KVK vs NVWA: Which Registrations Do Home Chefs Need—and When?

Starting a home-based food business in the Netherlands means navigating an important legal landscape to ensure your venture runs smoothly and within the law. Two key organizations play a crucial role in this process: the Kamer van Koophandel (KVK) and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). Understanding their distinct responsibilities and when you need to register with each is essential for operating your home chef business legally and successfully.

The KVK is the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, where all businesses must register. Registering with the KVK officially establishes your business, providing you with a unique registration number and making you recognized as a legal entrepreneur. This step is necessary regardless of your business size or structure and is the foundation for operating any commercial activity in the Netherlands.

On the other hand, the NVWA focuses on food safety and hygiene regulations. As a home chef preparing meals for sale, you must comply with NVWA rules to ensure your food is safe and meets quality standards. This often means registering your kitchen and following strict hygiene protocols, which the NVWA monitors through inspections.

Both registrations are crucial: the KVK legitimizes your business, while the NVWA protects your customers by enforcing food safety. Starting your home-based food business with these steps in mind helps you avoid legal issues, build customer trust, and set a solid foundation for growth. Homemade supports you through this process, making legal compliance straightforward and stress-free.

What is the KVK and Why is Registration Important?

The Kamer van Koophandel (KVK), or Dutch Chamber of Commerce, is a crucial organization for anyone starting a home-based food business in the Netherlands. Registering your business with the KVK officially establishes your venture as a legal entity, most commonly as a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak). This registration is mandatory for running any business, including selling homemade meals, and it provides you with a unique business registration number and a tax identification number. These numbers are essential for issuing invoices to customers, filing your taxes correctly, and opening a business bank account to keep your personal and business finances separate.

Without registering with the KVK, your business operates illegally, which can lead to serious consequences such as fines or even forced closure. This step cannot be overlooked if you want to grow your home chef business with confidence and comply with Dutch regulations. The registration process itself is designed to be simple and accessible; many entrepreneurs complete it online through the official KVK website, while others may prefer visiting a local KVK office for in-person assistance. When registering, you will provide basic information about your business activities, contact details, and personal data.

Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive an official extract from the trade register, confirming your business status. This document is often required when dealing with suppliers, applying for permits, or collaborating with platforms like Homemade. The KVK registration also opens the door to important benefits such as access to business support, networking opportunities, and credibility with customers.

In summary, the Kamer van Koophandel registration is the foundational legal step for any home chef serious about turning their passion into a professional, sustainable food business in the Netherlands. Ensuring your business is officially registered helps you operate legally, gain trust from customers, and build a solid platform for growth. Taking the time to register properly is an investment that protects your business and allows you to focus confidently on what you love most: cooking delicious meals for your community.

What is the NVWA and Why Must You Register?

The NVWA, or Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, plays a critical role in ensuring that all food sold in the Netherlands is safe for consumption. As a home chef preparing and selling meals to customers, you are legally required to register your food business with the NVWA. This is not just a formality—it’s a necessary step that confirms your commitment to food safety and public health.

Once registered, you are expected to follow the Dutch Hygiene Code, which is a comprehensive set of rules that guide how food must be handled, stored, prepared, and labeled. These guidelines are designed to prevent contamination, ensure allergen information is clearly communicated, and promote overall cleanliness in the kitchen. Whether you're preparing meals in a professional kitchen or your home, the same standards apply. This includes using proper cleaning routines, monitoring temperatures, avoiding cross-contamination, and keeping detailed records when necessary.

The NVWA has the authority to conduct inspections of your kitchen and overall operations. These inspections ensure that all registered food businesses, including home-based ones, are adhering to the required hygiene standards. If an inspector finds issues—such as poor sanitation practices, incorrect labeling, or an unregistered operation—you could face serious consequences, ranging from fines to being shut down until improvements are made.

By registering with the NVWA and committing to their standards, you not only stay compliant with Dutch food laws but also build trust with your customers. Homemade supports its chefs with guidance on understanding hygiene requirements and maintaining a compliant kitchen setup, so you’re never alone in this process.

Ultimately, proper NVWA registration ensures you can operate your food business with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you're delivering safe, high-quality meals to your community.

When and How Should You Register?

Before you start selling any food products as a home chef in the Netherlands, it’s essential to register your business with the Kamer van Koophandel (KVK). This step is required by law and marks the official start of your business journey. Upon completing your KVK registration, you'll receive a unique business number (KVK-nummer) and a VAT identification number (btw-id), both of which are crucial for administrative tasks like issuing invoices, filing taxes, and opening a business bank account.

Once your business is registered with the KVK, the next step is to register with the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority). The NVWA is responsible for food safety in the country and ensures that all food sold to the public meets hygiene and safety standards. To register your food business with the NVWA, you’ll need something called eHerkenning—a secure digital identification tool used to access Dutch government services online. It works similarly to DigiD but is intended for business use.

With your KVK number and eHerkenning in hand, you can log in to the NVWA portal and complete the required registration. This confirms that your kitchen and food handling practices are on the NVWA’s radar and in compliance with the law. Homemade can guide you through this process and help ensure your registration is accurate and complete.

It’s important to note that your NVWA registration is not a one-time formality. If your business grows or changes—for example, if you start offering new types of meals like meat-based dishes, increase your kitchen's output, or move to a different location—you’ll need to update your registration with the NVWA. In some cases, such changes may require additional inspections to ensure your new setup still meets hygiene and safety standards.

Taking the time to correctly register with both the KVK and NVWA not only keeps your business legal—it shows your customers that you take food safety and professionalism seriously.

A Simple Timeline to Keep in Mind

Before You Start Selling

The first and most crucial step in launching your home-based food business is registering with the Kamer van Koophandel (KVK), also known as the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. This process officially establishes your business and provides you with a unique business registration number and VAT ID. You’ll likely register as a sole proprietor (eenmanszaak), which is the most common legal structure for home chefs. This registration allows you to legally invoice customers, open a business bank account, and file taxes correctly. Without KVK registration, operating a food business in the Netherlands is not legally permitted—even if you’re only cooking from home.

Within One Week After KVK Registration

Once your KVK registration is complete, the next step is to register your food business with the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority). This ensures you’re operating within the legal hygiene and food safety framework required for all food businesses in the country. To complete this step, you’ll need eHerkenning, a secure digital identification system used to access various Dutch government services online. With your eHerkenning and KVK number, you can submit your NVWA registration digitally. This step is required before you serve your first customer.

Ongoing Responsibilities

Running a compliant and successful food business doesn’t stop at registration. You must maintain proper hygiene practices at all times, following the official Hygiene Code—this includes safe food handling, clear allergen labeling, and general cleanliness. If your business changes in any way—such as expanding your menu, handling animal products, or increasing kitchen capacity—you’re required to update your NVWA registration. The NVWA may conduct inspections to ensure you continue meeting the national food safety standards, so always be ready.

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Final Thoughts: Why These Registrations Matter

Registering with both the Kamer van Koophandel (KVK) and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) isn’t just a bureaucratic requirement—it’s the legal backbone of your home food business. These registrations officially legitimize your work, allowing you to operate confidently and transparently. More than that, they signal to your customers that your meals are being prepared safely, responsibly, and in accordance with Dutch laws and hygiene standards.

Proper registration protects you as a business owner and builds trust with your community. By aligning your home kitchen with national food safety expectations, you reduce risks, avoid legal issues, and create a strong foundation for growth. This compliance ensures your business has credibility and demonstrates that you take your craft—and your customers’ health—seriously.

At Homemade, we understand that the legal side of things can feel overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. That’s why we’re committed to supporting our home chefs every step of the way. From explaining the KVK process to helping you obtain eHerkenning for NVWA registration, our team is here to guide you through each requirement. We want you to focus on what truly matters: crafting authentic, delicious, and safe meals that bring joy to your customers.

Starting your journey with the right registrations doesn’t just check a box—it sets the tone for your entire business. With the proper foundation in place, you’re ready to thrive as a trusted, legal, and successful home chef in the Netherlands.