Protect your privacy when setting up a BV

Practical tips for protecting personal data

Pay attention to the name of your BV
One way to protect your privacy is to choose a name for your private limited company (BV) that can't be directly traced back to you. This means, for example, not using your own name or initials in the company name. Although your home address will still be visible as a visiting address in the Trade Register, it will be less obvious to outsiders that the BV is linked to you. If you originally gave your BV your own name, it's also good to know that it's possible to change the name later. This is only possible through a notary.

Postal address for the BV
An alternative (or supplementary) solution is to use a PO box address for your BV instead of your home address. A PO box address is a business address you can rent from PostNL or another provider, where you can receive mail for your company. This means your personal address is no longer visible in the Trade Register. Depending on the business activities the company conducts, you are still required to provide a physical address (for example, shops, restaurants, or offices with a fixed workstation).

Shielding visiting address at Chamber of Commerce
It's even possible to ask the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) to hide your visiting address in the Trade Register, making it invisible to everyone. This is always possible for sole proprietorships, but conditions apply for private limited companies (BVs). A concrete or likely imminent situation is required. In both cases, you are required to provide a PO Box address (instead of your home address). Additional conditions apply in the case of a likely imminent situation (more information can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website).

Choose privacy-conscious entrepreneurship!
Do you want to prevent your BV from publicly displaying sensitive personal data, such as your home address? Then consult a civil-law notary. A civil-law notary can provide tailored advice and discuss the most appropriate solution for your situation. By taking timely steps, you prevent your business from compromising your privacy.

Would you like more advice on this topic? Contact us. An initial (phone) consultation is free. To schedule an in-office meeting or video call, call +31 (0)10 44 53 777 or email us at service@maesnotarissen.nl.

We look forward to welcoming you.

This article is taken from 'Notariskrant', a product of FBN Juristen. This article should not be considered legal advice. FBN Juristen and MAES notarissen take the utmost care with the content of these articles but accept no liability for any incompleteness or inaccuracy of an article, nor for any consequences thereof.