From giga-project supplier to EU supplier
Companies that worked on the giga-projects in the Kingdom have experience with large projects and deliver on time. European buyers look for this. EU purchasing departments usually require a local contract, an EU VAT registration and a familiar legal system. With a Dutch BV, you meet all three requirements. See setting up an EU headquarters and the guide for Saudi exporters.
How the structure works
An operating BV signs the contracts and employs the staff. It pays 19% corporate tax on profit up to €200,000. A holding company above it receives the European profits at 0%. The holding pays dividends to the Saudi parent company under the tax treaty. See how the holding structure is designed and how dividends are paid to the Gulf. Some sectors have extra rules. For energy, see setting up as an energy supplier. For trade, see the guide for Saudi companies.
Building a European group from the Gulf? See a Dutch holding for Gulf owners, with the treaty rates per country.
Hiring staff in Europe
Dutch employers hire international staff, and English is the working language in many companies. With the 30% ruling, specialists who relocate to the Netherlands cost less. Employer costs for the first employees on the Dutch payroll usually add 25% to 30% to the gross salary. See the hiring guide. Managers who travel between Riyadh and the Netherlands follow a fixed schedule of visits and reports. See building substance in the Netherlands.
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.
The timeline
The company and the VAT number usually take two to four weeks. See setting up a Dutch BV from Saudi Arabia. Many companies sign their first EU contract within three months. They hire the first staff when the demand is confirmed. Many Vision 2030 companies expand in this way.