What is a business address provider, and when would you use one?
When you own a business, there are initially two options for obtaining a business postal address. You can work from home and give the KvK your residential address as your business registration address. Alternatively, you can buy or rent an office or other business premises. In that case, you can register the address of those premises as your company’s address.
Do you work from home and prefer to keep your residential address private? You can use what is known as a virtual office. Once you enter into an agreement, it becomes your business address provider and you can use the virtual office’s address as your company’s registration address. Your home address is then no longer visible in the public Business Register.
How does a postal address work?
When you enter into an agreement with a business address provider, your company’s address at the KvK is changed to the address supplied by the virtual office. You can have business mail sent to this address. The Dutch Tax Administration uses the information registered with the KvK as standard and will therefore automatically use this address for correspondence with your company.
To use a provider’s address, you submit an application supplying the necessary information about your business. You can only use the address to register your business after your application has been approved and your first payment has been received. You may then also use the address on your website, in correspondence and in other business communications.
You can continue working from home; you do not need to be physically present at the business registration address. Mail delivered for you is opened and scanned by a virtual office employee and forwarded to you by email, usually once a week. You can also choose to collect your mail periodically. Parcels cannot be delivered, although registered mail can be accepted.
Additional services
Larger virtual offices often offer additional services. For example, you may be able to reserve a flexible workspace. This is useful if you want to work in an office one or more days a week because it is quieter than working at home. You can often also reserve a meeting room to receive business contacts.
Virtual offices offering these services are usually in good locations, helping you make a positive first impression on clients or an investor. Workspaces include reliable Wi-Fi, and meeting rooms can be booked with additional facilities such as a projector for presentations.
Why is a business postal address useful for entrepreneurs?
As mentioned, you may prefer to keep your home address private at the KvK. This prevents clients or other business contacts from unexpectedly turning up at your home. Sometimes it is a practical choice for your personal safety, often depending on your profession. A business postal address can also help create a better impression, for example if you live in a pleasant but otherwise unremarkable residential neighbourhood.
When choosing a business address provider, it is important to compare both the rates and the services. Also check whether the company applies any exclusions when accepting clients. You presumably do not want to be associated with a disreputable business. If you want additional services such as flexible workspaces for yourself or your staff, or meeting facilities, make sure your chosen virtual office offers them.
Applying for a business postal address at MrKantoor
When you apply for a business postal address at MrKantoor, customer due diligence is carried out. You must supply the correct details, including a valid identity document and relevant information about your company. The required information depends on your legal structure and the nature of your activities. If your application is approved, you receive the address you can use for your business.
Larger providers often have several branches, usually in major cities.
For more information about customer due diligence, read our article on this subject.
You can complete the contact form directly on the website to submit your application for a business postal address at MrKantoor.
