What Is Turboliquidation, and When Can I Use It to Close a Dutch Company?
Turboliquidation (turboliquidatie) is the fastest way to close a Dutch BV, but it only applies in one specific situation: the company has no remaining assets at the moment shareholders decide to dissolve it. Where that’s true, the company ceases to exist immediately upon filing the dissolution with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK), skipping the formal asset-realization and creditor-settlement process a regular liquidation requires.
The 2023 Transparency Act Changed the Rules
Since November 2023, the Temporary Act on Transparency for Turbo Liquidations has added real obligations on top of that simplicity. Directors now have 14 days from the dissolution resolution to file and publish a final balance sheet, an explanatory note on the company’s financial position, accounts covering the dissolution year, and documentation substantiating that no assets remain. These filings are public, giving creditors and authorities a clear record to scrutinize the decision against.
Director Liability Doesn’t Disappear
Speed does not mean the risk goes away. If a turboliquidation is later found to have been carried out improperly, directors carry personal exposure, and creditors or authorities can challenge the dissolution based on the very documentation that was filed to close it. Careful sequencing, clear documentation of the decision, and defensible filings reduce that exposure, but do not eliminate it. Misuse of a turboliquidation is also punishable under the Economic Offences Act and can lead to a director disqualification of up to five years.
The Rules Are Being Made Permanent
The temporary act was due to expire in November 2025, but in August 2025 the government extended it by two years, to November 2027, as a bridge rather than an end point. An evaluation found the law had “largely achieved its objectives” on transparency and creditor protection, so the State Secretary for Legal Protection has announced a bill to make the rules permanent rather than left temporary indefinitely. The same evaluation flagged that enforcement of turboliquidations still needs to improve, and that is expected to be addressed as the permanent version is drafted.
Considering Closing or Restructuring a Dutch Entity?
Contact Roel or Harold today. Let’s discuss whether turboliquidation fits your situation, or whether a different route protects your position better.