The Netherlands, Europe's historical trading crossroads and founding member of the precursor to the EU, is an obvious choice to locate a company’s European headquarters or an R&D facility.

Open minded

The country's business-friendly environment helps international companies succeed across the continent. An international outlook and openness to foreign investment are firmly engrained in Dutch culture, resulting in many world-class business partners who can deal with the challenges of today's economy.

Economy

The Dutch labour force amounts to about 8 million people. Most are well-educated and 75% of them speak English. The country has a strong economy. Its Gross Domestic Product is about Є450 billion (Є28.000 per capita) and the country exports about Є330 billion’s worth of goods and services. Consumer price inflation is low: 1,2%, as is the unemployment rate: about 6,5%.

Superior logistics and technology infrastructure

The port of Rotterdam is the world's third largest seaport, while Schiphol Airport is one of the major hubs in Europe, claiming over 100 international awards over the last couple of decades.

Connected

The Netherlands is also one of the most 'wired' countries in the world, and is very dynamic in electronic commerce, communications and outsourcing. More than a decade of investment in high-speed Internet, cable and digital communication systems, and rapid adoption of state-of-the-art computer and mobile phone technology, have created an ideal base for companies seeking to make the most of modern technology.

Highly educated, multilingual and flexible workforce

The country has approximately 16 million inhabitants. The average life expectancy is 77 years for men and 81 years for women.The workforce in the Netherlands is one of the most highly educated, flexible and motivated in Europe. In addition, Dutch professionals are among the most multilingual in the world, which allows them to work successfully in companies in any industry serving customers across the continent.

Quality of life

The Netherlands is proud to provide a high standard of living, while maintaining an affordable life for its residents. The average costs of living, housing, education and cultural activities are lower than in most Western European countries.

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