Business in Zeeland

Why should you invest in Zeeland?

Doing business in Zeeland means operating in a dynamic province with numerous opportunities and development potential for your company. In Zeeland, there is room for your ambitions and you can benefit from the enormous diversity that characterises the province. You will find a unique combination of factors, which form a successful environment for your enterprise.

Strategic location in Europe

The province of Zeeland  provides a strategic location to serve markets within Europe. The central geographical position of Zeeland, combined with accessibility and an excellent infrastructure are only some of the reasons to establish your business in Zeeland. The region is strategically located in the Southwest of the Netherlands, between the world seaports of Rotterdam and Antwerp and is bordering Belgium. In the next link you will find the video Let's make it in Southwest Netherlands!

Gateway to Europe

The Netherlands owes its favorable ranking, among others, to its advanced transport infrastructure, and its advanced telecom infrastructure, which help support the Netherlands’ position as “the gateway to Europe”. Rotterdam is the world’ s largest seaport and Schiphol Airport is one of the largest airports of Western Europe. Zeeland Seaports is the Port Authority for the ports of Vlissingen and Terneuzen. After Rotterdam and Amsterdam this is the third main port in the Netherlands with excellent connections to the Dutch, Belgian, German and French hinterland.

Highly educated, multilingual and flexible workforce

The Netherlands features one of the most highly educated, flexible and motivated workforces in Europe. Dutch professionals are also among the most multilingual in the world, enabling them to successfully operate in companies in any industry serving customers throughout the continent. Also Zeeland has excellent educational facilities, such as the Roosevelt Academy and the Hogeschool Zeeland. Many foreign students have found  their way to these institutions.

Quality of life

Zeeland has a high standard of living, interesting property prices compared to other regions in the Netherlands, stunning beaches, forests and vast “ polder” landscapes,  tranquility, water sport opportunities, and plenty of cultural and recreational events,  top of the bill restaurants and high level of educational facilities.

Favorable fiscal climate

Recently the corporate tax rate has been lowered to 25.5%, which is well below the EU national average and lower than surrounding countries. Dividend tax has been reduced from 25% to 15%. Furthermore, an innovation box with a 5% tax rate  on income from innovations was introduced. Combined with other traditional features of the Dutch tax system (wide tax treaty network, participation exemption, 30% tax break for highly qualified foreign employees), the fiscal climate is quite simply one more reason to establish or expand your European operations in the Netherlands.

Regional strengths

Zeeland is known for its Processing, Chemical and Mechanical industry, but also strong on  Transport&Logistics with its Seaports of Vlissingen and Terneuzen, its tourism Industry with numerous hotels, (top) restaurants, marinas and attractions and finally its energy sector: the only nuclear plant of the Netherlands, hydrogen power plants, bio mass power plants, hydraulic and wind energy development.

Foreign companies

Some big international companies, already decided to establish their business in Zeeland: Dow, Total, Eastman, North Safety products, Lamb Weston, McCain, Outokompu, Yara, Cargill, Neckermann, Thermphos, Elo Pak, Arkema and Hall Spars. But this is just a small summary.

Doing business in Zeeland

Doing business in Zeeland means operating in a dynamic province with numerous opportunities and development potential for your company. In Zeeland, there is room for your ambitions and you can benefit from the enormous diversity that characterizes the province. You will fi nd a unique combination of factors, which form a successful environment for your enterprise.

Locating a company in Zeeland is very attractive, because:

• The land prices in Zeeland are up to 50% lower than other provinces.
• Zeeland has an ample supply of business parks.
• There are no traffic jams!
• Zeeland and its deep-sea ports Vlissingen and Terneuzen are ideally located between the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
• Good connections to the hinterland via water, rail and road links.
• Zeeland has a favourable climate for establishing a business for logistics service providers and internationally-oriented companies in the chemical, foodstuffs and luxury goods industries.
• The average level of education in Zeeland is high.
• Zeeland offers first-class living and working possibilities for your employees.
  
  
  

More information about these reasons and further attractive information can be found in the brochure Make it in Zeeland!

brochure Make it in Zeeland!