Gulf & Energy Economies

A European Second Base for Qatar Residents: Why the Netherlands Works

Updated: 18 August 2026 Holdwise editorial team Qatar Second base Gulf

Qatari families usually plan their wealth for several generations. A second base in Europe is mainly a way to spread that wealth. The family decides where the European part is held, which activities it pays for and which schools the children attend. The Netherlands has tax rules for holding companies, a property market and good international schools in one country. At Holdwise, we keep this answer up to date. You find the steps further down this page.

Spreading wealth into real businesses

Through a Dutch base, the family can own operating businesses, shareholdings and property. An operating BV pays 19% corporate tax on profit up to €200,000. The holding company receives dividends from its shareholdings tax-free. A separate BV can own the property. See Dutch real estate through a BV. Dividends to the family in Qatar are paid under the tax treaty between the Netherlands and Qatar. See dividend tax between the Gulf and the Netherlands.

Own companies or property in Europe from the Gulf? See the Dutch holding for Gulf owners and families, with the treaty rates and the documents.

The family

For most Qatari families, the education of the children is the main reason for a second base. The international schools in the Randstad are close to the villa areas. Many families spend the school year in the Netherlands and the holidays in Doha, or the other way round. See relocating your family from Qatar.

Governance across generations

For a family holding that serves the next generation, see what a family office in the Netherlands does.

Dutch law has legal forms that keep a family business together over generations. With a certification foundation (STAK), the heads of the family keep the votes, while the children receive the value of the shares. In a family foundation, you record the family rules for the next generations. See the Dutch STAK and a family office for Gulf families.

Compare the Netherlands with Ireland and Germany on tax, substance, running costs and time. See setting up a Dutch subsidiary for a foreign parent company.

Setting it up

You set up the company remotely from Doha (see incorporation from Doha). You open the bank account with a prepared file, and you arrange the home and the school at the right time of year. Follow the 90-day checklist for the order of the work. The substance you need depends on how much time the family spends here. See the substance requirements.

Free advice

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We help entrepreneurs and international companies with their company in the Netherlands and Europe. Tell us where you stand or what you are planning. You get free advice on your next step.

Part of Doing Business in the Netherlands, the complete 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much of the family wealth belongs in the European base? +

A share that you choose. Qatari families often place part of their wealth, such as operating businesses, property or listed shares, under one Dutch holding company. They choose the size so that the base pays for its own costs. You set up the structure first. The size depends on your strategy.

Can the base stay low-profile? +

Yes. Under EU rules, access to the ownership register is limited. With a STAK or a foundation, you keep more details private. Dutch business culture is also modest. The family decides how visible the base is.

Doha or Amsterdam as the children's school base? +

Families use both. The choice usually depends on the plans for university. A school in the Netherlands is a good start for European and UK universities. See the guide to international schools.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 18 August 2026