Located at the heart of Europe, the Netherlands is known for its stable, business-friendly climate and highly educated workforce. Here are five considerations to ensure success when investing there
The Netherlands’ prosperous and business-friendly economy depends heavily on foreign trade. As the eurozone’s sixth-largest economy, it has been able to attract the world’s largest multinational groups.
Consisting of a highly-skilled, multilingual workforce – at least 90% of the Dutch population are fluent in English.
The country has become a centre of excellence for life sciences and healthcare. It’s home to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as one of the world’s most concentrated life sciences and healthcare clusters.
It’s also the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products by value, behind the United States.
15 of the world’s top 20 agri-food companies – including Nestlé, AB InBev, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Heineken, Cargill and Kraft Heinz – have major production or research and development (R&D) operations in the country.
The Netherlands’ logistics infrastructure provides unparalleled access to Europe. Rotterdam is Europe’s largest seaport and the world’s 10th largest container port.
There are no restrictions on foreign investors planning to start a business in the Netherlands. Under Dutch law, they can choose from several entity options. The most common are:
All companies in the Netherlands are required to prepare annual accounts and maintain accounting records.
Annual accounts should be prepared using Dutch Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Dutch GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), depending on the entity.
It takes about three and a half days and four procedures to set up a business in the Netherlands – significantly less than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.
The Netherlands has an extensive network of some 127 bilateral tax treaties to avoid double taxation.
Several tax incentives aim to stimulate investment in energy-efficient or environmental assets.
There are also incentives for R&D activities in information technology, biotechnology and environmental technology.
The Netherlands tax regime is also favourable for profits from certain activities by seagoing vessels.
People living in the Netherlands are subject to tax on their worldwide income and wealth. Non-residents are taxed only on income derived in the country.
Dividends from Dutch companies are subject to a 15% withholding tax rate.
Employment contracts may be verbal or written, formalised in a letter signed by both parties. In either case, the employer must inform the employee in writing of their employment conditions.
Employers must deduct payroll taxes and contributions from employees’ wages and transfer them to the relevant authorities.
Under Dutch law, an employment contract must be terminated in writing.
Dutch law provides for transition budgets as compensation for terminating an employment contract. These payments help support the former employee as they look for another job.
From 1 January 2021, employers must apply for a work permit to employ non-EU/EEA nationals, including UK citizens.
Highly skilled individuals can qualify for either a Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant Visa or the EU Blue Card.
Employers in the Netherlands are forbidden from discriminating or excluding employees on the grounds of religion, beliefs, political opinions, age, race, gender, disabilities or any other ground.
The government reviews the minimum wage twice a year – on 1 January and 1 July – in line with average changes in collectively agreed wages in the country. The minimum wage is calculated on a sliding scale for employees under 21.
Despite the country’s open economy and business-friendly climate, newcomers may find the Netherlands’ tax and legal systems difficult to navigate.
Before entering the Netherlands market, foreign investors should take professional advice to understand these complex matters. That’s why working with a trusted local partner is essential.
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