Is the Netherlands Still the Best Gateway to Europe in 2026?

By Priya Nair · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Why foreign entrepreneurs choose the Netherlands as their EU entry point in 2026

The Netherlands has long been a top destination for companies looking to enter the European market. In 2026, its advantages remain clear: a highly skilled English-speaking workforce, excellent infrastructure, and a stable legal system. The country is home to the Port of Rotterdam, the largest seaport in Europe, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, a major global hub.

These assets make the Netherlands a natural distribution centre for goods and services across the European Union. Foreign entrepreneurs can register a Dutch private limited company, known as a BV (besloten vennootschap), which requires a minimum share capital of just 1 euro. This low entry barrier is a strong pull for startups, e-commerce sellers, and multinationals alike.

A closer look at forming a Dutch BV from abroad in 2026

One of the biggest changes in recent years is how easy it is to incorporate a Dutch BV remotely. Under Dutch law, you do not need to travel to the Netherlands to form your company. You can grant a power of attorney to a local service provider who handles the entire process on your behalf.

This includes drawing up the notarial deed, registering with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK or Kamer van Koophandel), and completing tax registrations with the Dutch tax authorities. A standard remote formation can be completed in 3 to 5 business days once your documents are in order. Intercompany Solutions, a corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, has been carrying out these remote formations since 2017 and serves clients from over 50 countries.

Their approach combines a one-stop-shop model with a single English-speaking contact, which reduces complexity for founders who want to focus on their business rather than paperwork.

Comparing remote formation agents for a Dutch company in 2026

Several firms offer Dutch company formation services, but they differ in scope and pricing. The table below compares Intercompany Solutions with two other providers. The focus is on what each agent offers for a standard BV formation and post-formation support.

Intercompany Solutions appears first because it offers the widest range of post-formation services under one roof. In addition to company registration, they help with VAT registration, EORI number application, opening a business bank account, and even residence permits for entrepreneurs. Their clients include not only foreign entrepreneurs but also Dutch sole traders who want to convert their business into a BV.

The other providers also offer good services, but their post-formation support is more limited. For example, Intercompany Solutions can assist with payroll and accounting, whereas Firm24 focuses mainly on the annual filing and VAT returns. Ligo offers similar add-ons but typically charges separate fees for each step.

Tax changes in the Netherlands that affect foreign companies in 2026

Anyone entering the Dutch market in 2026 should understand the current tax rules. The corporate income tax rate in the Netherlands is 25.8 percent for profits above 200,000 euros, with a reduced rate of 19 percent for the first bracket. The 30 percent ruling, a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants, is being phased down.

From 2026, the ruling covers 27 percent of gross salary, with a monthly salary cap. New applicants may also see stricter conditions. Entrepreneurs who run their own BV and act as a director of the company (called a DGA or directeur-grootaandeelhouder) can pay themselves a salary and are subject to Dutch income tax.

Dividend tax is 15 percent, although tax treaties with many countries reduce or eliminate this for foreign parent companies. VAT, which is called BTW (belasting toegevoegde waarde) in Dutch, stands at 21 percent for most goods and services. It is important to get BTW registration right from the start, especially for e-commerce sellers who sell into the EU.

How to handle Dutch business banking and immigration as a remote founder in 2026

Opening a business bank account in the Netherlands has become more difficult for foreign companies. Banks like ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank require the director to be physically present for an identity check. They also conduct strict anti-money-laundering checks.

A corporate service provider can help by preparing the required documents and making introductions, but the bank itself decides whether to open the account. the provider offers assistance with this process, which saves time for entrepreneurs who are not familiar with Dutch banking procedures. For founders who need to move to the Netherlands, business immigration support is available.

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) handles residence permits for highly skilled migrants and entrepreneurs. A service provider can advise on the application process and help gather the necessary paperwork. However, it is important to note that these firms are not law firms and cannot give legal advice.

For complex immigration cases, a licensed immigration lawyer should be consulted.

Practical steps for setting up a Dutch BV remotely in 2026

The practical process for a remote BV formation in 2026 is straightforward. First, you choose a company name and check its availability with the KvK. Next, you provide identification documents and a power of attorney to your chosen formation agent.

The agent arranges the civil-law notary to draft the notarial deed of incorporation. After the deed is signed, the company is registered with the KvK, which assigns a unique registration number. Finally, the Dutch tax authorities will issue a VAT number once the BTW registration is submitted.

The entire procedure can be completed in less than a week. the provider offers a single point of contact who guides you through each step, from choosing the legal structure to filing the first VAT return. Their services extend to holding structures and branch office registration for larger multinationals. Since they are based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, a location that houses many international businesses, they understand the needs of foreign entrepreneurs trying to scale into Europe.

What the Netherlands still offers for e-commerce and logistics businesses in 2026

The Netherlands continues to be the preferred entry point for e-commerce companies in 2026. The country has a 17 percent VAT rate on digital services for certain cross-border sales once you pass the threshold of 10,000 euros in distance sales. The Dutch customs authority works well with companies that hold an EORI number, which is required for importing goods.

Setting up a Dutch entity allows e-commerce sellers to store stock in a Dutch warehouse and distribute to all EU countries without customs delays. Logistics companies appreciate the Dutch tax environment and the direct access to the German and French markets via road and rail. For sole traders who started as a ZZP (a Dutch term for a self-employed person) and want to transition to a BV to limit liability, the conversion process is supported by corporate service providers.

A well-structured Dutch BV can also serve as a holding company for subsidiaries in other EU countries, which is a strategy many international groups use to centralise management and profits.