vennootschapsrechtelijke

Vennootschap is a Dutch term for a business entity with a separate legal personality from its owners. In Dutch corporate law, vennootschappen are the main way to organize a business with limited liability and a defined governance structure. The two most common types used for commercial activity are the Besloten vennootschap (BV) and the Naamloze vennootschap (NV). A BV is a private limited company with shares that are not publicly traded; an NV is a public limited company with shares that may be traded on the market. Partnerships such as Vennootschap onder firma (VOF) and Commanditaire vennootschap (CV) are also recognized forms; they involve partners and varying levels of liability, with general partners often bearing unlimited liability.

Clear separation: The owners are not personally liable for the debts of the vennootschap beyond their contributed capital. The entity is managed by a board or directors, while shareholders or members exercise certain rights through general meetings. The statutes (statuten) or articles of association set the rules for formation, governance, and dissolution.

Formation and regulation: A vennootschap is created by a deed of incorporation (akte van oprichting) or articles of association, usually notarized, and registered with the Chamber of Commerce. It operates under the Dutch Civil Code, in particular provisions governing legal persons, as well as sector-specific rules. Companies must keep accounting records and file annual accounts.