Incorporate your foundation online

If you want to pursue a social or societal goal with your company, you can set up a foundation. This makes you eligible for certain grant and/or fund applications.

You don’t need any starting capital to set up a foundation. However, you do need a notarial deed from a civil-law notary. This can sometimes be complex and costly, but at Ligo you can easily arrange it online. We guide you through every step.

No, a notary is always required to establish a foundation. Your foundation only officially exists once the notarial deed has been executed by the notary. At Ligo, however, it is possible to arrange the entire process online, so you don’t have to visit the notary’s office in person.

Fill out the online questionnaire for setting up your foundation, review your draft deed and upload your documents, identification at the notary’s office or digitally, foundation is established, and registration at the Chamber of Commerce by the notary.

The current price and availability of this service are listed at the top of this page.

A foundation board typically consists of a chairperson, a secretary, and a treasurer. The chairperson is the face of the foundation, represents it at official events, and leads meetings. The secretary prepares, for example, the minutes of meetings. The treasurer is responsible for all financial matters.

When setting up the foundation, you appoint the initial board members. These members are listed in the deed of incorporation. Successor board members are appointed through a resolution of appointment.

In principle, you are not personally liable for the foundation’s debts as a board member. The foundation is a legal entity and is itself responsible for its obligations. However, there is an exception in cases of mismanagement, for example, if a board member commits fraud.

In principle, a foundation may have a single board member, but we always recommend at least three board members. Most notaries do not set up foundations with only one board member, or they conduct stricter due diligence in such cases, since the risk of fraud is much higher due to the lack of internal checks.

A foundation may sometimes be considered an “enterprise” by the Dutch Tax Authority. In that case, it must pay corporate income tax. When is a foundation considered an enterprise? If it participates in economic activities with capital and labor and makes a profit, or if it carries out activities that compete with other businesses. VAT may also apply if the foundation qualifies as an entrepreneur. Does your foundation have employees? Then you must also pay payroll taxes.

A foundation does not have to pay corporate income tax if its annual taxable profit does not exceed €15,000, or if its taxable profit over the current and previous four years combined does not exceed €75,000. Want to know more about the foundation’s tax obligations and possible deductions? Please contact us via our online chat or by calling +31 (0)20 3031043.

Yes, you can be employed by your foundation as a board member, although this is not very common. In practice, board members usually only receive an expense allowance. Note: if your foundation has ANBI status, you are not allowed to receive a salary as a board member.

Yes, a foundation is allowed to make a profit. However, this profit must be used to achieve the foundation’s objectives. You may not distribute profits to board members.

Do you want to structure your board differently, for example with a one-tier or two-tier board? Then this must be included in the deed. If you require a customized solution, please contact the Ligo team. You can reach us by phone at +31 (0)20 3031043 or via our online chat.

An ANBI is a Public Benefit Organization. To be designated as an ANBI, an organization must meet several requirements, such as dedicating at least 90% of its efforts to the public benefit. Think of a charity or cultural organization. The public benefit purpose must be evident from the foundation’s activities and is always included in the articles of association. You can apply for ANBI status with the Dutch Tax Authority.