Investing in the Netherlands as an Expat in 2026

With the constantly rising cost of living and inflation, investing for the future has become an essential part of financial planning.

Keeping your money safe in a savings account involves zero risk, but it is not practical if you wish to grow your wealth for a secure future. Investing in the Netherlands as an expat, on the other hand, allows you to grow your hard-earned money by earning good returns and asset appreciation.

Based on their preferences, many people look for different ways to invest their money. Whether it is to build retirement savings, accumulate funds for a new business, buy your dream house, or save for your children’s education and upbringing, a good investment is always going to secure your future goals. Many expats look to invest their money to help them during unforeseen financial emergencies, while some want to save up for their child’s higher education or wedding expenses. People also seek good investment opportunities so they can enjoy a comfortable old age with no financial dependency on their children. It can also be an excellent source of passive income through dividend options.

The Netherlands provides various lucrative opportunities in both traditional and modern/alternative investments. The type of investment options you choose depends on your financial goals, tax efficiency, dividend percentage, liquidity, and risk tolerance. It is essential to understand the regulations, tax implications, and the risks involved before making any crucial investment decisions. Please note that some investments are taxed under the Box 3 section by the Belastingdienst. ABN AMRO provides a detailed insight into the pros and cons of investing, including investment myths and suitable options for every individual.

We have made things simpler for you by creating an overview of the most popular investment options in the Netherlands.

Traditional Investment Options in the Netherlands

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

An exchange-traded fund (ETF), or index fund, is an investment fund that holds a group of assets such as stocks, commodities, and bonds. It works like a mutual fund but follows the stock exchange trading method of a regular company share. The most common ETF investment choices are World ETFs and S&P 500 ETFs.

Pension Investing (Pensioenbeleggen)

Although pension investing (Pensioenbeleggen) is a less popular investment option among the Dutch, it is mandatory for salaried employees. You are legally required to contribute to the State Pension (AOW – Algemene Ouderdomswet) as per government rules. Pension investing is also ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and ZZP workers, as it offers a tax-advantage benefit.

High-Interest Savings Accounts

A high-interest savings account (spaarrekening) is one of the safest investment options you can choose. However, it is the least recommended option if you’re looking to gain significant returns. It is ideal for accumulating emergency funds, as it offers instant liquidity. See our guide to the best savings accounts in the Netherlands for current rates.

Real Estate Investing

Real estate is one of the most common long-term investment options in the Netherlands for locals and expats. There are usually three types of real estate investment options: residential buy-to-let property (verhuurhypotheek), commercial real estate, and specialized real estate. Property investors also pay Box 3 tax on rental homes. Read our guide to Dutch property taxes to see how the numbers work out.

Modern and Alternative Investment Options in the Netherlands

Cryptocurrency

Although considered risky and volatile, cryptocurrency is one of the most popular modern investment options in the Netherlands for its growth potential. Stringent EU rules regulate crypto investments, and the Dutch government employs strong compliance measures to prevent financial fraud. The Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) regulate cryptocurrency trading, classifying assets by how they function.

For many years, Bitcoin has remained the most famous and widely traded cryptocurrency, followed by Ethereum and stablecoins. Litecoin is also gaining popularity, offering quicker transaction times for daily use.

Some platforms for cryptocurrency trading are Bitvavo, Coinbase, DEGIRO, and Kraken.

REITs and Real Estate Funds

Investing in real estate funds or a real estate investment trust (REIT) is a simpler and more modern alternative to real estate investment. A real estate investment trust is an organization that finances and handles property developed to generate income. This type of investment allows you to combine your money with other investors and receive regular revenue from property income and cost appreciation. This saves you the hassle of buying and managing property on your own. You can buy REIT shares just like a regular stock, making them highly liquid compared to owning physical property. There are various types of REITs, such as public, private, mortgage, retail, residential, healthcare, and diversified REITs. Non-listed REITs are not traded on stock exchanges.

A real estate fund is a pool of several real estate securities that owns shares of multiple REITs and real estate-related organizations. The liquidity of a real estate fund depends on the fund’s type, whether it’s an ETF, mutual fund, or private fund. Real estate funds are categorized by their type, such as residential, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and specialized funds.

To be eligible for tax exemptions, a REIT must distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders, which leaves the company with less money to reinvest. However, they carry low fees and require a minimal investment of €20 to €100. A real estate fund carries higher fees and needs an entry investment of €100,000 for private funds.

Platforms such as DEGIRO and BUX deal with REIT investments.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is another popular form of investment, where people can present their business pitch and raise money directly from the public. If the pitch is approved, the crowd can invest in the business, in exchange for a percentage of returns. It is a great way of investing, not only for raising money but also for creating brand awareness.

There are three types of returns in a crowdfunding investment:

• Debt: Investors lend money to businesses under a deal of receiving the amount back within a certain time period, along with an interest percentage.
• Equity: Investors receive a percentage of the shares or ownership of the business they’re lending money to, in exchange for their investment.
• Donations: Investors donate money to help or support a non-profit cause.

Peer-to-peer, or P2P, lending is a form of debt crowdfunding investment, where investors lend money to borrowers through online platforms instead of going through traditional banks. The platform assesses the borrower’s credibility and assigns an interest rate. A consumer loan is a type of P2P lending where investors loan an amount for purchasing a car or property renovations. In P2P business crowdfunding, investors help self-employed professionals or small businesses that need money for expansion.

Crowdfunding platforms must have an ECSPR license, meeting the requirements of the European crowdfunding regulation. The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets issues the licenses. Platforms that raise money through donations or sponsoring do not require a license.

Some Dutch crowdfunding platforms are Geldvoorelkaar and Collin Crowdfund. SamenInGeld is an excellent source for real estate crowdfunding, while Mogelijk is ideal for business mortgages. Debitum and Mintos are well known for P2P lending.

Gold and Gold Bars

For several decades, purchasing metals and commodities has been one of the most common investment options across many cultures. People prefer diversifying their investments through different commodities, such as precious metals, industrial metals, energy, and agricultural commodities. But over the years, gold has continued to be the most widely preferred commodity among individual and institutional investors. Considered a “safe haven,” gold has proven to hold its value during periods of crisis, market volatility, geopolitical unrest, fluctuating currencies, and inflation.

Since its value is independent of corporate profits, gold is one of the best investment options for diversifying your portfolio. According to the World Gold Council, gold has been one of the few assets consistently fetching high long-term returns. The council also states that gold prices have seen an annual increase of roughly 8-9% per year in US dollars since 1971.

In the Netherlands, investors can purchase gold in the form of LBMA-certified gold bars, internationally recognized bullion coins, or Gold ETFs. Popular dealers such as HollandGold, Gold Republic, and Goudpensioen offer physical gold bars and coins, along with secure storage. Gold ETFs can be purchased through investment brokers like DEGIRO, ING, ABN AMRO, and Rabobank. Most dealers also offer other precious metals, like silver and platinum. Investments in metals and commodities fall under UCITS-compliant Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs), which track the price of individual commodities.

Collectables

The Dutch are also known for diversifying their investments with tangible assets such as rare collectables, antiques, fine art, watches, luxury handbags, rare whisky, and classic cars. The market value of these collectables depends on their cultural importance, limited availability, and buyer demand. While these collectables often yield strong returns, they require expert knowledge and provide low liquidity. They may also incur high storage and insurance costs.

The Netherlands offers a huge market for all kinds of collectables. The Affordable Art Fair and Kramer Kunst & Antiek have a fine collection of antiques and art. Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is the largest antique center in the Netherlands, having over 10,000 objects in vintage art, paintings, and collectables from 150 traders. The Delft Antiekmarkt is also a great option for shopping for collectables, whereas TEFAF Maastricht hosts antiques fairs. The IJ-Hallen is the biggest flea market in Europe, with hundreds of stalls showcasing a variety of antiques, vintage art, and rare collectables.

Green Investing

Green investing (groen beleggen) is a Dutch tax-friendly investment opportunity which allows you to invest in sustainable funds and bonds approved and regulated by the government. These investments help fund nature conservation and renewable energy. GroenvermogenNL is a green energy transition program by the National Growth Fund, focusing on building a sustainable national ecosystem.

Green investing is popular among sustainability-focused and conservative investors.

Because money in a green savings account is considered a green investment, you can receive a tax benefit on the savings under the Income Tax Act. With the green declaration (groenverklaring), banks provide loans at a lower interest rate through the Green Funds scheme.

Invest-NL is a popular platform offering support to investors and companies focused on green investments and sustainability.

Robo-Advisors

Robo-advisors are fully automated investing platforms that manage your investment portfolios based on your financial goals and risk profile. They are controlled by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets and are ideal for beginners. Robo-advisors have an easy onboarding process, and you can diversify your investments with their hands-on services. However, they sometimes charge higher fees than traditional ETFs.

Revolut is one of the most popular apps offering robo-advisor services in the Netherlands. With their expert monitoring and portfolio rebalancing features, you can start with an investment of €100. They charge 0.75% of your investment per year, billed monthly.

Economic Context

Considering the current geopolitical environment, market inflation, and slow economic growth, it is recommended to diversify your investments. Investors are favoring safer assets, such as gold and other alternative investments.

De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has projected GDP growth of approximately 0.8% in 2026, down from 1.8% in 2025. While these numbers do not warn of a recession, investors are still investing cautiously across diverse assets, relying heavily on modern and alternative options. Overall, alternative investments are complementing traditional investments rather than replacing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best investment option for expats in the Netherlands?

There’s no single best option. Most expats start with low-cost ETFs for long-term growth, keep an emergency fund in a high-interest savings account, and add alternative investments like gold or REITs to diversify.

Do expats pay tax on investments in the Netherlands?

Yes. Most investment income falls under Box 3, which taxes an assumed return on your savings and investments rather than your actual profit. Speak with a tax advisor to understand how this applies to your situation.

Can expats invest in Dutch real estate?

Yes. Expats can invest in residential buy-to-let property, commercial real estate, or specialized real estate. Many also choose REITs or real estate funds for a lower-cost, more liquid way to invest in property.

Is cryptocurrency a safe investment in the Netherlands?

Cryptocurrency is regulated by the AFM and DNB, which helps prevent fraud, but it remains a volatile and high-risk investment. Only invest money you can afford to lose.

How much money do I need to start investing in the Netherlands?

It depends on the option. Some REITs let you start with as little as €20 to €100, while private real estate funds may require €100,000 or more.

We hope this article answers your questions on investing your hard-earned income in the most efficient way possible. Stop worrying about your future and start investing today to enjoy a carefree life ahead.