DutchNews.nl - DutchNews.nl brings daily news from The Netherlands in English

1 November 2025
Newsletter Donate Advertise
  • News
  • Life in the Netherlands
  • Jobs
  • Podcast
  • About us
  • Search
  • Home
  • Economy
  • Election 2025
  • Art and culture
  • Sport
  • Europe
  • Society
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Education
  • News
    • Home
    • Economy
    • Election 2025
    • Art and culture
    • Sport
    • Europe
    • Society
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Education
  • Life in the Netherlands
    • Latest
    • Opinion
    • Books
    • Travel
    • 10 Questions
    • Learning Dutch
    • Inburgering with DN
    • Food & Drink
    • Ask us anything
  • Jobs
  • Podcast
  • About us
    • Team
    • Donate
    • Advertise
    • Writing for Dutch News
    • Contact us
    • Privacy
    • Newsletter
  • Search

Money, money, money: 4 in 10 of Dutch rich inherited wealth

July 14, 2017
Photo: Depositphotos.com

Four out of every 10 people considered rich in the Netherlands have inherited their wealth, according to a survey commissioned by ABN Amro MeesPierson, the Telegraaf reported on Friday.

The rich are defined as those with with a minimum of €500,000 of disposable assets. A full 39% of repondents said they had inherited all or part of their wealth. Another 31% derived their money from their own businesses.

This number advanced to 37% for those with more than €1m of discretionary assets. And 26% said they had built up their assets through investments or property.

Those born into a rich family apparently have a better chance of remaining wealthy. Eight out of every 10 of the rich in the Netherlands plan to leave part of their money after their death to their children.

With millionaires it’s only six out of every 10, but many of these have already gifted their offspring money to buy a house. Finally, 56% think their children are more spoiled than other Dutch children.

Contrary to the belief that money does not make you happy, the Dutch rich seem quite content. Only 2% of those with inherited wealth found it to be a burden. Two-thirds said it had made them happier, and give their lives an ‘8’ out of 10. Those less fortunate rate their lives at only a ‘6’, according to the research.

Share this article
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Copy URL
Economy Society
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation
Latest
Show more
D66's Rob Jetten claims election win, aims for broad coalition
People in parts of Utrecht told to boil water before drinking it
Inspectors warns about fake online pharmacies selling ADHD drugs
Film, theatre and stolen art:13 great things to do in November
Podcast: The Strawberry Short Cake Edition
NewsHomeEconomyElection 2025Art and cultureSportEuropeSocietyEnvironmentHealthHousingEducation
Life in the NetherlandsLatestOpinionBooksTravel10 QuestionsLearning DutchInburgering with DNFood & DrinkAsk us anything
About usTeamDonateAdvertiseWriting for Dutch NewsContact usPrivacyNewsletter
© 2025 DutchNews | Cookie settings

Help us to keep providing you with up-to-date news about this month's Dutch general election.

Our thanks to everyone who donates regularly to Dutch News. It costs money to produce our daily news service, our original features and daily newsletters, and we could not do it without you.

If you have not yet made a donation, or did so a while ago, you can do so via these links

The DutchNews.nl team

Donate now

Dutchnews Survey

Please help us making DutchNews.nl a better read by taking part in a short survey.

Take part now