Factsheet: Dutch tonnage tax regime

Favorable tax climate for the maritime industry

Companies based in the Netherlands are subject to the Dutch corporate income tax (CIT). In 2019 it has been adopted that the general Dutch CIT rate for profits that exceed EUR 200,000 would be reduced to 21.7% as of 2021. However, on Budget day (September 2020) it became clear that this reduction of the general CIT rate will be canceled. Instead, the general CIT rate will remain 25% and the lowest CIT rate will be further reduced to 15% for taxable profits up to EUR 245,000 (in 2021) and EUR 395,000 (in 2022).

Companies subject to Dutch CIT that perform qualifying (maritime) activities can opt for the Dutch tonnage tax regime. The tonnage regime is a favorable tax regime that was introduced in the Netherlands in 1996 and which can help parties in the maritime / offshore sector to successfully operate in an international playing field. The Dutch tonnage tax regime is approved by the European Commission.

A common misconception is that this regime can only be used if vessels are owned. In addition, there appears to be some movement in the scope for applying this regime in the Netherlands and we as Meijburg & Co are involved in discussions about this. Download our factsheet for all the ins and outs, such as the qualifying activities and flag requirements, of this tax regime.