The open economy in the Netherlands welcomes international entrepreneurs. The Dutch market is constantly growing and offers plenty of trade opportunities in all economic sectors.

Why invest in the Netherlands

Although small, the Netherlands is a wealthy country and its business climate allows companies to check the feasibility of their products before exporting them worldwide. Most Dutch people speak English well and welcome new products and ideas. This is why Holland is often perceived as a gateway to the European continent.

In Holland, the government supports the development of innovative products by offering companies different grants, tax benefits and innovation credits. The European Union also has several innovation-related grant schemes.

The government works closely with universities, research centres and the private sector, establishing top consortia for innovation and knowledge. This alliance works to place innovative services and products on the national market. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy also provides an incentive for entrepreneurs who wish to investments in research.

The Netherlands Foreign Investment agency has released a report on foreign investment in the Netherlands over 2017, and 2018.

Investment opportunities by sector

Agriculture and food

This is a thriving Dutch sector that includes both manufacturing and farming.

Read here on the Dutch agriculture and food sector.

Haulage / Logistics

The sectors of export and import are major for the Dutch economy. The businesses involved in international trade require logistic support and present various possibilities.

Read here on the Dutch logistics sector.

Innovative high-technology products

Holland is famous for its innovative inventions, e.g. Wi-fi, Bluetooth and Compact Discs. The Dutch government offers financial support to innovative enterprises. It also assists businesses to quickly place their innovative services and products on the market.

Read here on the Dutch high tech industry.

Propagation materials and horticulture

The sector of horticulture is leading on the global market of plants, bulbs, reproductive material and flowers.

Read here on the Dutch horticulture industry.

Health and life science

Holland has excellent infrastructure to facilitate clinical research, measures for tax support, strategic location and good business climate. It provides companies working in the field of life science with a gateway to the market of Europe. The environment of the sector is great for business acceleration and expansion.

Read here on the Dutch life sciences and health sector.

Chemicals, gas and petroleum products

The Dutch chemical sector brings huge profits. The port of Rotterdam, the country’s developed infrastructure, the local knowledge institutions and the qualified labour force offer outstanding opportunities to international businesses.

Read here on the Dutch chemical industry.

The creative industry

The creative industries in Holland are internationally recognized and have a particularly good reputation with respect to architecture, interior design, fashion and gaming.

Read here on the Dutch creative industries.

The life expectancy in the Netherlands is approximately 81 years. Studies also show that the country has the happiest children and the tallest population worldwide. The national healthcare system established 150 years ago is easily accessible and recognized all over the world. With good collaboration between the industries and scientific institutions, dedicated clusters and robust links between research, business creation and production, the national sector of Health and Life Sciences maintains its competitiveness in the world industry.

If you would like to establish a company in the Life Sciences and Health sector, please do not hesitate to contact our incorporation agents. They will be happy to give you more information and legal consultancy.

Combined solutions from scientific research to patients

The characteristic Dutch approach to creativity and collaboration and the readiness for cooperation in the name of greater goals has led the Netherlands to its top ranking in open innovation and private-public research. The success of the sector of Life Sciences and Health stems from the close collaboration and sharing of knowledge between research institutions and companies with full governmental support. This model linking research, innovation, knowledge and production generates affordable, sustainable and robust solutions to set global standards. The Dutch multidisciplinary approach yields superior expertise and knowledge in the area of healthcare, linking science to patients, and frequently leads to the adoption of comprehensive, combined solutions. The innovative services and products in fields like medical equipment and remote care, and the collaboration of Medtech and Pharma in the area of diagnostics provide solutions for many contemporary health care challenges faced worldwide.

Five advantages of the sector of Health and Life Sciences in the Netherlands

Impressive historical contributions

Holland has made remarkable contributions to medical science:

• In 1590, the Jansen brothers, Zacharias and Hans, invented the first compound microscope;
• Antonie Philips van Leeuwenhoek (born 1632, died 1723) is commonly referred to as the founding father of Microbiology;
• In 1658, the Dutch biologist and microscopist Jan Swammerdam observed and described erythrocytes;
• Willem Einthoven invented the electrocardiogram which earned him the 1924 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine;
• In 1943, Willem Johan Kolff, considered among the most distinguished 20^th century physicians, developed the first prototype dialyzer and contributed to many pioneering achievements, including the first artificial heart and functioning heart-lung machines.

Cooperation, collaboration and building of coalitions

Holland maintains its position as a key global player in Health and Life Sciences with significant technological achievements in the fields of health infrastructure and medical technology, biomaterials (coatings for medical equipment), regenerative medicine, veterinary and human vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, medical informatics and molecular imaging. The success of the sector lays in the cooperation, collaboration and building of coalitions between research institutions, universities, businesses and the government that link research to business creation and production.

Turnkey projects

The Dutch expertise in the infrastructure of healthcare is represented by turnkey projects: local companies have the ability to simultaneously cover the aspects of medical equipment, waste management, design, engineering, financing, etc., with special attention to “healing environments” and energy efficiency.

Health and Life Sciences is among the leading industries in the national economy and is given first priority by the Ministry of Economy. The sector achieves its success by uniting partners and joining forces along the (value) chain of prevention, cure and care.

The Dutch programme in the field of genomics

The Netherlands has a national programme for genomics and three substantial private-public programmes connected to Regenerative Medicine, Pharmacotherapy and Translational and Molecular Medicine worth over a billion Euros. Within the framework of these programmes large industrial partners and small/medium enterprises cooperate with the 8 medical faculties (the faculties of medical technology of the 3 Technical Universities and the university hospitals) on projects for research and development with direct contributions to clinical practice. The programmes finished in 2012/2013, but their initiatives are still progressing.

Quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare

The national health care services offer quality, accessibility and affordability for all. Many countries use Holland to illustrate how health care quality can be provided with the maintenance of a reasonable cost level. As regards future perspectives, Holland is directing its efforts towards eHealth (online prevention and therapy, telemedicine).

Historically, The Netherlands has been known as a European trade centre and as the maritime link between the Old Continent and North and South America, Asia, and Africa. In order to maintain its status, the country has been working to achieve an even better, friendlier business climate and attract international investors. The efforts are paying off, as currently Holland is the EU base of 2100+ companies from North America, and counting. Why is Holland such an attractive country for doing business? The reasons are many and one of them is the tax system, offering various incentives.

The 10 advantages of the Dutch tax system:

1. The law in the Netherlands provides reductions of the withholding tax on dividends, royalties and interests paid to local companies and excludes from taxation the majority of capital gains obtained from share sales in source jurisdictions.
2. Holland’s investment treaty network is among the most extensive in the world. It includes 96 jurisdictions and Dutch limited liability companies have access to it. The network protects investors from expropriation and guarantees that they will be treated in the same way as domestic or third country investors. In any corporate structure, a Dutch entity can provide protection from foreign government interventions through clauses for settlement of disputes that allow international arbitration using the Dutch judicial system.
3. EU Directives provide a reduction of withholding tax on transactions between related firms.
4. Full tax exemption for income coming from foreign subsidiaries that meet the regulatory requirements. The so-called participation exemption allows tax waiver for eligible capital gains and dividends if a local holding owns at least five percent interest and meets one of two requirements:
   a) The subsidiary’s consolidated assets include <50 percent low-taxed passive investments.
   b) By making investments in the respective subsidiary, the company aims to get a return, greater than the anticipated from the regular management of assets.
   The subsidiary has to pay realistic taxes in accordance with Dutch standards (no less than 10 percent). The law also provides a tax exemption for income, coming from international permanent offices of Dutch companies and tax-effective profit repatriation.
5. Special tax regime for innovation where profits from qualifying intangible assets are taxed at a rate of 5 percent.
6. IP arrangements and financing (inclusive of hybrid debt) without retentions on royalty payments, interest and services, even if paid to a tax haven.
7. Support for Dutch holdings establishing businesses on the territory of the EU.
8. Deferred taxes for corporate restructuring.
9. Option to establish a consolidated group/fiscal unity (if particular requirements are met for direct subsidiaries of companies incorporated in the Netherlands) allowing consolidated taxation.
10. Possibility to defer taxes on gains from conversion or sale of intangible or tangible business assets, excluding passive investments.

Are you looking for tax advantages and exclusive benefits with respect to tax planning? The Dutch entities have plenty to offer. Furthermore, Holland is becoming an attractive jurisdiction for holdings. Learn about the opportunities the country offers by contacting our specialists in incorporation.

The Dutch economy is prosperous, advanced and open for international investments. Holland is also among the oldest and most trustworthy business partners of the United States. The historical roots of this relationship can be traced to the Revolutionary War.

The tax system in the Netherlands offers incentives to encourage business and innovation activities. The favourable business climate does not bring benefits only to Dutch entrepreneurs. Holland is open to international investments and has become the home of many skilled foreign workers. It also hosts the European headquarters of many USA corporations, including UPS and Coca-Cola.

The European gateway for trade

The Netherlands is very dependent on international markets, as more than 50% of its annual GDP comes from trade with foreign partners. The country is in the global top 10 for export: a big achievement for its modest size. US companies setting up offices in Holland can make the most of the advantages offered by its strategic location. They can use and service the markets of the EU, Eastern and Central Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Nevertheless, about 65 percent of all Dutch exports head to only 5 countries: the US, Great Britain, France, Germany and Belgium. On one hand, this is excellent for American companies aiming to develop business relationships. On the other hand, it is a limiting factor for business owners planning to operate on a bigger multinational scale.

Holland often serves as a hub for companies. A significant percentage of the imports (e.g. computers) are re-exported straight away without being processed. Every year millions of tons of North American and Asian goods arrive at Amsterdam and Rotterdam for distribution elsewhere on the continent.

Read more on import-export trade in the Netherlands

Opportunities for business

Some world-famous Dutch companies do quite well on their domestic market: from ING and Shell to Heineken, Unilever and Philips. Nevertheless, this should not deter you from investing in Holland, especially if your business is in the industry of services.

In the past several years the demands for services have increased and they have quickly become the largest sector of the Dutch economy, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the GDP. Trade is the largest industry in the sector, followed by telecommunications, construction, transport, insurance, banking and different financial services. According to experts, significant growth is expected in the field of communications and information technologies. This is not surprising, as Holland is among the most “connected” countries with respect to e-commerce, outsourcing and communications.

Labour relationships

Holland’s stability is reflected in its employment sector. Any American company intending to develop a business and hire personnel should be prepared for interactions with works councils and trade unions. Bargaining is typical for Dutch people and the trade unions have strong relationships with the government and employers’ organisations.

Forget about at-will employment. Once you hire staff on permanent contracts, you need to pay attention to their workers’ rights and follow the employment regulation. As a Member State of the European Union, the Netherlands follows the European regulatory framework, including the Directive on working time. It limits the working hours of employees to 48 a week, on average. However, individuals may voluntarily agree to longer working hours and opt out of this right. American companies with operating businesses in Holland should seek consultancy to make sure that the relationships with their employees are arranged in compliance with the regulations from the start.

Business culture in the Netherlands

According to some, the Dutch approach to business is completely different from the American, but that is an overgeneralized statement and stereotyping. Holland and the USA would not have been traditional partners if they did not work together well! Nevertheless, Americans should take into account some peculiarities when doing business with Dutch companies.

The Dutch people are honest, direct, serious and very straightforward. Sometimes this could be perceived as harshness and lack of care. Be specific and concise in your business interactions. Dutch go straight to business matters without much socialising. Handshakes always have a purpose. They do not make empty promises and expect the same from you. If you say that you will do something, even if it is small and inconsequential, you will be expected to complete the task. When negotiating, any hint of deception, evasiveness or secrecy can ruin the deal, because trust is fundamental to the prosperity of working relationships in Holland.

Establishing a business in Holland

According to the business index of the World Bank, Holland is 32^nd in the world. The standard legal form for new companies is the BV (Besloten Venootschap) also known as a private company with limited liability. There are no minimum capital requirements and it takes three days to incorporate your business.

It is not surprising that Holland is among the leaders in international trade. The country is perceived by many as the Gateway to Europe, opening a world of new possibilities.

Call our local specialists who will help you with registering a company in the Netherlands and give you legal advice for a smooth start.

The creative industry of the Netherlands is gaining international recognition and is famous for its achievements in the fields of interior design, architecture, gaming and fashion. Creative companies work on the development of exciting new services, products, systems, strategies, work methods and ideas. They have the ability to consider complex issues in new, refreshing ways. As a result, creative businesses develop superior innovations of popular and controversial services and products.

If you are interested in starting a business in the Dutch creative industries, do not hesitate to contact our Dutch incorporation agents. They will provide you with more information and support on starting a new business and investing in the Netherlands.

The Dutch are not afraid of risks and unpredictable projects

The creative industries in the Netherlands embrace a quirky mentality whereby they welcome risks, rather than always count on safe choices. They go ahead with creative processes whose outcomes are difficult to predict. This has much to do with the creative thinking necessary to conceive, design and build applicable large-scale solutions for life in a region vulnerable to flooding. Dutch engineers, designers and architects are very talented and able to develop solutions in various fields, such as water security and urbanization. The creative industries are flexible: they use unconventional approaches, often collaborate in different areas and make important contributions in the search for solutions of societal issues, e.g. in the field of energy, safety and healthcare. They also catalyze the innovation processes in all sectors of the industry. Creative innovation can bring added value to various projects or products, regardless of the branch they come from.

Five astonishing facts about the creative industry in the Netherlands

Combining business and creativity

For hundreds of years, the creativity of the Dutch people has informed and inspired. The genius of Van Gogh and Rembrandt transformed our ways of perception. Contemporary Dutch masters include world-famous talents like the designers Viktor and Rolf, the illustrator and artist Dick Bruna and the architect Lucas “Rem” Koolhaas. They are prime examples of the strong sides of the signature Dutch design: pragmatism, open-mindedness, conceptuality, unconventional thinking and following the principles of minimalism. Dutch design embodies creativity, innovation and business intuition. It is a proof that creative thinking can bring business innovation, good competition and prosperity.

Pioneering in a variety of areas with national and global examples

Holland is famous with its pioneering design, architecture, television, music, fashion and gaming.

Rotterdam is a centre of urban design and architecture. Eindhoven is the technological centre of the Netherlands. Time Magazine dubbed its Design Academy, “The School of Cool”. Delft offers the oldest and largest academic industrial design program. Utrecht is proud with its Gaming Institute. The capital, Amsterdam is a multicultural centre of interactive design, fashion and communication and the ArtEZ Arts Institute in Arnhem is famous with its own Fashion Biennale. Many fashion designers enjoying international success are among its alumni.

Long-standing traditions in interior design

Holland has long-lived traditions in interior design. Gerrit Rietveld is a prime example with his furniture designs. One of the strengths of the Dutch school of design is visual communication and typography in particular. Famous examples are the design and signs at main airports like Schiphol in Amsterdam and JFK in New York.

Prestigious architecture worldwide

Architects from Holland have worked on a variety of prestigious projects, such as the Solomon Guggenheim Museum (Las Vegas), Governors Island (New York), the headquarters of Gazprom (Russia), the Public Library in Seattle and the Dalian Stadium (China). Holland is recognized for its characteristic integrated method of approach to building projects and urban development. Architectonic design is complemented by spatial design, while the social context and sustainability of the structures are also considered.

Original and popular television formats and an active industry for Online Gaming

Dutch television producers have occupied important positions in many global channels with their original formats. These include Big Brother, Idols, The Voice, So You Wanna be a Popstar and Hunt for Millions.

A main advantage of the gaming industry is the extensive adoption of mobile technologies and broadband (second highest internet broadband penetration rate in the world). Holland’s game market is among the most dynamic in Europe and accounts for 35% of the total spending. Holland is also a leader with respect to serious gaming, producing applications for industries, businesses and for educational purposes. The country is also pioneering in the field of popular dance events and dance music.

Rotterdam offers international corporations a rewarding, internationally oriented and stable business climate. The second biggest city in the Netherland is more than a good choice for establishing a business. Rotterdam offers great quality for your money and represents a gateway to the European market.

The Netherlands is internationally oriented

Holland is an internationally oriented European country. People of any nationality are welcome to work and live here. Rotterdam hosts more than 170 nationalities (> 30 000 immigrants) that give it a cosmopolitan, global personality.

Most Dutch nationals are bilingual and the majority of them speak English, besides their native language. The local economy, which is very dependent on trade with other countries, is famous for its relatively low rates of unemployment and inflation, and its stability. Holland also offers a highly qualified, strong labour force. All these factors contribute to its attractiveness for investors and entrepreneurs.

Rotterdam is a European gateway

Holland and particularly Rotterdam are known as the gateway to the European continent and represent a major transport hub. Companies located in the city of Rotterdam can reach more than 150M consumers in a radius of 500 kilometres.

Rotterdam is easily accessible by all means of transportation: via its port, the Maas River, railroads, roads and air. In this respect, it has the best connectivity in the whole of Europe. The airport in The Hague connects it to over 40 destinations abroad, while Amsterdam’s airport, Schiphol, is 30 minutes away by train. The port of Rotterdam is the largest in Europe (8^th largest worldwide).

The city also performs well in major business sectors, e.g. Agriculture and Food, Offshore and Maritime, Health and Sciences, Clean Energy and Technology, Business Services (e.g. Insurance), Gas and Oil, and Chemicals.

Innovation is ever present in the culture of Rotterdam

The favourable entrepreneurial climate of the city attracts venture capitalists, innovators and start-ups. There is a variety of programmes and centres for development of innovations focused on supporting new and expanding businesses in fulfilling their potential. The main trends of development are aimed at finding solutions for global issues such as food and energy shortage and overpopulation. Popular themes are circularity, sustainability, new economy and smart technologies. The Innovation Ecosystem of Rotterdam is a network of representatives of the national government, different corporations, research institutions, financers and service providers that collaborate actively to deliver new services, products and technologies and, ultimately, bring forward the economy of Rotterdam.

The Netherlands has an attractive tax regime

The Netherlands has an attractive fiscal climate for new businesses. The government has adopted a competitive taxation regime to stimulate entrepreneurs and foreign investors. The rate of corporate tax is lower compared to other countries in Europe and there are incentives bringing benefits to international companies that have chosen to register their businesses in the country. Incentives include programmes for development and research (WBSO, RDA) and many subsidy schemes financed by private and public organizations to support medical research. One of the most important incentives for foreign corporations is the advance tax ruling system (ATR) with respect to proposed transactions adopted by the local tax authorities. The country has also concluded numerous international treaties for the avoidance of double taxation. All these factors contribute to the attractive image of the Netherlands in the eyes of foreign companies.

Low costs for operating a business

Rotterdam is an attractive city for investing and doing business. KMPG’s ranking of major world cities, a part of the guide on Competitive Alternatives for 2016, places Rotterdam 7^th (the European city with highest ranking), while Holland 3rd in the countries’ ranking. The Competitive Alternatives guide is issued biannually and compares the costs of businesses at different locations worldwide, covering ten countries and over 130 cities. It focuses mainly on the costs of international businesses by location and type of operations. Apart from the overview of the expenses for doing business, the report contains important information about other factors influencing the attractiveness of the studied locations, namely: quality and availability of labour force, infrastructure, markets, economic conditions, legislation, personal living costs and general well-being.

Top international schools and knowledge institutions

The region of Rotterdam hosts world-famous universities and research institutions, including Erasmus University and Medical Centre, Rotterdam School of Management, Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) at Rotterdam UAS, Codarts and TU Delft. Erasmus University, named after the theologian and humanist born in Rotterdam, maintains a position in top 100 in the most popular international university rankings, including Reuters’ ranking for innovative universities for 2018 where it scored 56th. Besides prestigious institutions for high education, the city hosts several renowned schools for secondary and primary education.

Qualified labour force

The city has a very productive, highly skilled labour force. The main factors that contribute to the availability of qualified professionals are the openness of the country for international businesses, including its good fiscal climate, the top-class educational institutions in the region of Rotterdam and the outstanding performance of the city in major business sectors. Holland is placed second in Europe for talent availability.

A wonderful place to work and live

Along with its competitiveness as a place for doing business, Rotterdam is an excellent city to live in: welcoming, friendly and open-minded. It already has citizens from all around the world. International workers and expats will feel at home in the dynamic metropolis. Rotterdam is rife with possibilities and areas for exploration. The Netherlands’ architectural capital is safe, accessible and offers all types of accommodation covering a wide price range.

In case you are interested in starting a business in Rotterdam, please do not hesitate to contact our incorporation agents. They will provide you with more information and legal advice. You can also read more in our in-depth guide.

Last October the government of the Netherlands released a document announcing its future plans. The paper was finalized after a negotiation of more than 200 days. The document promises changes in various aspects of society. They include additional police funding and improvements of counterterrorism and cyber security. The government also envisages reforms in the labour market concerning sick leave, procedures for dismissal, rules for paternity leave and minimum wages. It plans to adopt a new system for pensions and amend the rules for child benefits. The paper also includes schemes on climate change, immigration, education and housing.

The 30 percent reimbursement ruling

The plans of the government specifically related to foreign employees concern changes to the thirty percent rule in the framework of envisaged tax reforms.

The 30 percent reimbursement ruling gives tax advantages to highly skilled foreign employees in the country, allowing them to receive 30 percent of their wages free of tax. Therefore such employees pay tax on seventy percent of their income. The rule is a form of reimbursement of the expenses migrants make for their relocation to the country, including housing, travel and visas. This tax advantage is a method to attract highly qualified international workers and fill existing expertise gaps in Holland. Currently foreign employees can claim the advantage for 8 years, even though it has been estimated that only about 80 percent of them actually benefit from it.

Last October the government made an announcement that soon the maximum period of the 30 percent ruling will be reduced from 8 to 5 years. The change will apply to newcomers and employees that are already using the advantage.

Read more on the 30 percent reimbursement ruling in our FAQ.

A petition signed by 30 000 people

Until now approximately 30 000 have supported a petition asking the government of the Netherlands to keep the old rule for employees who have already moved to the country and currently benefit from the advantage.

People have created Facebook groups to highlight and discuss the issue and have launched a campaign to raise money to fight in court the decision of the government. They say that they recognize the government’s authority to change the policy for future foreign employees as appropriate, but the amendments should not apply to current expats who have already moved to the Netherlands with the assumption that they will be entitled to 8 – 10 years with reduced taxes.

The decision to limit the 30 percent ruling term for existing claimants without a period of transition has raised much concern among expats. Employers of international workers are also worried about the repercussions of the proposed change.

Many lawyers specializing in taxation have been contacted by people with concerns about the ruling’s implications.

The 60 000 foreign workers in the Netherlands meeting the strict requirements on income will face significant financial consequences. If, for example, an expat is earning 60 000 Euros a year, then he/she will have to pay approximately 8000 Euros more in taxes. This considerable drop in personal income will inevitably make the country less attractive for foreign professionals. Many other countries worldwide welcome skilled employees, so people willing to work abroad will likely choose other locations. To counter this trend, Dutch employers will have to offer much more attractive packages for relocation and better salaries.

International workers in the Netherlands have already voiced their concerns by lodging complaints and donating money to the campaign for challenging the decision. A person who has arrived in Holland last year commented on the page that he has recently bought a flat, taking a thirty-year mortgage. He feels cheated by the government that decided to change the rules retroactively and considers this practice dishonest.

You can find more information on the campaign at: https://www.gofundme.com/expatfund or hashtag #aDEALisaDEAL

Intercompany Solutions offers comprehensive financial advisory services to expats who live and work abroad. Regardless of your situation, we will help you see your finances clearly and prepare yourself for the future.

In 2017 a total of 143 international companies opened offices in Amsterdam’s urban area. The city remains a popular choice for foreign companies planning to develop their businesses in Europe. It is estimated that for the next 3 years these corporations will create 2700+ jobs.

Amsterdam offers thousands of jobs

In 2017 the expansion of already established foreign businesses resulted in the opening of 4100 new job positions. The European Agency of Medicines also made an announcement that it is moving its central office to Amsterdam. The Agency’s headquarters are currently located in London and need to be relocated because of Brexit.

According to alderman Udo Kock, Amsterdam is a stable competitive location for foreign start-ups and businesses due to its convenient placement in the heart of Europe, its outstanding logistic networks, its data hub function and its attractiveness to skilled professionals. The city’s top ranking has led to the opening of many new jobs in the region: a total of 6500 in 2017, excluding the positions to be opened after the move of the European Agency of Medicines. Amsterdam, however, should not take the presence of foreign businesses for granted. The city has to continue investing in new office spaces, infrastructure, housing and international schools throughout the region.

Stable international position

The strong position of Amsterdam on the competitive European background is evident from last year’s international rankings. The report of IBM on worldwide location trends ranks the city second in attracting international investments. Its GPCI index is rated third in the EU for attracting foreign professionals and, according to Economist’s Index, it is considered the safest city in Europe. These outstanding results are partially attributed to Amsterdam’s convenient location, but also to the improvements in the business climate of the region and its efforts directed towards acquisition and marketing.

North American businesses are still the biggest investors

The largest source of investments for 2017 was North America with 53 percent of all created job positions and 36 percent of newly established companies. For example, one of these companies, BAMtech Media, that provides video streams covering different sport events, currently employs sixty people and has a registered office in North Amsterdam. The region of Europe – Middle East – Africa (EMEA) was the second biggest source of investments for 2017 with 23 percent of all new jobs and 36 percent of newly established companies. Asian investments continue to be stable with 23 percent of created jobs and 25 percent of newly established companies. North America is also leading in business expansion, representing 57 percent of the job positions created through expansion. Many of the USA businesses established in the Netherlands have an inherent tendency to develop quickly (e.g. FashionTrade and Netflix), but multinational companies such as Asics and Infosys also expanded.

Most newly established foreign companies operate in the field of creative industries, ICT and financial services. Nevertheless, the sectors of science, health, agriculture and food also perform well. As regards business activities, sales and marketing offices, and European headquarters are predominant.

The European Agency of Medicines (EMA) and Brexit

In 2017, in response to the plans of the United Kingdom to leave the EU, the Community made a decision to relocate the EMA’s headquarters to the Dutch capital in two years’ time. This step will attract more companies operating in the area of life science and related fields to move to Holland since they will benefit from their proximity to the vital EU agency. Amsterdam provides active support to the Agency and its staff in order to facilitate the relocation to the area of Amsterdam. The city and its partners from the network “Invest in Holland” will make sure that the companies and professionals following the Agency to the country will establish quickly in the area of Amsterdam and in other locations around the country.

Differences between the regions

Skilled international employees are vital to the success of many businesses and, in principle, these professionals prefer city life. Estimates show that the total number of businesses opened in Amsterdam City has increased in comparison to elsewhere in the region. The Amsterdam inbusiness has directed its efforts to change the situation through its communication and marketing initiatives. The municipalities of Almere, Haarlemmermeer and Amstelveen, among others, are also suitable locations for foreign businesses in the region, as it usually takes less than 30 minutes to travel from there to the centre of the city. Amsterdam is attempting to distribute evenly the skilled international professionals on the territory of the region. The establishment and enlargement of international educational institutions in Haarlemmermeer, Almere, Hilversum, Amstelveen and Haarlem undoubtedly contributes to this aim. For 2017 alone, the new places opened at international schools in the region were 850. Most of them are in the area of Amsterdam.