Foreign investment in Netherlands & Amsterdam steady in 2025 as focus shifts to R&D
R&D takes centre stage
Amid global uncertainty and mounting domestic constraints, the Netherlands supported 180 foreign investment projects in 2025. According to the annual review from the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) and the Invest in Holland network, the emphasis is increasingly on research and development, ecosystem strength and long-term strategic relevance rather than volume alone.
Of the 180 supported projects, 111 were new establishments, and 69 were expansions of existing operations. Together, they are expected to create 4,376 jobs over the next 3 years.
For the first time, research & development was the leading activity, accounting for 53 projects. Other prominent activities included marketing and sales functions, headquarters operations, production and service or distribution centres.
What this means for the Amsterdam Area
For the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, the shift towards R&D and strategic sectors reinforces existing strengths. The region already has a strong footprint in tech & AI, life sciences, creative industries and climate tech.
A national emphasis on high-value, knowledge-intensive investment aligns closely with Amsterdam’s profile as a hub for digital innovation, AI development and life sciences collaborations.
Recent examples include companies such as Delta Electronics, which is developing a new EMEA headquarters with major R&D facilities in Hoofddorp, and Cytek Biosciences, which has established a presence in Amsterdam to support its growth in advanced cell analysis technologies. Alongside these international investments, Dutch companies such as CityCharge and sustainable food producers Favamole are expanding their international reach through trade missions and partnerships.
For the past years, the Amsterdam Area has been working to address the urgent challenges it faces and to develop solutions for the future. The city was the first in the world to adopt the “doughnut economy” model, which promotes a circular economic system designed to balance social wellbeing with environmental limits. Within this framework, the Amsterdam area is placing greater emphasis on value creation rather than volume-driven growth, and is focusing on innovators and entrepreneurs whose work aims to contribute to broader societal and environmental improvements.