Netherlands

Netherlands

In this Netherlands Investor Immigration Permit guide, learn about:

The Netherlands, often known informally as Holland, is located in Western Europe. It shares borders with Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and a coastline along the North Sea to the northwest.

Including three special municipalities in the Caribbean (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba), the country covers an area of approximately 41,543 square kilometers, making it the 131st largest country by land area.

The Netherlands is renowned for its low-lying topography, with a significant portion of its land reclaimed from the sea and protected by dikes. Windmills, tulip fields, and an extensive network of canals punctuate this characteristic landscape.

The country operates as a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. It is divided into 12 provinces and includes the Caribbean islands as special municipalities. The Dutch legal system is based on civil law, with the judiciary playing a crucial role in governance. The Kingdom of the Netherlands established its constitution in 1815, which is one of the oldest in the world and is still in use today.

With a population exceeding 17 million people, the Netherlands is densely populated, reflecting its small geographical size and urbanized landscape. Amsterdam is the nation's capital and is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades.

However, the government and the royal family are based in The Hague, which hosts the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, among other major international organizations. Rotterdam, another significant city, boasts the largest port in Europe, reflecting the country's historical maritime trade prowess.

The Dutch economy is noted for its stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable trade surplus, and a significant role in the European trade network. The services sector dominates the economy, followed by industry and agriculture. Known as a founding member of the EU, the WTO, and the OECD, the Netherlands has a highly open economy that depends heavily on foreign trade. The currency used is the Euro (EUR) in its European part, while the US dollar (USD) is used in the Caribbean Netherlands.

The cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively high, commensurate with its high standard of living. The country's GDP per capita ranks among the world's highest, reflecting its citizens' prosperity. Key sectors include energy, especially natural gas, chemicals, high-tech, financial services, and agri-foods, the latter being notably efficient and innovative.

The primary religion in the Netherlands has historically been Christianity, although, in recent years, secularization has led to a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious. The country is known for its liberal policies, tolerance, and progressive social practices.

Tourism in the Netherlands offers a mix of historical and modern attractions, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the historic city of Utrecht, and the Keukenhof Gardens, known as the Garden of Europe. The Netherlands' efficient bicycle culture and infrastructure make it unique, offering visitors a sustainable way to explore the cities and countryside.

The Netherlands spans one time zone, Central European Time (CET), and observes daylight saving time. This geographical and temporal setting facilitates its integration and connectivity with the rest of Europe, enhancing its role as a crucial hub in international logistics, finance, and cultural exchange.