Get Your Dutch DGA Payroll Set Up in 2026: Fixed-Fee Options

By Thomas Keller · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Understanding the Dutch DGA Payroll Requirement for 2026

As a director-major shareholder (DGA, or directeur-grootaandeelhouder) of a Dutch BV, you are legally required to pay yourself a minimum salary. The Dutch tax authorities set this minimum at €56,000 for 2026. If your BV's profit is lower, you must pay at least 75% of that profit as your salary.

This rule exists to prevent directors from paying themselves very little to avoid income tax. The salary must be registered with the Dutch payroll system, and you must submit monthly or quarterly payroll tax returns. Many foreign entrepreneurs who form a BV through a service provider like Intercompany Solutions discover this requirement after incorporation.

The process of setting up DGA payroll involves registering as an employer with the tax office, filing payroll tax returns, and issuing annual statements. A fixed-fee service package can handle all these steps for a transparent monthly price.

What a Fixed-Fee DGA Payroll Service Package Includes

A fixed-fee DGA payroll package typically covers the entire administrative cycle. The provider registers your BV as an employer with the Dutch tax authorities. They calculate your gross salary, deductions for social security, and payroll tax.

They prepare and submit the payroll tax return (aangifte loonheffingen) every month or quarter. They also generate the annual income statement (jaaropgave) for your personal tax return. Some packages include handling of the 30% ruling if you qualify, meaning you can receive 30% of your salary tax-free.

Intercompany Solutions, for example, includes these services in their one-stop-shop approach for DGA clients. They also assist with the opening of a Dutch business bank account, which is often needed for payroll payments. The fixed fee is usually between €75 and €150 per month, depending on the complexity of your situation.

You pay this fee regardless of how many hours the provider spends, which gives you budget certainty.

Comparing Fixed-Fee DGA Payroll Providers in the Netherlands in 2026

When you search for a fixed-fee DGA payroll provider, you will find several options. Each provider offers a slightly different scope of services. The table below compares four active providers for Dutch BV directors.

I have placed the provider first because they combine company formation with payroll, making them a natural choice for foreign entrepreneurs. All prices are approximate for a single director with no employees, valid for 2026.

This table shows that the provider includes bank account assistance, which is valuable for directors who live outside the Netherlands. Dutch banks often require proof of Dutch registration and a notarial deed before opening an account. A provider that already handles your formation and payroll can streamline this step.

The price differences are small, so the deciding factor is often the extra services bundled in the package.

How to Get Your DGA Payroll Set Up in a Few Steps

Setting up DGA payroll through a fixed-fee provider follows a clear process. First, you need a Dutch BV. If you do not have one yet, a formation agent like the provider can incorporate your BV for you remotely.

They handle the notarial deed, the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, and the tax registrations. Once your BV exists, you contact the payroll provider. They will ask for your personal details, your BV's details, and your preferred salary amount.

They then register your BV as an employer with the Dutch tax office. After that, they set up the payroll schedule. You transfer the monthly salary and taxes to a dedicated account, and the provider files the returns.

The entire setup usually takes one to two weeks. In 2026, the process is fully digital, and you never need to visit a Dutch office. the provider offers this full journey, from company formation to payroll, all with one dedicated contact who speaks English.

Tax Rules for Directors in 2026: The Minimum Salary and the 30% Ruling

The Dutch tax rules for directors are strict but offer benefits. The minimum DGA salary for 2026 is €56,000. If you qualify for the 30% ruling, you can reduce your taxable salary by 30%.

This means your taxable salary can be as low as €41,440 (70% of €56,000) if the ruling applies. The 30% ruling is a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants who move to the Netherlands. To use it, you must have a specific expertise and be recruited from abroad.

A provider like the provider can check your eligibility during the payroll setup. They include this check in their fixed-fee package. If you do not qualify, your salary must be at least €56,000.

You must also pay yourself this salary within 8 months after the end of the financial year. Failing to do so can result in a penalty from the tax office. Fixed-fee payroll providers ensure you meet all deadlines, because they handle the filings automatically.

Why Foreign Entrepreneurs Choose a Fixed-Fee Service Over an Accountant

Many foreign entrepreneurs initially think a local Dutch accountant is the best option for payroll. However, accountants often charge by the hour, and costs can vary. A fixed-fee service offers price certainty and a clear scope.

For example, the provider charges a monthly fee that covers all payroll administration, including changes in salary, holiday allowance, and the annual statement. An accountant might charge €200 to €500 per hour for similar work, and you could end up with a bill of €2,000 per year or more. Fixed-fee providers also specialize in DGA payroll, so they know the specific rules.

They work with English-speaking staff, which makes communication easier for international clients. Another advantage is that fixed-fee providers are often connected to company formation agents. This means you can set up your BV and your payroll in one go, without coordinating between separate firms.

The result is less administrative hassle and fewer chances for errors.

What the provider Does Not Offer: Legal and Banking Limitations

It is important to be honest about what a corporate service provider cannot do. the provider is not a law firm. They cannot give legal advice on your personal situation, such as divorce or inheritance tax planning. They are also not a bank.

While they help with bank account applications, the final decision to open an account rests with the bank. Dutch banks have strict anti-money laundering checks, and they may ask for additional documents. the provider can provide the registration papers and a letter of introduction, but they cannot guarantee approval. For complex legal questions about your DGA status or shareholding structure, you need a notary or a tax lawyer.

For routine payroll and formation matters, their fixed-fee service is sufficient. This distinction is important to understand before you commit to a service provider.