Registration address, business address, and privacy explained

Chamber of Commerce & Regulations

Doing business in the Netherlands also means complying with the rules of the KVK (Chamber of Commerce). One of the most confusing topics is the difference between a registration address, a business address, and a residential address – and when you are allowed to use a postal address. On this page, you will find clear explanations of the most important KVK rules, including privacy options and practical situations.
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Can you use a PO box for Chamber of Commerce registration?

Yes, in some cases you may use a mailing address as your registration address with the Chamber of Commerce, but this depends on the situation. The Chamber of Commerce makes a clear distinction between:

Registered address
Where your business is actually active and can be visited.
Registration address
The address in the Commercial Register.
Mailing address
Where you receive mail, such as a PO box or business mailing address.
A mailing address may only be used as a registration address if it meets the requirements of the Chamber of Commerce. A PO Box is not sufficient as a registered address. A business address can serve as a registration address.
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What is a registered address according to the Chamber of Commerce?

The business address is the address where your business is actually active. According to the Chamber of Commerce, this must be a place where:

✓ Customers can visit you (if relevant)
✓ Administration or business activities take place
✓ The business is actually located

This means:

Working from home? → your home address can be your business address
Renting an office or a flexible workspace? → that can be your business address
Only a postal address? → beware: it must meet certain requirements

The business address is therefore not an administrative address, but an actual location of your company.

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Can you shield your residential address at the Chamber of Commerce?

Yes, in certain cases you can shield your residential address in the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce. This is particularly relevant if your business is based at home, you do not receive customers at your residential address, and you want to protect your privacy. When is shielding allowed? The Chamber of Commerce allows shielding if:

  • You have a visiting address in addition to your residential address, OR
  • You can make a plausible case that disclosure of your address is undesirable

After shielding, your residential address is not visible in the public Commercial Register, but government agencies will still be able to see the address.

Mask your home address
What is and isn't allowed?

Business address vs residential address

In the Netherlands, you are allowed to use your home address as a business address, but there are important rules. The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) always wants to know where your business is actually located, not just where you can be reached. The rules surrounding registration and business addresses are in place to ensure transparency in trade, prevent fraud and shell companies, and guarantee the accessibility of businesses. That's why the KvK always checks if the provided address matches reality.

What's allowed:

✓ Using your home address as the registered address (for a sole proprietorship or freelancer)

✓ Working from home and registering with the Chamber of Commerce

✓ Receiving mail at a different address (postal address)

What is not allowed:

✗ Using a fictitious address without actual business activities

✗ Having no physical or demonstrable place of business

✗ Only using a PO box as a business address