International business environment

In the Netherlands, you are greeted with a pro-business environment that creates a gateway to Europe and helps international companies succeed across the continent. Look forward to a culture with an international outlook that is open to foreign investment. You will find a wealth of world-class business partners who know how to deal with global business challenges in today's economy.

The government also takes its job of making the environment conducive to business very seriously. Since 2003, government reforms have either eliminated or strongly committed to eliminate 4 billion euros of administrative burdens on business, making the Netherlands the first country to achieve a 25% reduction in administrative costs.

The 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook ranked the Netherlands ahead of countries like Germany, Ireland and UK.

Competitiveness score

Source: IMD, World Competitiveness Yearbook, 2009

According to the Ethical Investment Research Services (EIRIS), companies based in the UK and the Netherlands have developed the best overall corporate governance standards in the world. The quality and efficiency of the local workforce and service organisations ensures that your business is subjected to the most reliable and cost-effective corporate governance practices. The Netherlands is also considered way ahead of other countries in terms of its auditing and accounting practices.