Quality of Life

"It's easy for people of various nationalities to 'navigate' the Netherlands ... if you're from somewhere else, the Netherlands is an easy place to work."
Simon Kemmett, EMEA Chief Financial Officer, Nike

Internationally focused, diverse and sophisticated

The Netherlands is a historically open culture. Its international orientation and excellent tax and business climates mean foreign businesses integrate easily here. As a civilization, the Dutch are entrepreneurial, tolerant and co-operative -- just a few of the many common values they share with US society.

In fact, the continuous relationship between the nations dates back to the American Revolution. Today, that friendship embraces everything from international affairs, human rights and individual freedom to economic and commercial ties. The Netherlands is the second-largest foreign direct investor in the US and the US is the largest foreign direct investor in the Netherlands. More than 4.5 million Americans are of Dutch ancestry and Dutch parent companies employ more than 650,000 Americans.

The Netherlands also offers a high quality of living. Commercial real estate, offices, housing, food and consumer goods are reasonably priced. The cost of education and cultural activities is lower than in many other European nations. The Netherlands has the sixth largest economy in the EU and contributes nearly five percent to its GDP.

At the same time, it retains an inviting, communal atmosphere, especially in its city centers, where bikes are the main form of transportation. Open, rural land is never far away from office buildings and cities. In fact, according to a 2007 Quality of Life Index conducted by Internet magazine International Living, the Netherlands ranked third most pleasant country to live in, out of 193 nations. Yet the Netherlands' costs of living, housing, education and cultural activities are lower than in other European countries.

Source: William Mercer, Quality of Life Index 2008, Cost of Living Index 2008

1. Cost of living index is based on 10 categories: Alcohol and tobacco, Clothing and footwear, Domestic services, Food at home, Food away from home, Health and personal care, Household supplies, Sports and leisure. Transportation and Utilities
2. Only available on a national level
3. Quality of life index is based on 10 categories: Political and social environment, Economic environment, Socio-cultural environment, Medical and health considerations, Schools and education, Public services and transportation, Recreation, Consumer goods, Housing and Natural environment

Attracting expatriates to your Shared Services Center in the Netherlands

For an expatriate, the housing situation in the Netherlands is generally favorable.  There is a wide choice of rental properties available, and prices are below those of other European capitals such as London or Paris.

Throughout the Netherlands there are international schools following American, British, French, as well as the international and European systems of education.

Combined with cultural amenities and other spare time activities, these factors make the Netherlands an extremely attractive locale for expatriates.