Netherlands

Netherlands offers a unique blend of innovation, quality of life, and economic opportunity within the European Union.

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Amsterdam

Sources: DG for Communication

Euro (€)

Sources: DG for Communication

Dutch

Sources: DG for Communication

18M

Sources: Eurostat

25.8% Corporate Tax

A lower 19% rate applies to the first €200,000 of profit.

The Netherlands offers a competitive two-tiered corporate tax system, with a 19% rate for smaller profits to support SMEs and a 25.8% standard rate.

4th in Tax Competitiveness

International Tax Competitiveness Index 2023.

Ranked 4th globally, the Netherlands' tax system is highly competitive and efficient, featuring broad tax treaties and incentives that make it a premier business destination.

R&D Tax Credit (WBSO)

A wage tax deduction for R&D activities.

The Netherlands actively promotes innovation through the WBSO scheme, which provides companies with a significant tax credit to lower the wage costs of R&D employees.

90% Achievement on SNS #1: Fast Startup Score

Efficiency of starting a business and administrative support.

With a top score for startup efficiency, the Netherlands provides a fast, digital, and highly supportive environment for entrepreneurs to launch their companies.

1.7% GDP Growth in 2025

Annual real GDP growth rate forecast.

The highly advanced and open Dutch economy is projected to grow steadily, driven by strong international trade, innovation, and a robust domestic market.

90% on SNS #6: Access to Finance Score

Availability of public and private funding for startups.

Home to a mature and dynamic startup ecosystem, the Netherlands offers excellent access to a deep pool of venture capital and diverse funding sources.

40th on Ease of Doing Business Ranking

The Netherlands is recognized for its business-friendly climate, ranking particularly high for its efficiency in cross-border trade and dealing with insolvency.

High labour costs in the Netherlands correspond to a highly productive, educated, and multilingual workforce, delivering significant value to the economy.

49.5% Top Personal Income Tax Rate

Progressive rates start at 35.82% and rise to 49.5%.

The Dutch progressive personal tax system funds the country's excellent public services, infrastructure, and comprehensive social security network.

With the second-best healthcare system in Europe, the Netherlands provides world-class medical care, ensuring excellent health outcomes and accessibility for all residents.

The Netherlands offers a high quality of life where competitive salaries and excellent public services balance a higher cost of living.

Consistently ranked among the top 5 happiest countries, the Netherlands' high life satisfaction is driven by strong social connections, personal freedom, and great work-life balance.

The Netherlands is one of the world's safest and most peaceful countries, with a stable society, low crime rates, and a strong respect for the rule of law.

With one of the highest employment rates in the world, the Netherlands has a flexible, highly skilled, and multilingual workforce in a thriving job market.

The Netherlands is a European leader in e-government, providing comprehensive, efficient, and user-friendly digital services for all citizens and businesses.

With inflation normalizing to stable levels, the Dutch economy provides a predictable financial climate that fosters consumer confidence and business investment.

The Netherlands has embassies and consulates worldwide that offer visa services and assistance to its citizens abroad. A current list of these missions is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

An EU citizen may enter in The Netherlands on the basis of a valid travel document or another valid document confirming his/her identity and citizenship.

The Netherlands is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) in stages from 12 October 2025. This system has been designed for non-EU nationals visiting Europe for short stays. Their entries and exits will be registered electronically.