From the UK & Europe

Netherlands or Dubai for UK Leavers: the Comparison

Updated: 6 October 2026 Holdwise editorial team UK Dubai Comparison

Dubai has lower tax rates, and the Netherlands offers more for business and family life. In Dubai, you pay 0% personal income tax and your company pays 9% corporate tax. In the Netherlands, your company has access to the EU market. You also get good schools, four seasons and a tax system with real choices. Your choice depends on what you and your family need most. At Holdwise, we keep this answer up to date and change it when the rules change.

Where Dubai wins

In Dubai, the personal income tax rate is zero and your company pays 9% corporate tax. The winters are sunny. You can arrange a visa, a licence and an office within days. Dubai suits a founder with a global, digital business and a family that enjoys expat life. For that founder, Dubai is a real option.

Where the Netherlands wins

For your business, a Dutch company can sign contracts in all 27 EU markets. It can use the Dutch VAT system and hire staff across the continent. See EU market access after Brexit. For tax, you pay box 2 tax (the tax on income from a substantial shareholding) at a time you choose: in 2026, 24.5% on the first €68,843 per person and 31% above that. Under the participation exemption, group profits in your holding are taxed at 0%. When you arrive, you can use the 30% ruling. See the Dutch alternative after non-dom for the director-shareholder rules. For family life, the Netherlands has four seasons and world-ranked schools at lower fees. London is 45 minutes away, and teenagers cycle to school.

Compare the total costs

In countries with a zero tax rate, other costs are higher, such as school fees, housing and flights. You also often need an EU company anyway for your European revenue. Founders with real EU business usually find that the total difference in cost is much smaller than the difference in tax rate.

Does your company want its European entity in the Netherlands? See setting up a Dutch subsidiary for the steps, the costs and a comparison with other countries.

If you live outside the Netherlands, the steps are the same in every country. An employee of the notary's office signs the deed for you with your power of attorney. The company is then registered with the KVK, the Dutch chamber of commerce, and gets its tax numbers. See company formation in the Netherlands for non-residents for an overview.

Using both Dubai and the Netherlands

A common approach is to use both. You have a base in the Gulf for the region and the winter, and a Dutch BV for Europe and the summer. See two bases in Amsterdam and Dubai and a free zone company plus a Dutch BV.

Free advice

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

Frequently asked questions

I sell mostly to EU clients. Does Dubai still work? +

Yes, if you add a Dutch BV. Your EU clients sign their contracts with the Dutch company, and your Gulf company keeps its role. The question is then how you divide your time over the year.

What do families usually choose? +

Families with school-age children often choose the Netherlands. They like the choice of schools, the independent culture and being close to the grandparents. Families who prefer the expat community often choose the Gulf. Both choices work well. Most families decide after they make a shortlist of schools. See the guide to international schools.

Which relocation is easier to reverse? +

Both are reversible when you plan the structure well from the start. With a base in both places, changing your mind means only a small shift, and you avoid a full relocation. That flexibility is a good reason to build the Dutch side either way.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 6 October 2026