Incentives & Taxes in the Netherlands
When bringing a company to the Netherlands to start a new endeavor, Dutch fiscal policies are important factors. A solid combination of the corporation tax rates in the Netherlands and financial incentives, make the country a reliable choice as a base for international operations. The Dutch Tax Authorities have a flexible and practical approach, with a proactive attitude.
Key features of taxation
Corporate income tax rates in the Netherlands are currently 19% for the first €200,000 of taxable profits and 25.8% for taxable profits exceeding €200,000. A special optional tax rate may be elected for profit resulting from (patented) intangible assets, by placing these in a special tariff box on your corporate income tax return: the innovation box.
Among other benefits related to the Netherlands tax policy, consider the following:
- A wide network of nearly 100 bilateral tax treaties to avoid double taxation and to provide, in many cases, reduced or no withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties.
- Clarity and certainty in advance on the tax consequences of proposed major investments in the Netherlands.
- A broad participation exemption (100% exemption for qualifying dividends and capital gains), which is vital for European headquarters.
- An efficient fiscal unity regime, providing tax consolidation for Dutch activities within a corporate group.
- No withholding tax on outgoing interest and royalty payments in most cases.
- For companies looking to bring employees from abroad, the Netherlands has a special tax regime for expats (30% Facility). The facility is being adapted from 1 January 2024. See the details in the Taxes & Incentives brochure on this page.
Stimulating innovation and sustainable foreign investment and entrepreneurship
The Netherlands actively supports new ideas and innovations. By creating a nurturing fiscal environment for forward-thinking companies, the Netherlands stays competitive on the world stage and supports innovation and sustainable investments:
- R&D tax credit, or WBSO: offers startups and innovative companies compensation for part of the research and development (R&D) wage costs, other costs, and expenditures.
- Energy Investment Allowance (EIA): allows companies to deduct 45.5% of the investments in energy-efficient technologies and sustainable energy from the taxable profit on top of the customary depreciation.
- Environmental Investment Deduction (MIA): allows companies to deduct up to 45% of the investment costs for an environmentally friendly investment on top of the regular investment tax deductions
- Arbitrary depreciation of environmental investments (Vamil): allows companies to amortize 75% of the investment costs of a qualifying environmentally friendly investment at once.
Besides the above incentives, companies can also chose to apply for a Innovation Credit: a credit for companies with innovative ideas.
VAT deferment
Although VAT is highly integrated in the EU, the member states have some discretion in certain areas. Some advantages of the Dutch VAT regime:
- VAT deferment upon importation: no actual payment of VAT
- Experience with the international trade in products
- Experienced and specialized Tax and Customs officers