Entering the European market through the Netherlands

Section 1: Introduction

Expanding into Europe is a complex challenge for modern businesses. The current landscape is fragmented, with 27 national legal systems and over 60 company forms. This creates high costs and long delays for companies trying to scale.

The Netherlands provides a strategic gateway to overcome these barriers. The new “EU Inc.” proposal introduces a unified “28th regime” for the European market. This guide from NextAccounting provides your roadmap for strategy and growth in the 2026–2027 landscape.

Key Takeaway
The Netherlands offers a stable ecosystem that simplifies your entry into the European Single Market. By using the new EU Inc. framework, your business can reduce costs and focus on rapid growth.

Section 2: The Gateway Advantage: Ecosystems of Excellence

The Netherlands is the premier choice for European scaling because of its “Triple Helix” model. This model facilitates direct collaboration between government, academia, and industry. We recommend this model because it reduces R&D risk by providing access to grants and top talent.

The country ranks No. 2 globally for online connectivity and hosts the AMS-IX internet exchange. This provides your business with unmatched digital reach. Investment in 2025–2026 is strictly demand-driven. This means the government prioritizes projects that align with national goals like sustainability and semiconductors.

• Top Connectivity: Global No. 2 ranking for online infrastructure and internet exchange.
• Strategic Access: Central location provides direct reach to 450 million European consumers.
• High-Tech Hubs: Leading ecosystems in Life Sciences, Agrifood, Semiconductors, and Water Technology.
• Risk Reduction: Triple Helix partnerships accelerate innovation through shared knowledge.
• Focused Growth: Investment support is tailored to national strategic priorities for long-term stability.

Section 3: Choosing Your Corporate Vehicle: KVK vs. the 28th Regime

Businesses must choose the right legal framework for their Dutch operations. Traditionally, foreign companies register as a “Permanent Establishment” through the Handelsregister. This involves submitting KVK forms 6, 11, and 13 to the Chamber of Commerce.

The 2026 “EU Inc.” proposal introduces an optional “28th Regime.” This digital-by-default framework allows for rapid scaling across the EU. We advise companies currently using KVK to prepare a migration strategy to this regime by 2028.

Section 4: Navigating the 2026-2027 Tax Landscape

The European Union is simplifying tax rules to help businesses grow across borders. These initiatives focus on reducing the administrative burden of managing 27 different systems.

The One Stop Shop (OSS)

The OSS allows you to report B2C VAT through a single quarterly return. A €10,000 EU-wide threshold applies to your combined cross-border sales. Above this, you apply the customer’s local VAT rate but file centrally in the Netherlands.

Import Schemes (IOSS)

The IOSS simplifies VAT for goods imported from outside the EU in consignments under €150. VAT is collected at checkout, allowing for faster customs release. This reduces delivery delays for your customers.

Future Initiatives

The Head Office Tax (HOT) system will soon allow SMEs to follow their home country’s tax rules. Furthermore, the BEFIT framework aims to create a single corporate tax system across Europe.

• Q1: 30 April
• Q2: 31 July
• Q3: 31 October
• Q4: 31 January (following year)

Warning: You must maintain transaction-level OSS records for 10 years. You must provide these electronically to tax authorities upon request.

Section 5: Scaling with Talent: Labor Mobility and Incentives

Attracting global talent is a priority in the 2026–2027 landscape. The Netherlands offers specific incentives to help you build a high-performing international team.

1. Employee Stock Options: Under the EU Inc. proposal, options are taxed only upon sale. This is a crucial tool for attracting talent to innovative startups.
2. Digital Administration: Use the “EU eDeclaration” and “European Social Security Pass” to reduce paperwork when moving workers.
3. Soft Landing Programs: These programs provide coaching to reduce stress and improve job performance for migrants.
4. Waadi Act Compliance: You must register in the Business Register if you supply workers. Failing to do so results in high administrative fines.

Section 6: Governance and Compliance: The Dutch Standard

The Netherlands follows the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (DCGC). This code operates on the “comply or explain” principle. It views the company as a “Stakeholder Alliance” between employees, shareholders, and customers.

“The Dutch Corporate Governance Code is based on the notion that a company is a long-term alliance between the various stakeholders of the company.”

Strategic foresight suggests paying close attention to remuneration rules. The standard severance pay for new directors starting in 2025 is 12 months. However, an 18-month standard remains for certain legacy contracts. You must also prepare for harmonized sustainability requirements to ensure full compliance.

Section 7: Strategic Growth Sectors: Real-World Applications

The Dutch ecosystem continues to attract high-value R&D investments. In 2025, 30% of supported projects focused on Research and Development.

AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly have expanded their production facilities in Nijmegen and Katwijk. These expansions strengthen the Netherlands as a premier Life Sciences metropolis.

Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) established an R&D hub at High Tech Campus Eindhoven. This facility creates new technologies for the global semiconductor industry.

CoeusAI moved its global headquarters to Rotterdam. It uses AI for renewable energy planning. This project aligns with the national priority for a sustainable energy transition.

Yakult opened its global R&D center in Wageningen. This center uses the Triple Helix model by collaborating with Wageningen University. This partnership reduces innovation risks and accelerates product development.

Section 8: Conclusion: The Road Ahead for 2027

The Netherlands remains the most effective hub for entering the European market. Success requires staying ahead of the 2026–2027 transitions, including EU Inc. and BEFIT. These frameworks will soon create a unified market by 2028.

While the “28th regime” simplifies registration, professional guidance is still essential. Navigating evolving tax and labor laws requires expert local knowledge. We recommend proactive planning to ensure a seamless transition into the new European landscape.

Hoe NextAccounting u kan helpen

NextAccounting provides expert support for companies entering the Dutch and European markets. We handle complex KVK and Tax Administration registrations to ensure your business is fully compliant.

Our team has deep knowledge of the 2026 transition to the EU Inc. framework. We help you manage the shift to digital-by-default rules and simplified tax reporting. We offer tailored advice to support your international scaling strategy.

We invite you to discuss how we can support your specific business goals.

Sources

• 11 2025 | A new plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness | Single Market Strategy – European Parliament
• 2025 Investment Climate Statements: Netherlands – State Department
• 2025 The Netherlands Investment Climate Statement – U.S. Department of State
• 30 Ruling Netherlands: Complete Expat Tax Benefit Guide – Teamed Global
• Application of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code by ING Groep N.V. in 2024
• Closing the European Competitiveness gap | Deloitte Netherlands
• Commission presents proposal for EU Inc. – European Commission
• Commission presents proposal for EU Inc. – unlocking the full potential of the Single Market for Europe’s entrepreneurs – The European Sting
• Deepening the Single Market and Expanding Trade Agreements to Foster Business Opportunities – Intereconomics
• Dutch Corporate Governance Code – Annual Report 2024 – Argenx
• Dutch corporate governance code – Nexent Bank
• Expat Ruling (30% (tax) ruling) – Technische Universiteit Delft