Structuring foreign real estate via a Dutch limited liability company ("besloten vennootschap") can offer attractive tax planning opportunities by using the extensive Dutch tax treaty network.

Many foreign companies establish themselves in the Netherlands to take advantage of its very attractive tax system. Every year about €3,600 billion (over eight times the Dutch GNP) of foreign companies’ money flows through the Netherlands. This can have negative consequences for other countries, both rich and poor, that loose out on tax income.

The Rolling Stones paid just 1.6 per cent in tax on earnings of $US152 million ast year, thanks to slick management of their fortunes. Details have leaked out because the Stones' finances are managed by a Dutch company; they are making their wills and Dutch law requires certain information to be made public.