Netherlands · International holding

Own your international business through a Dutch holding

If you or your group sit outside the EU, a Dutch holding B.V. gives your companies one European parent with about 100 tax treaties and the EU directives. Pick your countries below and see what tax is withheld on the way from your subsidiary to you.

Free first consultation. Fixed quote within one business day.

International holding at a glance
ForOwners and groups outside the EU
Tax treatiesAbout 100, including Australia
Dividends and exit gainsExempt at the holding if conditions are met
Payout to a treaty-country company0% withholding
Set-up1–3 weeks, no travel
Withholding calculator

What reaches you from your subsidiary?

Choose where your company is and where its owner sits. The route updates as you change it.

An indication based on Dutch domestic law and treaty rates, not tax advice. It assumes the B.V. owns 5% or more, is the beneficial owner with real substance in the Netherlands, and the structure is not abusive. Tax in the owner's own country is not included. We confirm every rate before you rely on it.

Why owners outside the EU choose the Netherlands

An EU address for a group that is not European

One European parent

Customers, banks and investors deal with an EU company instead of an offshore one.

About 100 tax treaties

Treaties reduce the tax other countries withhold on dividends paid to the Netherlands.

Active companies anywhere

An operating subsidiary qualifies for the exemption even in a low-tax country. Only low-taxed passive ones do not.

Tax-free exits from 5%

A gain on selling a 5% stake is exempt, with no holding period.

Plan for your home country

The Netherlands is only half the picture

Where the owner lives decides the other half. Many countries tax the profits of a foreign holding that its residents control (CFC rules), or treat the holding as resident at home if it is really managed from there.

We look at both sides before you set anything up: a Dutch director and real board meetings in the Netherlands, and a check of your home-country rules with your local adviser.

What's included

Everything a non-EU owner needs in the Netherlands

One adviser handles your case, and the fee is fixed before we start.

  • ✓

    Two-country review

    Your subsidiaries' countries and your own, checked before we start.

  • ✓

    Treaty and exemption check

    Withholding rates and exemption conditions for every flow.

  • ✓

    Holding B.V. formation

    Notarial deed, KVK registration, UBO filing and tax numbers.

  • ✓

    Share transfer

    Your existing companies moved under the holding.

  • ✓

    Dutch director

    A Dutch director with real decision-making, through licensed providers.

  • ✓

    Registered office

    A Dutch address through a licensed provider.

  • ✓

    Bank file

    Prepared for banks that accept owners from outside the EU.

  • ✓

    Annual running

    Accounts, tax returns and board minutes each year.

Is it right for you?

A Dutch holding suits some international owners far better than others

A good fit if

  • ✓

    A company in a treaty country owns the group

    It usually receives Dutch dividends at 0%, Australia included.

  • ✓

    You own active companies in low-tax countries

    They still qualify for the Dutch exemption.

  • ✓

    You hold stakes from 5% or may sell early

    No 10% threshold and no holding period.

Probably not for you if

  • ✕

    Your parent sits in a zero-tax country

    25.8% conditional withholding applies to related payouts.

  • ✕

    You own it privately and plan to liquidate

    Liquidation surpluses are taxed as dividends; Luxembourg does not withhold.

  • ✕

    Nobody can run the holding from the Netherlands

    It may then be taxed as resident in your country.

How it works

Your international holding in four steps

1Day 1

Tell us your countries

Where your companies are and where the owners live.

2Days 1–5

Two-country check and quote

Rates confirmed, fixed price sent.

3Weeks 1–3

Form the holding

Notary, KVK and share transfer, signed from home.

4Ongoing

Run it properly

Director, board meetings and filings keep the benefits.

FAQ

International holding questions

Can a non-EU resident own a Dutch holding?+

Yes. Shareholders can be individuals or companies of any nationality. The notary and the bank check the owners, the source of funds and the business, which we prepare for.

How much tax does the Netherlands withhold on dividends to me?+

The domestic rate is 15%. It falls to 0% for a company in the EU or a treaty country that owns 5% or more, when the structure is not abusive. A related company in a low-tax country pays 25.8%.

Is an active subsidiary in a low-tax country a problem?+

Not for the Dutch exemption. Only a mainly passive subsidiary taxed below 10% loses it, and then gets a credit for foreign tax instead.

Will my home country tax the holding's profits?+

Possibly. Many countries have controlled foreign company rules or tax a foreign company managed from home. We check this with your local adviser before you set up.

How much does it cost?+

The fee depends on the number of companies and countries and on the director and office you need. We send a fixed quote after a short call.