The current investment regime in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is very popular with international trading companies and the Global Tech Industry for the international and open mindset behind its financial, legal, and tax system.

When planning on doing business in the Netherlands, it is advisable to collect detailed information about the business environment, the nature and culture of the country, and the tax and legal system beforehand.

Although the Netherlands has an open economy including a flexible legal and tax system, one should be mindful of the specific characteristics when intending to do business in the Netherlands.

What makes the Netherlands so attractive? The following reasons are often mentioned.

• Situated in the heart of Europe.
• International focus and open culture.
• Presence of a highly educated and skilled workforce.   
• Knowledge society. 
• Stable political and economic environment.
• Excellent infra-structure for Tech Start-ups and Scale-ups. 
• Highly developed infrastructure.
• Excellent distribution network.
• Easy access to financial markets.
• Strong protection of intellectual property rights. 
• Situated in the heart of Europe.
• Flexible legal system.
• Attractive and flexible tax regime.  
• Sophisticated and internationally orientated service industry.
• Relatively low cost of establishment and running of a business.

Once you have decided to do business in the Netherlands or expand to the Netherlands, please educate yourself on the appropriate legal, tax, and financial structure for your business. We specialize in this.

Relevant questions you would want to answer include: 

• In what form are you planning to start your business in the Netherlands: a branch, a legal form for a company ['BV'], or a partnership?
• What rules and regulations apply to funding activities? I.e., equity, loans, or the use of hybrid instruments.
• Which management structure will be used?
• Are you planning to hire local staff? Do you intend to send out your personnel? What kind of work and residency permits apply?
• Does the Dutch business (branch/company) need to pay tax? Are special tax incentives or grants -i.e., subsidies- available?
• Is application for an advance tax ruling possible?
• Which registration - and filing requirements are mandatory for the business? 

A few questions about establishing a business in the Netherlands are now identified.

Contact us for specific and professional advice about your situation. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us at our offices, via e-mail, or by telephone at + (31) 20 570 94 40 (Amsterdam) or + (31) 10 20 10 466 (Rotterdam).