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Articles of Incorporation
I need Articles of Incorporation for a private limited company (BV) in the Netherlands, outlining the company's name, registered office, business purpose, share capital, and management structure, with provisions for issuing new shares and transferring existing shares. The document should comply with Dutch corporate law and include clauses for shareholder meetings and decision-making processes.
What is an Articles of Incorporation?
Articles of Incorporation form the official foundation document when starting a company in the Netherlands, known locally as the "akte van oprichting." This legal document establishes your business as a formal entity and must be prepared by a Dutch civil law notary, setting out essential details like company name, registered office, and share capital structure.
Under Dutch corporate law, these articles define your company's core rules and purposes, including management structure, shareholder rights, and transfer of shares. For both BVs (private limited companies) and NVs (public limited companies), having properly drafted Articles is mandatory before registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and receiving your official business registration number.
When should you use an Articles of Incorporation?
You need Articles of Incorporation when starting any formal business entity in the Netherlands, particularly for BVs and NVs. The document becomes essential before your first business registration with the KvK, opening a business bank account, or entering into significant contracts as a company.
Dutch law requires Articles of Incorporation for critical business moments like accepting investments, issuing new shares, or establishing subsidiaries. Many entrepreneurs prepare these articles early in their startup phase to avoid delays when opportunities arise. The document also proves vital during mergers, acquisitions, or when expanding operations internationally, as foreign partners often request proof of proper incorporation.
What are the different types of Articles of Incorporation?
- Business Articles Of Incorporation: Standard format for Dutch BVs (private limited companies), focusing on basic corporate structure and shareholder rights
- Articles Of Incorporation Nonprofit: Specialized version for Dutch non-profit organizations (stichtingen), including specific provisions for social purposes and board structure
- Certificate Articles Of Incorporation: Enhanced version with additional certification requirements, typically used for NVs (public companies) or regulated industries
- Articles Of Organization: Simplified structure for small businesses and sole proprietorships, with flexible management provisions
Who should typically use an Articles of Incorporation?
- Civil Law Notaries: Must officially prepare and execute the Articles of Incorporation, ensuring compliance with Dutch law and authenticating all documents
- Company Founders: Sign the Articles and make key decisions about company structure, share capital, and management setup
- Board Members: Bound by the Articles' provisions regarding their duties, responsibilities, and decision-making powers
- Shareholders: Subject to rules about share transfers, voting rights, and profit distribution outlined in the Articles
- Chamber of Commerce (KvK): Reviews and registers the Articles as part of the company registration process
- Legal Advisors: Help draft and review Articles to ensure they meet business needs while maintaining legal compliance
How do you write an Articles of Incorporation?
- Company Details: Decide on official company name, registered address, and business activities (ensure name availability via KvK)
- Capital Structure: Determine initial share capital, types of shares, and nominal value per share
- Management Setup: Choose between one-tier or two-tier board structure, specify director appointments and powers
- Shareholder Rights: Define voting rights, profit distribution rules, and share transfer restrictions
- Required Documents: Gather founders' IDs, proof of address, and bank statements for share capital deposit
- Notary Appointment: Schedule meeting with a Dutch civil law notary for document preparation and execution
- KvK Registration: Prepare UBO information and business plan for Chamber of Commerce registration
What should be included in an Articles of Incorporation?
- Company Identity: Legal name, registered office address, and corporate purpose statement
- Share Capital: Total authorized capital, number and types of shares, nominal value per share
- Corporate Governance: Board structure, appointment procedures, and management powers
- Shareholder Provisions: Rights, obligations, and procedures for share transfers
- General Meetings: Rules for convening and conducting shareholder meetings
- Financial Year: Definition of fiscal year and annual accounts requirements
- Amendment Procedures: Process for modifying the Articles
- Dissolution Provisions: Rules for company liquidation and asset distribution
What's the difference between an Articles of Incorporation and an Articles of Association?
Articles of Incorporation differ significantly from Articles of Association in Dutch corporate law, though they're often confused. While Articles of Incorporation establish a company's existence and basic structure, Articles of Association provide detailed operational rules.
- Legal Status: Articles of Incorporation create the legal entity and must be filed with the KvK first, while Articles of Association govern how the entity operates afterward
- Modification Process: Articles of Incorporation typically require more formal procedures to change, including notarial deed and KvK registration, while Articles of Association can be amended through shareholder resolutions
- Content Scope: Articles of Incorporation contain fundamental information like company name and capital structure, while Articles of Association cover detailed governance rules, shareholder rights, and internal procedures
- Timing: Articles of Incorporation are created once at company formation, while Articles of Association evolve with the company's needs
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