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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

Corporate Tax Rate 25.8% (2025)

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.

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.

ESNA SNS#1: Fast Startup Creation Score 96% (2025)

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.

GDP Growth 1.4% (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.

ESNA SNS#6: Access to Finance Score 64% (2025)

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.

Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) 102,7 (2026)

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

Labour Cost €45.20/hr (2024)

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

Top Personal Income Tax Rate 49.5% (2025)

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.

Euro Health Consumer Index Score 2nd (2026)

Overall measure of national health system performance.

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

Global Cost of Living Rank 18th (2026)

Measures relative costs of goods and services.

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

Global Happiness Rank 5th (2024)

Evaluates national wellbeing and overall life satisfaction.

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.

Global Peace Index 14th (2025)

Assesses national peacefulness, safety, and security levels.

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.

Working-Age Employment Rate 82.7% (2024)

Percentage of population aged 20-64 that is employed.

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.

ESNA SNS#8: Digital First Score 48% (2025)

Measures the digital-by-default availability of key public services.

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

Annual Inflation Rate 3% (2025)

Measures the change in consumer prices over time.

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.