5 Reasons Why The Netherlands Is A Great Place To Set Up Your Business

Many countries have their own pluses and minuses when it comes to setting up a small business. Increasingly, however, entrepreneurs have identified that the Netherlands, in particular, are very hospitable to new businesses.

Below, you’ll find a few of the reasons why this unassuming European country is becoming a haven for those looking to strike out on their own.

A History Of Business

During the Dutch Golden age of the 17th century, the Netherlands was a major player on the global stage. It was well known as an economic powerhouse, trailblazing trade routes across the globe.

The Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company established trading posts, the influence of which can still be seen across the globe. Most historians see the Netherlands as the first capitalist country – its capital city, Amsterdam was the wealthiest in the world and it the first full-time stock exchange.

Though the historical trading empire has declined, there still exists an emphasis on business today which many find attractive.

Quality Of Life

“At first glance, the Netherlands appears agrarian, even quaint in its old world charm,” says Adam De Jong, travel writer at Researchpapersuk and Last Minute Writing, “The countryside is lush and the towns are all very artistic. But don’t let the rustic charm fool you. The country is very modern with some excellent transport links.”

Amsterdam commands a central position in the transport infrastructure of Europe and the short travel times can allow you to easily and inexpensively make connections across the continent. In addition, there is the national airport Schipol, one of the busiest to be found in Europe, with flights to be found to all of the major airports across the world.

People & Networking Opportunities

As a central hub of Europe, the Netherlands offers a diverse workforce. Many move to the Netherlands to make a fresh start in their career, taking advantage of a hospitable immigration policy which prizes international talent. There is a thriving expat community who have taken advantage of the generous tax breaks, and Amsterdam has become a popular location for international headquarters of many companies.

An important factor in the growth of the Netherlands as a center of commerce is the fact that English is almost universally spoken.

Infrastructure Built Around Business

In order to attract foreign business, the Netherlands has streamlined it’s infrastructure to make conditions more supportive of new companies.

“There is a culture of dispensing with needless bureaucracy, “ writes Kim Maltby, regular contributor to Draftbeyond and Writinity, “One need only visit the chamber of commerce, the KvK, to witness the excellent support services and straightforward legal forms which will help you to set up your business in next to no time. “

In addition to governmental support, the hospitable environment has brought with a slew of consultancies, accountancies, and solicitors that offer expert knowledge of setting up in the Netherlands.

Immigration

Early in 2015, the Dutch government announced their Dutch Startup Visa, signaling their intent to draw in the best and brightest entrepreneurs from across the world. As with any visa, there are some specific requirements to be met. Yet one of the big attractions of this Visa is the requirement that new companies are guided by a business facilitator. This is in part to help you grow your business but also shows an investment from the government to ensure that you contribute towards the economy as a whole.

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