Tax Optimisation

Box 2 as Alternative

An investment BV grows tax-free until you withdraw. Discover how this works and whether it's interesting for you.

Full compound returns

No annual levy on unrealised gains

Break-even from ~€100k

Not only for the ultra-wealthy

Setup: €1,000-1,500

One-time notary costs

What is Box 2?

Box 2 taxes income from 'substantial interest': a stake of 5% or more in a company. You create this substantial interest by setting up your own BV (private limited company).

When you place investments in an investment BV, your wealth grows in Box 2 instead of Box 3, with fundamentally different tax rules.

How does an investment BV work?

BV holds the investments

You set up a BV and contribute your investment capital. The BV is the legal owner of the investments.

Inside BV: tax-free growth

Investments grow WITHOUT annual Box 3 levy on unrealised gains. Full compound returns.

BV pays VPB on realised profit

The BV pays corporate tax (VPB): 19% on the first €200,000 profit, 25.8% above. But ONLY upon realisation (sale or dividend received).

Withdrawal: Box 2 levy (two brackets)

Want to withdraw money from the BV? You pay out dividend. Box 2 has two brackets: 24.5% up to €68,843 per person, and 31% above. Spread distributions to optimise tax efficiency.

Combined effective rate

VPB on profit:19%

Box 2 (1st bracket to €68,843):24,5%

Box 2 (2nd bracket above €68,843):31%

Combined: ~38.8% with spread distributions (1st bracket). The advantage lies in deferred taxation of unrealised capital gains.

The myth busted: not only for the wealthy

Common misconception

"A BV is only interesting if you have millions."

This is incorrect. The break-even analysis shows that an investment BV can be interesting from approximately €75,000–€150,000, depending on your personal situation and investment strategy.

Cost item	Amount	Frequency
Notary incorporation	€1.000-1.500	One-time
Accountant / annual accounts	€1.000-2.000	Annual
VPB tax return	€250-500	Annual
Total annual BV costs	~€1.500-2.500	Annual

At €150,000 investments and 7% return (pure capital gains) you save ~€3,780 per year on Box 3 tax. Note: dividend and interest income in the BV is still subject to 19% VPB annually.

Step by step: setting up a BV

1. Analyse your situation

Use our calculator to assess whether a BV is advantageous for you.

2. Notary appointment

The notary draws up the articles of association and incorporates the BV. Cost: €1,000-1,500.

3. Chamber of Commerce registration

Registration at the Chamber of Commerce. Directly after incorporation.

4. Business bank account

Open a bank account in the name of the BV at your bank.

5. Transfer investments

Transfer your investments into the BV. Note: this may trigger a realisation event. Get tax advice first.

6. Management & administration

Annual accounts, VPB return, dividend decisions. Your accountant handles this.

Transferring assets: how does it work?

One of the first questions when setting up a BV is: what do I do with my existing investments? You have two basic options.

Option A: transfer existing assets

You sell your investments privately and the BV repurchases them. This is a realisation event: any gains are settled at that point. Timing and tax consequences are critical and require proper tax advice.

Option B: new contributions only

Existing investments stay in Box 3. Only new savings go through the BV. Simpler with no tax settlement, but the BV builds wealth more slowly.

How does the capital transfer work?

Capital can enter the BV in two ways: as share capital (paid into shares) or as a shareholder loan (you lend money to your own BV). Both structures have tax pros and cons. Your notary and tax adviser will help determine which form best suits your situation.

Never transfer assets without tax advice. The fiscal consequences depend heavily on your personal situation, asset type, and chosen timing.