Doing Business in Singapore VS Netherlands – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors often face a tough decision when choosing between Singapore and the Netherlands as their preferred business destination. Both countries are recognized for their strategic advantages, making the choice highly challenging. While Singapore is known for its competitive landscape, high quality of life, and cost-effective setup for smaller businesses, the Netherlands offers a gateway to the European market with its robust infrastructure and innovation-driven economy.
Singapore: Singapore boasts political stability, a transparent legal framework, and strong government support for businesses, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs.
Netherlands: The Netherlands offers a highly stable political environment, a sophisticated legal system, and a pro-business government that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
Taxation
Singapore: Singapore has a competitive corporate tax rate of 17%, generous tax incentives, and no capital gains tax, making it attractive for businesses.
Netherlands: The Netherlands has a corporate tax rate of 25.8% (2025), with lower rates for smaller businesses and a favorable tax regime for innovation-focused companies.
Ease of Company Incorporation
Singapore: Singapore offers a streamlined incorporation process, advanced digital infrastructure, and a business-friendly regulatory environment.
Netherlands: The Netherlands provides a straightforward incorporation process supported by digital tools and a regulatory framework that encourages foreign investments.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
Singapore: Operational costs in Singapore are relatively lower for smaller businesses, with affordable office spaces and a high quality of life.
Netherlands: The Netherlands has higher operational and living costs, but it compensates with excellent infrastructure and a high standard of living.
Access to Markets
Singapore: Singapore’s global connectivity, strategic location in Asia, and numerous trade agreements make it a hub for international trade.
Netherlands: The Netherlands acts as a gateway to Europe, with access to the EU market and a world-class logistics network.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference:
Singapore offers political stability, a transparent legal framework, and lower operational costs for small businesses. Learn more about starting a business in Singapore with 3E Accounting.
Singapore has a corporate tax rate of 17% with no capital gains tax, while the Netherlands has a corporate tax rate of 25.8% in 2025 and applies capital gains tax. See our company registration guide for more details.
Singapore offers a streamlined, digitalized incorporation process, while the Netherlands also provides a simple setup but may involve more regulatory steps. Discover how company incorporation in Singapore ensures quick setup.
Singapore offers relatively lower operational costs for small businesses despite higher living expenses, while the Netherlands has higher costs but offers excellent infrastructure. Check our company incorporation services to maximize efficiency.
Singapore provides strategic access to the Asia-Pacific market through numerous trade agreements, while the Netherlands offers direct access to the EU market. Learn about setting up businesses in Singapore to take advantage of global trade.
3E Accounting provides expert guidance, end-to-end business support, and efficient incorporation processes for entrepreneurs worldwide.
We offer company incorporation, compliance solutions, accounting, and corporate secretarial support. View our services to help your business thrive.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
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