From the USA

Texas Energy Entrepreneurs: Your European Base in the Netherlands

Updated: 6 October 2026 Holdwise editorial team USA Texas Energy

Houston service firms, engineers and traders can serve the whole of Europe from one Dutch BV. The energy transition in Europe includes many new projects in offshore wind, hydrogen, power grids and the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Much of this work is planned and managed from the Netherlands, on the North Sea. At Holdwise, we keep this answer up to date and change it when the rules change.

Why energy companies choose the Netherlands

Rotterdam has the largest energy port in Europe and a growing hydrogen hub. The North Sea has the largest volume of offshore wind projects in Europe. Dutch trading desks set the benchmark prices for gas and power in Europe. With one Dutch company, a Texas service or technology firm can work on projects in every European country.

Working on hydrogen or ammonia for Europe? See the EU rules for hydrogen and ammonia imports, with CBAM status and certification.

How to set up your company for energy work

A Dutch BV as the European contracting party: EU clients sign faster with a company based in the EU. VAT and payroll are arranged in the Netherlands. See BV incorporation.
A holding company above the BV: you keep the profit in the group after corporate tax of 19% on the first €200,000 and 25.8% above. With a holding, you are also ready for a later sale of the business. See how the holding structure works.
Specialists from Houston or hired locally: you can hire staff in the Netherlands or send staff from Houston to work here. See payroll, contracts and costs for your first Dutch employee.

Founders who relocate

If you relocate with the business, you can use the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT). You get a residence permit when you put €4,500 of equity into the company. See the complete DAFT guide. For the steps from Texas, see the guide for relocating from Texas. If you stay in the US, you can manage the BV from there. See a Dutch BV with a non-resident owner.

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.

Contracts and delivery

In Europe, energy clients award contracts through framework agreements and prequalification. With a Dutch company, a local bank account and a business address that you contract yourself, you meet most supplier requirements. See the corporate services you need. After that, you win work through relationships and steady delivery, as in Texas.

Free advice

Want our team to have a look?

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

Are oil and gas services welcome in the transition market? +

Yes. The same crews and engineers who worked on offshore oil now work on wind and hydrogen projects, often with the same vessels. European operators actively recruit people with experience in the Gulf of Mexico.

Can we win EU tenders with a fresh Dutch BV? +

Yes. In prequalification, the client looks at the track record of the whole group, and your US parent company can supply it. The Dutch BV is the contracting party in the EU. Present the bid as the experience of the group, together with a local company.

Where do energy people live? +

Many live in Rotterdam and The Hague, close to the port and the head offices. Beach towns such as Wassenaar and Noordwijk are similar to the suburbs of Houston and have international schools nearby.

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