KvK

KvK stands for Kamer van Koophandel, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. It is the national body responsible for the Handelsregister, the official register of businesses and legal entities in the Netherlands. Registration in the Handelsregister is mandatory for most Dutch companies and partnerships, and the KvK issues official extracts and certificates used in contracts, financing, and regulatory compliance.

Beyond registration, the KvK provides services for entrepreneurs, including starting and growing a business, market information, export support, and networking opportunities. It maintains public business profiles, publishes statistics on the Dutch economy, and offers guidance on compliance, financing, and regulatory requirements. Digital services include a self-service portal for registration changes and document requests.

Structure and funding: The KvK operates as a private non-profit organization that performs public tasks on behalf of the government. It has regional offices and is governed by a board with advisory bodies, and it is funded by registration fees and government subsidies.

History and legal basis: The KvK’s mandate has historical roots in the Dutch chamber system dating from the 19th century, and digitization has modernized its operations since the late 20th century under legislation granting the KvK authority to maintain the trade register.

Data access and impact: Handelsregister data are publicly accessible, enabling due diligence and market research, subject to privacy protections. The KvK cooperates with public authorities and businesses to support transparency, governance, and economic activity.