The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a geographically small, densely populated (16.5 million people) country with a highly-strategic commercial location that makes it the 'Gateway to Europe.'
 

For centuries, the Netherlands has been a nation of traders. To ensure that this longstanding tradition endures, the Dutch government has created a competitive tax regime that stimulates entrepreneurship and foreign investment in the Netherlands. Not only the corporate tax rates are lower in relation to most of its European neighbors, there are also numerous features that make it attractive for foreign companies to locate operations in the Netherlands. In comparison with other (EU) countries, the Netherlands is known for its very competitive tax climate resulting from its far-reaching tax treaty network, its system of bonded warehouses, and the possibility to conclude so-called advance tax rulings, in which certainty in advance is given to a company with respect to its future tax liability.
 

The historical, intimate and green character of the region has always spurred innovation and creativity. This is the province that produced, among other, world-class architects such as Gerrit Rietveld and artists like Dick Bruna, creator of the cartoon character Miffy. There are several ways in which the national and regional government works to stimulate innovation. At the national level, companies can apply for several financial incentives and subsidies. At the regional level, the Taskforce Innovation Utrecht helps innovative companies, most specifically in the application for subsidies.