Doing business and investing in the Netherlands: a 2026 guide

In first conversations with companies looking at the Netherlands, three questions come up almost every time: Why the Netherlands? Do we need to set up a company? What should we expect on tax and staffing? This guide brings together short, up-to-date answers as of 2026.

Why the Netherlands?

A competitive, predictable economy. The Netherlands rose two places to 8th in IMD's 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking. It offers an open, rules-based and highly digital business environment.

A gateway to Europe. Rotterdam is Europe's largest port, and major markets such as Germany, Belgium and France are within fast logistical reach.

Established support for international investors. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) and the Invest in Holland network supported 180 foreign investment projects in 2025, expected to create around 4,400 jobs over the next three years.

A strong bridge with Türkiye. The Netherlands was the largest source of foreign direct investment into Türkiye in 2025, and the commercial and personal ties between both countries make first connections easier.

Which entry model?

You do not need a Dutch company on day one to sell in the Netherlands. The right model depends on sales volume, customer type and long-term ambition.

The BV (besloten vennootschap), the most common company form in the Netherlands, is incorporated by a civil-law notary and registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). Ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) are registered as well. In practice, one of the most time-consuming steps is often opening a business bank account, so allow time for the banks' customer due diligence.

Tax: the essentials

• Corporate income tax (2026): 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% above that.
• VAT (btw): standard rate of 21%, with reduced rates for certain goods and services.
• The 30% ruling for international employees: part of the gross salary of qualifying employees recruited from abroad can be paid tax-free. For rulings starting in 2024 or later, the percentage falls to 27% from 2027. In 2026, the minimum salary threshold is €48,013 for employees aged 30 and over, and €36,497 for employees under 30 with a master's degree.

Tax structure should not be considered separately from your entry model and group structure. Modelling it with a Dutch tax adviser before you decide is far cheaper than correcting it afterwards.

Business culture: the most underestimated factor

Market, product and price can all be right, and meetings can still go nowhere. The most common reason is a difference in business culture:

• Directness: Dutch counterparts say "no" plainly. It is a sign of efficiency, not hostility.
• Data and preparation: proposals are expected to come with figures, references and clear terms; a concrete offer beats a general presentation.
• Consensus over hierarchy: decisions often need the agreement of several people. The process can feel slow, but once a decision is made, execution is fast.
• Commitments and deadlines: keeping to agreed dates is the foundation of trust.

A short checklist for the first 90 days

1. Define your target segment and name your first 20 potential customers.
2. Choose your entry model and model its tax impact.
3. Re-test your pricing against Dutch competitors.
4. Review product documentation, certification and labelling against EU requirements.
5. Schedule first meetings with distributor or partner candidates.
6. If you are a Turkish company, check before you spend which Turkish export incentives (market research, overseas office, promotion) you can use.

Conclusion

Approached with the right preparation, the Netherlands is one of Europe's most effective starting points. What determines success is rarely the product itself, but the right entry model, the right partner and an approach that fits Dutch business culture.

This article is for general information only and is not tax or legal advice. Rates and thresholds are updated annually.