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Market note · For tech companies
The Netherlands
A practical guide for tech companies using the Netherlands as their entry point to Europe.
#1in the world for English as a second language
Source: EF EPI 2025
19%corporate income tax on profit up to €200,000 (25.8% above)
Source: KVK, tax rates 2026
Largestport in Europe, in Rotterdam
Source: Port of Rotterdam
1 yearstartup residence permit, with a recognised facilitator
Source: business.gov.nl
01
Why the Netherlands
- Access to the EU marketPort, airport and road links make it a natural base for serving the rest of Europe.
- Business in EnglishContracts, meetings and hiring work in English, so there is no translation step to start selling.
- Corporates open to startupsLarge companies run open innovation programs and are used to piloting with foreign scale-ups.
Source: Invest in Holland · EF EPI 2025
02
Priority sectors
SectorMain hubWho to know
Agrifood and food technologyWageningenWageningen University & Research
Semiconductors, high tech and deep techEindhovenBrainport Eindhoven
Energy, logistics and maritimeRotterdamPort of Rotterdam
Fintech, SaaS and creative industriesAmsterdamamsterdam inbusiness
Security and public sector innovationThe Hague and DelftThe Hague Security Delta
Source: Invest in Holland
03
How companies enter
- Step 1Soft landingA first stay with booked meetings to test interest and meet partners.
- Step 2PilotA paid pilot with a local client or partner, often still billed from home.
- Step 3Local companyA Dutch BV, set up through a notary and registered at KVK, once there is revenue or a team to hire.
Founders from outside the EU can apply for the startup residence permit through a facilitator recognised by RVO.
Source: business.gov.nl · KVK
04
Costs to plan for
- Company setup through a notary and registration at KVK
- Accounting and tax filings
- Office or coworking space
- Salaries and housing, higher in Amsterdam than in Rotterdam, The Hague or Eindhoven
Source: KVK, tax rates 2026 · business.gov.nl
05
Who can help
RVO ↗Netherlands Enterprise Agency: programs, subsidies and the startup permitInvest in Holland ↗Free, confidential support for foreign companies setting up in the countryInnovationQuarter ↗Regional development agency for South Holland (Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft)Techleap ↗National program for tech scale-upsNBSO offices ↗Dutch business support offices abroadKVK ↗Chamber of Commerce: company registration and rules for business
06 · How uGlobally can help
Plan your entry with Orbis
Orbis, our internationalization platform, checks if your company is ready, compares the Netherlands with other markets for your case and builds your entry plan, with the partners, potential clients and events to start with.
Rules, rates and costs change often, so check the current conditions with the sources above before you plan around them.
Considering the Netherlands?
Tell us about your plans in a short form.
We reply within two working days.