6 reasons to start your business in Utrecht Region

Planning to establish, relocate, or expand your business in Europe? In 2026, Utrecht Region stands stronger than ever as one of the continent’s most connected, future-ready and innovation-driven business environments. Centrally located in the Netherlands, the region gives companies the strategic advantages they need to scale fast and sustainably.

Here are six reasons why Utrecht Region should be at the top of your shortlist.

1. Unmatched connectivity at the heart of Europe

Utrecht remains the most central and accessible region in the Netherlands. Utrecht Central Station — still the country’s busiest rail hub — connects seamlessly to every major Dutch city, as well as high-speed routes into Belgium, France and Germany. Schiphol Airport, with 300+ global destinations, is just 30 minutes away. And with the Port of Rotterdam within 45 minutes, companies enjoy frictionless access to European and global markets. Within a 500-km radius, you can reach 145+ million consumers — instantly positioning your business at Europe’s crossroads.

2. A world-class innovation ecosystem

Utrecht Region continues to strengthen its reputation as a global leader in life sciences, digital innovation, sustainable mobility and climate solutions. Its open, collaborative ecosystem brings together companies, startups, knowledge institutes and research organisations.

• Utrecht Science Park is now home to Europe’s fastest-growing life sciences & health cluster — including leading R&D facilities, incubators and shared labs.
• Hilversum Media Park remains the creative engine for global media, broadcasting and digital content production.

Whether you are a startup, scale-up or multinational, the region gives you plug-and-play access to a mature innovation network.

© Lotte Stierhout

3. A highly educated, future-proof workforce

Utrecht consistently ranks as the region with the best-educated workforce in the Netherlands. More than 70,000 students study at five universities and universities of applied sciences — including Utrecht University, top-ranked internationally for sustainability, life sciences and AI.
The result: a deep talent pool in digital media, data & AI, smart mobility, health and sustainable innovation — available to companies of every size.

4. A cost-effective base with high quality of life

Compared to Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Utrecht Region offers significantly lower operating and living costs — without compromising on talent, connectivity or internationalisation. International employees benefit from excellent housing options, green urban planning, easy mobility, and a strong cultural and social infrastructure.

The International Welcome Centre Utrecht Region (IWCUR) ensures foreign talent receives smooth, reliable support with formalities, registration and settling in.

5. Attractive incentives and a stable tax environment

The Netherlands continues to offer competitive corporate tax rates, innovation-friendly incentives and an internationally trusted regulatory environment. The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration is known for its practical, transparent and collaborative approach — making it easier for international companies to plan long-term investments.

© Ramon Mosterd

6. Dedicated support for international business growth

Utrecht Region’s Team International (part of the regional development agency) serves as a direct gateway into the region’s innovative ecosystem. Companies receive tailored, confidential, and free-of-charge assistance, ranging from site selection and ecosystem introductions to talent support and soft-landing services. Whether you are setting up, scaling up, or accelerating R&D, Team International helps you hit the ground running.

Ready to scale your business in the heart of Europe?

In 2026, Utrecht Region offers a powerful combination of connectivity, talent, innovation and long-term stability — exactly what global companies need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.