overview
Netherlands: "The Netherlands, known for its flat landscapes, windmills, and canals, is a global leader in innovation and trade. Its economy is driven by agriculture, technology, and international business. The country’s cultural heritage, including art and architecture, continues to influence the world.",
overview
National Anthem
Wilhelmus
Independence Day
May 5, 1945 (Liberation Day, not independence day)
Haiko
Windmills turn slowly / Tulip fields burst with color / Bikes outnumber cars
Interesting Tradition
Celebrates King's Day with nationwide flea markets and orange-themed parties
Weirdest Local Superstition
Don't leave shoes on the table
Strangest Law Still on the Books
Illegal to pee in canals
overview
Come for the design, stay for the innovation: The Netherlands masters the art of forward-thinking living while preserving its historic charm. Bicycle-friendly cities host world-class research centers, while startup culture thrives in restored canal houses. The country's startup visa program and international outlook have created an ideal environment for global entrepreneurs.
overview
Explore where 'gezelligheid' isn't just coziness, but the art of living together. Here, innovation flows as naturally as water.
overview
Famous for its windmills and tulips where cycling is a way of life and clogs are a fashion statement
The Netherlands isn't just a country—it's a triumph of human ingenuity. Here, time flows like the waters behind its dikes, and even a simple bike ride becomes an exercise in democratic design. This is a land where innovation and tradition pedal side by side.
From the canal rings of Amsterdam to the flower fields of Lisse, the Netherlands offers inspiration for every creative soul. Whether you're drawn to the artistic heritage of Museum Square, the forward-thinking Rotterdam architecture, or the windmill-dotted landscapes of Kinderdijk, you'll find a country that turns pragmatic thinking into poetic living.
Statistics
Eat
stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) - bitterballen (deep-fried beef croquettes)
Drink
jenever (juniper-flavored spirit) - heineken (pilsner beer)
overview
Beer
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Wine
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Coffee
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Tea
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
overview
overview
Representative Novel
The Discovery of Heaven by Harry Mulisch (Epic novel exploring Dutch society and history)
National Animal
Lion
National Pasttime
Football (Soccer)
National Souvenir
Delft blue pottery
National Dish
Stamppot
Famous Festival
King's Day
Famous Dance
Klompendansen
Famous Music
Dutch techno
overview
Despite its small size, the Netherlands is a global leader in agricultural innovation, exporting more food products than any other country except the United States.
On average, Dutch men stand at 6 feet, while Dutch women are about 5 feet 7 inches tall, making them some of the tallest people globally.
With over 22 million bicycles in a country of 17 million people, cycling is an integral part of Dutch culture and daily life.
overview
April 2014
Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule
July 2014
Treaty of Westphalia recognizes Dutch independence
February 2015
Kingdom of the Netherlands established
March 2015
German invasion in WWII
October 2016
End of German occupation after WWII
MOBILITY
NO. OF Mobility Assets
MOBILITY
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MOBILITY
Visa Free Countries
159
Performance Class
Borderless Elite
Passport Grade
A+
Rank
6
Score
190.6
This visa grants access to:
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
Rankings
Netherlands excels globally with highest English proficiency (#1) and exceptional quality of life (#7). Our analysis shows very high happiness (#6) and very strong rule of law (#7).
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Healthcare
Median Age
41.4
years
Life Expectancy
82.0
years
Obesity Rate
21.70%
Tobacco Use
18.00%
Sources
Health Expenditure
11.29%
of GDP
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Hospital Beds
3.28
per 1000 people
Doctors
3.836
per 1000 people
Out-of-pocket
9.38%
of total expenditure
Sources
Healthcare
The Netherlands offers a universal healthcare system funded by mandatory health insurance, providing comprehensive coverage for residents.
In addition to public healthcare, private healthcare is available for those seeking faster or more specialized treatments in the Netherlands.
Expatriates in the Netherlands are required to have health insurance and can access both public and private healthcare services during their stay.
The Netherlands places a strong emphasis on mental health, with comprehensive services covered under the public healthcare system.
Pharmaceuticals are widely available and covered by insurance in the Netherlands, ensuring affordable access to necessary medications.
Healthcare
Healthcare
cost of living
Cost of Gasoline
$2.15
per liter
Cost of Meal
$18.94
(Inexpensive Restaurant)
Monthly Rent
$1,527.14
(1 bedroom, City Center)
Monthly Utilities
$251.91
(85m² Apartment)
Domestic Beer
$5.57
(0.5 liter draught)
VAT Rate
21%
cost of living
cost of living
cost of living
Taxation
Before moving to the Netherlands, it's important to familiarize yourself with its tax system.+The Netherlands taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Dutch-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 37.07% to 49.50%. Social security contributions are mandatory, and property tax applies. A Citizen Service Number (BSN) is used for tax purposes.+The Netherlands has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.
Tax Residency Requirement
183 days
Worldwide Income Taxation
Yes
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Higher Rates for Foreign Assets
No
US Double Taxation Treaty
Yes
Personal Income
Progressive tax rate based on income levels
Personal Capital Gains
Flat rate on investment gains
Inheritance
Based on inherited amount and relationship
Corporate Income
Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits
Corporate Capital Gains
Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments
Dividends
Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions
Interest
Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens
Royalties
Withholding tax rate for royalty payments
Work Assignment
Foreign individuals are generally considered residents if, as a married person, their family accompanies them to the Netherlands, or as a single person, they stay in the Netherlands for more than one year.
Overall Ranking
Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking
Ease of Paying Taxes Score
Overall score based on multiple factors
Total Tax and Cotribution Rate
TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions
Time to Comply
Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations
Number of Payments
Total number of tax payments required annually
Post-filing Index
Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes
taxation
taxation
CLIMATE
Average Temperature
10.49 °C
Humidity
82
%
Average Annual Precipitation
778
mm
Rainless Days per Year
234
Best Time to Travel
May-September
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in the Netherlands.
What Mobility Assets are available to me in the Netherlands?
Do I need to speak Dutch to apply for residency or citizenship in the Netherlands?
Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in the Netherlands with me?
How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to the Netherlands?
Can I keep my own citizenship?
overview
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