By Marcel de Boer LLM, partner
The Netherlands has quietly become one of the most attractive countries in the world for international business. For North American entrepreneurs and companies—from fast-growing tech startups in Silicon Valley to established enterprises in Canada—this small yet economically influential country offers an ideal entry point into Europe and beyond. But what exactly makes the Netherlands so appealing to North American businesses? Here are some very compelling, data-backed reasons.
Situated at the crossroads of major European markets, the Netherlands is a premier logistical gateway. With the Port of Rotterdam (Europe’s largest seaport) and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (one of Europe’s top five busiest airports), goods and people move swiftly across the continent. Road, rail, and inland shipping networks seamlessly connect Dutch businesses to more than 500 million consumers within the EU. This direct and efficient access to the European market, reduces time-to-market and shipping costs, just to name a few.
One of the pleasantries of the Dutch business mentality, is that the Dutch are known for their direct, pragmatic communication and their strong adherence to contracts and timelines. This makes business interactions transparent and efficient. The World Bank ranks the Netherlands among the top 25 countries for ease of doing business. Time and resources are saved through streamlined negotiations and execution, is what the Dutch will tell you. The same is true for the Dutch government, which actively supports entrepreneurship and innovation. The Netherlands boasts one of the most competitive corporate tax environments in the EU, a wide network of tax treaties (including with the US and Canada), and R&D tax incentives such as the Innovation Box and WBSO scheme. Reading up on those pays off, just as the predictable and supportive legal and fiscal frameworks in the Netherlands promote business success.
Another strong point that adds to the ease of business in the Netherlands, is the fact that English is widely spoken, and it is often the working language in many Dutch companies, especially in international sectors such as tech, logistics, and finance. The EF English Proficiency Index consistently ranks the Netherlands in the top three worldwide (!). Every executive, professional or entrepreneur will attest that seamless communication eliminates the need to invest in translation or interpretation services. The Netherlands does offer a labor pool that is multilingual and highly skilled. Over 50% of the workforce has a tertiary degree, and many are familiar with international business standards. Enabling companies to hire globally competent professionals with minimal cultural friction, is an important factor when establishing presence across the pond.
The Netherlands has one of the fastest internet networks in the world, thanks to early investments in broadband and fiber optics. It also hosts a dense concentration of data centers, making it a prime location for digital-first companies and cloud-based operations. It offers scalability, and secure and resilient digital operations from the day you land. As do the Dutch ecosystems. From water technology to agri-food, from cleantech to biotech, the Dutch have built world-class ecosystems around sustainability and innovation. The country is a leader in circular economy practices and is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Plenty of possibilities for collaboration and funding opportunities for North American companies that are looking to build future-proof solutions.
The Netherlands is also home to a dynamic financial sector that includes traditional banks, impact investors, VCs, and EU-backed funding programs. The Dutch Financial Times recently ranked the country in the top tier for startup financing in Europe, attesting to its access to a diverse mix of capital sources, from grants to growth equity. This is another reason why innovation thrives in Dutch tech clusters such as the High Tech Campus (Eindhoven), Amsterdam Science Park, and Leiden Bio Science Park, just to name a few. These hubs bring together corporates, scale-ups, universities, and government institutions in one collaborative ecosystem. Which entrepreneur would say no to plugging directly into ready-made innovation ecosystems with international exposure.
Expats often love it here because we are a nation that has been shaped by trade and immigration, because of which the Netherlands offers a highly inclusive business environment. Gender diversity, LGBTQ+ rights, and multicultural workplaces are not only common but celebrated, offering a values-aligned environment for companies committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, the high safety index score of our great nation offers excellent public healthcare, and widespread access to international education, the Netherlands ranks among the most livable countries in the world. Major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven have thriving expat communities and startup ecosystems. Easy relocation and high retention of international talent are key here.
If this wasn’t enough already, the Netherlands is also home to globally ranked universities including Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University, Utrecht University and Wageningen University. Close partnerships between academia and industry fuel R&D initiatives, from quantum computing to food innovation to biomedical sciences and life sciences. This empowers R&D collaboration and recruitment of cutting-edge talent.
The Netherlands also ranks among the top 5 most competitive countries for e-commerce logistics in the world. Fast delivery, efficient customs clearance, and scalable warehousing make it ideal for international D2C brands. Shorter delivery times and higher customer satisfaction are the measurable outputs in this.
All in all, it is safe to state that the Netherlands showcases how a harmonized, efficient internal market, like the one seen in the U.S. across states, can boost GDP, innovation, and cross-border commerce. A 2023 report by the European Policy Centre found that reducing regulatory fragmentation across the EU could add €1 trillion to the EU GDP by 2030. If Europe followed the Dutch model of streamlined business services, tech neutrality, and digital governance, it would unlock massive intra-European growth potential. Even countering trade wars. For North American companies looking for a European base, the Netherlands offers more than just location. It offers alignment, in values, in efficiency, and in opportunity. From AI startups to consumer brands, the Dutch environment supports business expansion like few others. In short: the Netherlands isn’t just a gateway to Europe, it’s a launchpad for global success.
Thinking of expanding your business? The smart money (and talent) is already here. Let’s talk. Drop me a line at marcel@polaris.enterprises.