Doing Business in the Netherlands | 2024

Economy

At the same time, the open and international nature of the Dutch economy means that it is not immune to the aforementioned international developments. Persisting supply-chain problems, labor market tightness, ongoing inflationary pressures and associated monetary measures, such as rising interest rates, are presenting an obstacle to business profitability and finance, as well as investment. At the same time, these risks are also opening up economic opportunities for innovation, in the field of sustainability for example, and for new business activities. Companies and knowledge institutions are coming together to work in these areas. The Dutch economy generally seems to be withstanding the above challenges relatively well.

Many companies, especially those operating internationally, exhibit a strong financial position, typically characterised by healthy profitability and solvency. This emphasises the Netherlands' attractive investment climate.

Fiscal climate

For several years, the Netherlands has adjusted certain apsects of its fiscal regime in line with the worldwide attempt to combat tax avoidance and undesirable use of national legislation, as well as mismatches in the fiscal treatment of income and cost deductions between countries' fiscal regimes. The Dutch government has decided as far as possible to link the fiscal benefits to the real economic activities from which the Dutch economy benefits. For instance, in recent years, the Netherlands has worked diligently to shed its reputation as a fiscal 'transfer country', by restructuring its corporation and dividend tax regime to discourage tax avoidance involving the Netherlands. This effort involves not only fiscal adjustments but also the introduction of measures aimed to increase government control and transparancy regarding the activities of these companies. Through this gradual approach, the Dutch government aims to shift focus towards the fiscal stimulation of real activity and maintaining its status as an attractive host country. 

Country and government

The Netherlands has a total population of 17.9 million inhabitants (January 2024) and is governed by a monarchy. The ministers are the people’s representatives with respect to the actions of the government. The head of state in the Netherlands does not hold political responsibility and thus cannot be held politically accountable by the parliament. Elections are held every four years, and the government typically consists of a coalition of parties, ensuring a certain degree of continuity as regards policy and business climate, from both a national and international perspective. Furthermore, the Netherlands also has 12 provinces, each with its own local authorities. The Netherlands, together with the countries of Aruba, Curacao and Sint- Maarten, form part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The islands of Bonaire, Sint-Eustatius and Saba all have a separate status and belong to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

Location

Most of the Netherlands’ major industries are situated in the country’s western regions. Notably, the Port of Rotterdam stands out as one of the biggest ports globally. The railway line known as the‘Betuweroute’ ensures fast and efficient transport from the port to the European hinterland, including Germany, Central and Eastern Europe and even China. Utrecht serves as a pivotal transportation hub, and Schiphol Airport is not only the primary airport in the Netherlands but also ranks among the world’s biggest hub-airports. Eindhoven, in the southern part of the Netherlands, is known as a ‘Brainport’ for high-tech companies. The Netherlands plays a crucial role in the functioning of key transport arteries. Amsterdam is considered as the country’s main financial centre, while The Hague is known as the legal capital of the world. Around 160 international organisations now have offices in The Hague.

Export

The country’s prime geographical location and healthy financial policy have helped to ensure that the Netherlands has grown into an important import and export nation. The country’s most important industrial activities include oil refineries, chemicals, foodstuff processing and the development of electronic products. Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, China, Great Britain, France and the United States are the country’s main import partners. All the abovementioned countries, including Italy, are also the country’s most influential export partners. However, it is important to note that trade with Russia is currently restricted by a number of international sanctions packages. Consequently, the import and export partnership with Russia has more or less halved since the war in Ukraine. At the same time, trade with the Eurasian Economic Union, which is associated with Russia, has significantly increased.

Finances

The Dutch National Bank (De Nederlandsche Bank, DNB) oversees the monetary flow within the Netherlands. One of the government’s primary objectives is to maintain price stability and consequently control inflation. Dutch banks provide a comprehensive range of financial services: some are specialised, while others offer an extremely wide range of services. Dutch banks are known for their reliability, with most financial institutions employing organisational structures designed to prevent the possibility of conflicts of interests. The general prohibition on commission further reinforces this commitment. At the same time, Dutch banks also perform a gatekeeper role in the battle to combat money laundering and prevent terrorist financing.

Right to establish a business

Foreign companies wishing to establish a shop in the Netherlands can set up the existing foreign legal entity through a representative office or establishment in the country without the necessity of converting it into a Dutch legal entity. However, they will be required to comply with both international and Dutch laws and regulations. Additionally, all foreign companies with establishments in the Netherlands must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce and remain compliant with Dutch laws and regulations.

A most competitive economy

The Netherlands is an attractive base for doing business and for investment. Its open and international outlook, well-educated workforce and strategic location are factors that contribute to this. The attractive fiscal climate and technological infrastructure create favourable propositions for international business.

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