European Headquarters in the Netherlands

Locate your headquarters at Europe's front door

"Our clients need us to be able to offer them direct support, and to be familiar with their markets and working environments. This is why we chose Amsterdam. Not only are most of the big European banks and telecom companies here, but it's also a good operating basis for us for the continental European market."

Girish Ramachandran, Director Europe, Tata Consultancy Services

As Indian companies turn global, setting up an efficient headquarter in Europe becomes essential to tap continental Europe, one of the most important markets worldwide. The Netherlands offers the perfect business climate and infrastructure to tap opportunities in the European market. Here is how.

Strategic location in Europe

Approximately 170 million people live within a 500-kilometre radius of the capital Amsterdam. Major European commercial centres like London, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt and Hamburg, are a few hours' drive from here.

International business environment

A traditionally trading nation, the Netherlands takes pride in its international outlook and openness to new cultures. The country has created systems that efficiently deal with global challenges and make it incredibly easy for foreign companies to do business here.

Taxation

The Netherlands' corporate tax structure offers several advantages to Indian companies. A wide tax treaty network allows companies to avoid double taxation on income and capital and withholding tax on dividends. The practice of advance tax rulings allows taxpayers to assess a company's tax situation in advance and obtain a pre-determined tax ruling from the tax authorities for a specified number of years. In addition to a lowered corporate tax rate, branches of foreign entities can avoid corporate tax altogether if the activities in the Netherlands do not constitute a permanent establishment or permanent representative. You can carry your business back one year and forward nine years to offset profits of subsequent years and no withholding tax is levied on outgoing interest and royalties. The participation exemption and tax break for expatriates are other advantages.

Logistics and transport infrastructure

The port of Rotterdam and Schipol Airport are major business hubs for Europe. These are supported by an excellent, dense road network, a high-speed rail connectivity and superior warehousing facilities that can connect you rapidly to the European hinterland

Updated technology infrastructure

Home to the largest Internet hub in Europe, the Netherlands provides top-of-the-line and affordable technology infrastructure in the areas of high-speed Internet, cable and digital communication systems and mobile phone technology. You can strike accessibility off your list of concerns if you decide to headquarter your European operations in the Netherlands.

Top quality, multi-lingual workforce

Dutch professionals are multi-lingual, highly educated, flexible and motivated and can add considerable value to your operations. Flexible Dutch labour laws allow you to hire professionals by part-time, flexible and fixed term contracts.

Reasonable office costs

You can choose from a wide selection of prime office spaces-from high-rises to historic reconstruction to business parks-at affordable rentals and prices. According to CBRE's Global Market View 2008, total occupation costs in Amsterdam are US$ 566 per square metre as compared to US$ 1009/sq.m. in Paris, US$ 1578/sq.m. in London and US$ 568/sq.m. in Frankfurt. The average rentals for new buildings in Dutch cities are between Euro 140-160. The law allows flexibility in negotiating lease terms and contract length. Business support centres are also easily available for rent, so you can kick-start your operations with minimal start-up costs.

Quality of life

Your managers will enjoy a high standard of living in the Netherlands. Some advantages are lower costs of living and housing compared to other European countries, a vibrant cultural environment and a special tax regime for expatriates with tax-free allowances for up to 30% of the expatriate's remuneration.

Whether you are a small, medium or large business, the Netherlands will be a profitable and sound location for your European headquarters.
NFIA is here to help you take the necessary steps to make this work for you.