The Netherlands attracts many expats thanks to its high quality of life, 30% tax incentives, and strong economy. This makes investing as an expat in the Netherlands an appealing opportunity, offering fewer barriers and potentially high returns.
Whether you’re looking to hedge against inflation, save for property, or use capital to reduce taxes, we’ll explain how investing as an expat in the Netherlands works in 2026.
- Why expats in the Netherlands should start Investing
- How investing as an expat in the Netherlands differs
- How does investing as an expat in Europe work?
- Understanding the Dutch tax system for expats
- Where do Dutch people invest compared to expats
- Choosing the types of investment
- When should you start investing as an expat?
- FAQ
- Best investment platforms for expats living in the Netherlands?
- Are robo-advisors suitable for expats with Euro-based income?
- Which online banks offer investment services tailored to expats?
- Pension planning strategies for expats moving to Netherlands?
- Dutch tax rules on foreign investment income for residents?
Why expats in the Netherlands should start Investing
If a person’s capital isn’t growing, inflation is eroding it, and even though inflation in the Netherlands currently falls below the EU average, holding cash isn’t a smart decision. While investing can be seen as risky, it still provides a way to retain the value of the money without overexposure or unnecessary risks.
For expats living in the Netherlands, international life comes with uncertainty and additional costs. Moving, international schools or fees requires expats to be more financially responsible. Investing some of their income means they can build a financial buffer for the future, generate income with less work, and create new income streams that allow for greater financial mobility.
How investing as an expat in the Netherlands differs
There are a few differences between investing as an expat and as a local. One of the main differences is the language barrier and the know-how about which companies and platforms provide the best services.
This is the same in every country, but a bigger difference is how investment income is taxed in the Netherlands. Thus, the only big difference is knowing how their investments will be taxed since expats are operating at the intersection of two or more jurisdictions – if they move a lot or if they have multiple residencies.
Now, the Netherlands is debating introducing a bill to tax unrealized capital gains, which will mean expat investors will have to rethink their investment strategy and their expected profit margins.
How does investing as an expat in Europe work?
The EU makes investing more accessible for everyone, regardless of where they are located in Europe. Investment companies need to obtain licenses for a specific jurisdiction, and the Netherlands provides access to both the local and the entire European financial market.
Investing expats can open accounts with local companies, such as ING or ABN AMRO, which offer investment instruments. Additionally, they can opt for broader platforms like eToro or DEGIRO, which act as intermediaries and offer more investment tools than traditional banks, including crypto and ETFs.
When investing in Europe, everyone must verify their identity through KYC, a standard security and AML process in the EU. Expats can deposit using the Dutch banking system and start investing without any further restrictions.
Another alternative is for expats to access investment companies such as Yieldfund, a quantitative trading firm based in the Netherlands. Yieldfund offers investment plans with yields of up to 48% and weekly payouts without investors having to trade themselves.
Investing as an expat in the Netherlands means investors have more tools and options at their disposal than Dutch residents do.
Understanding the Dutch tax system for expats
Taxes in the Netherlands are known for being less complicated, but what expat investors need to know is how to complete “Box 3” of their income tax.
The Dutch system does not typically tax capital gains, but is in the process of passing a law to tax unrealized profits. Instead, it taxes your net wealth based on a “fictitious yield.” Here is the breakdown for 2026:
- Box 3 (Savings and Investments): The tax authority assumes you make a certain return on your assets (savings, stocks, crypto, second properties) and taxes you on that assumed return, regardless of your actual profit or loss.
- Tax-Free Allowance: Everyone gets a tax-free allowance (heffingsvrij vermogen). In 2026, the tax-free allowance for each individual is €59.357, and it is doubled for fiscal partners. You only pay tax on assets exceeding this amount.
- The 30% Ruling Advantage: This is the “golden ticket” for eligible expats. If you are a beneficiary of the 30% ruling, you can opt for “partial non-resident taxpayer status.” This means you are generally exempt from paying Box 3 taxes on your investments (excluding Dutch real estate). The 30% ruling for expats only applies for 5 years.
Where do Dutch people invest compared to expats
When moving to Holland, expats often have limited knowledge of available investment opportunities and the tools/platforms they can use. A Dutch investor tends to be more conservative in their risk appetite.
Real estate is one of the main ways Dutch people invest. They love bricks and mortar, and buying a home is seen as a primary investment vehicle. Despite a housing shortage and higher interest rates, the Dutch still invest in real estate.
Pension funds are a simple way for Dutch people invest. As an expat, you also have access to pension schemes, which offset income taxes while getting higher returns than a bank deposit. Bank deposits are common among regular people; however, they rarely yield returns above inflation.
Expats, conversely, often display a higher risk tolerance. Because many expats are in a wealth-accumulation phase and may have currency exposure, they often look toward higher-yield assets.
Choosing the types of investment
Banks & Government bonds
Bank deposits or government bonds are low-risk investments in which capital is locked for a shorter period, with interest that typically only offsets inflation. While government bonds in the Netherlands are very low risk, bank deposits—which often provide 3% interest or less—have a security limit of only €100,000.
Investment funds (ETFs)
ETFs combine hundreds or even thousands of stocks into a single investment, offering instant diversification and generally lower risk compared to individual stocks. They are low-maintenance and an ideal long-term investment for expats who want to preserve their money’s purchasing power.
Trading companies
Trading companies are investment vehicles where investors do not trade themselves. While they require a higher initial investment, they provide higher returns with a different risk/reward ratio. These are best for investors who already have a savings account and an emergency fund and simply want to generate passive income.
When should you start investing as an expat?
The best time to start investing is as soon as possible since compounding interest creates more wealth in the long run. Before expats invest, a few boxes need to be checked to ensure they have a strong financial foundation.
Expats should prioritize building an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of living expenses. Keeping this in a liquid savings account ensures you can manage unexpected costs without liquidating your investments. Next, pay off any high-interest debt to eliminate consumer obligations and prevent interest charges from eroding your net returns. Finally, ensure your residency paperwork is finalized to avoid administrative issues before committing your capital.
FAQ
Best investment platforms for expats living in the Netherlands?
From our experience, companies like DEGIRO and Revolut are popular among expats in the Netherlands because they are licensed in the Netherlands, offer English-language interfaces, and charge low fees for crypto and stock investing.
Are robo-advisors suitable for expats with Euro-based income?
We found robo-advisors useful for new investors because they provide knowledge and guidance. However, we believe investors should always conduct their own research before committing capital to ensure their investment choices align with their portfolio goals.
Which online banks offer investment services tailored to expats?
ABN AMRO is known for having the best English-language services and tailored expat advice, though their fees are higher. Bunq is a neobank popular with expats that offers basic investment features and easy interest-earning on savings.
Pension planning strategies for expats moving to Netherlands?
If you plan to stay long-term, maximizing your Dutch employer pension (Pillar 2) is smart. If you plan to leave, consider a portable private annuity or investment account (Pillar 3).
Dutch tax rules on foreign investment income for residents?
As a tax resident, you are taxed on your worldwide assets in Box 3. This means money in a savings account in your home country counts toward your wealth tax in the Netherlands.
