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): 15% on the first €200,000 profit, 25.8% above. But ONLY upon realisation (sale or dividend received).
Withdrawal: 24.5% Box 2 levy
Want to withdraw money from the BV? You pay out dividend. Over this you pay 24.5% Box 2 tax.
Combined effective rate
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, you save ~€3,780 per year on Box 3 tax on unrealised gains. The BV pays for itself.
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.
Important considerations
Ideal for
- Buy-and-hold investors
- ETF investors with long horizon
- Investors with growing asset base
- Fiscal partners (split income)
Less suitable for
- Active traders (VPB negates advantage)
- Small assets (<€50k)
- Short investment horizon (<5 years)
- People without accountant/admin knowledge