Planning for your own financial future is important. Planning so that your children and grandchildren also benefit is a different challenge. For many international families living in the Netherlands there are useful opportunities. The Dutch system has clear rules for taxes, mortgages and inheritance. That clarity can help you build long term security, but only when you understand how the rules affect your personal situation. At Consilium Aureum International we guide clients through Dutch specifics and create plans that last for generations.
Start with a complete picture of your finances. Many families have assets and incomes in more than one country. Combine this information into a single overview. Include bank accounts, pensions, properties, life insurance and any business interests. When you see everything together it becomes easier to decide what to protect, what to grow and what to pass on. The OECD finds that households with structured financial plans are more resilient to shocks. Their analysis shows that planning, saving and simple buffers reduce the risk that a single event will damage long term security. This matters for families who want to support children with education, a first home or a safety net. (OECD, 2023)
Understand how inheritance rules and taxes can change outcomes. Inheritance law and tax rates differ across Europe and within the Netherlands there are specific rules about who inherits and how estate tax is applied. Families with cross border ties can face unexpected tax costs or legal delays when estates are not aligned with local law. The European Commission highlights that without early planning families can face inefficiencies and disputes. For this reason it is essential to check how your will, your chosen legal residence and any joint ownership are treated under Dutch law and where changes are needed to avoid surprises. (European Commission study, 2022)
Think about mortgages and housing as part of your legacy plan. The Dutch housing market has been tight and mortgage rules are specific. Helping a child onto the housing ladder requires more than a gift. You need to consider loan conditions, tax consequences and how the transfer affects your own financial safety. A structured plan can include gifts in stages, use of guarantees or other arrangements that protect both the giver and the receiver.
Protect liquidity for unexpected needs. Building long term wealth often focuses on investments. Yet the absence of liquid savings poses risks. Make sure you have an accessible emergency fund that covers several months of expenses. That prevents forced sales of investments at low prices and keeps your legacy intact.
Communication matters as much as documents. Families who discuss values and practical wishes find it easier to pass on wealth in a way that supports the next generation. Simple conversations about education funding, home ownership and risk tolerance reduce conflict later. Legal documents must follow, but the conversation lays the groundwork.
At Consilium Aureum International we start by mapping your international situation. We explain Dutch tax rules in plain language and show how choices affect both your lifestyle and your legacy. Then we design actions that match your goals. For some families this means focusing on stable savings and insurance. For others it means a diversified investment plan and clear estate arrangements. Our aim is to create clarity and confidence so that you can make decisions today that benefit tomorrow.
Securing wealth across generations is more than a financial exercise. It is an act of care that combines practical planning with family values. With early planning and the right guidance you can build stability that lasts for decades.