your UBOs Correctly
Tamm Solutions not only incorporates Dutch companies but also handles all compliance requirements that follow, including:
UBO registration
UBO updates and amendments
UBO deregistration
Legal and administrative compliance
Tax and financial administration
Visa and permit support
Dutch bank account assistance
During incorporation we collect:
Valid ID
Full name and birth details
Proposed company name
Dutch business address
With these, we can incorporate your Dutch BV and register UBOs quickly and efficiently.
Our Services
Tamm Solutions supports clients from over multiple jurisdictions, ranging from startups to multinationals. Our services include:
Dutch company formation
VAT & EORI registration
Work Permit applications
Startup and expansion advisory
Administrative & secretarial services
Legal support
Accounting & tax filings
General business consultancy
We continuously improve our service standards to deliver the best possible client experience.
Need to Register, Update, or Deregister a UBO? We Can Help
We have assisted hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs and offer one of the fastest incorporation procedures in the Netherlands. With complete documentation, your Dutch BV — including UBO registration — can be established within 1–3 business days.
CONTACT US DIRECTLY
If you need support with UBO compliance or Dutch company formation, feel free to reach out for personalized, non-binding advice.