The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most digitally advanced markets.
Tech-forward SMEs, high API adoption, and a strong fintech culture make it an attractive entry point but also a competitive one. To succeed here, fintechs need to integrate seamlessly with the country’s diverse accounting software ecosystem.
This article summarizes key insights from our 2025 European Accounting Technology Market White Paper and highlights the main tools to integrate with when building a fintech in the Dutch market.
Why the Dutch Accounting Landscape Stands Out
The Netherlands combines digital maturity with local software dominance. Unlike France or Spain, where global brands like Sage or Microsoft play a big role, the Dutch accounting ecosystem is mostly shaped by local players.
Some key traits:
- High SME digitalization: Dutch SMEs are early adopters of modern financial tools.
- Advisory accountants: About 49% of SMEs work with accountants, but their role is focused on compliance and advice, not day-to-day bookkeeping. This pushes SMEs to operate their own software.
- Strong API culture: Integration expectations are high. Dutch platforms are API-friendly and built to interconnect smoothly.
- E-invoicing since 2017: B2G e-invoicing has been mandatory since 2017 via Peppol or Digipoort. B2B e-invoicing is still voluntary, but widely adopted thanks to strong local software support.
The Main Accounting Software in the Netherlands
Here are the key platforms fintechs should consider integrating with if your product is targeting small and medium businesses.
Exact Online
One of the dominant players in the Netherlands, Exact Online is widely used by SMEs and mid-market companies. It offers strong ERP-like features, making it popular for firms needing scalability. It is without doubt the market leader in the Netherlands.
AFAS Software
Another market leader, AFAS provides ERP and accounting solutions across company sizes. Like Exact, AFAS has deep penetration and is a must-have integration for fintechs targeting the Dutch market.
Visma (Yuki & eAccounting)
Norwegian group Visma has made the Netherlands its largest market. Products like Visma eAccounting and Yuki are well established, targeting both SMEs and accountants, offering strong automation features.
👉 See our dedicated article for Visma eAccounting: What you need to know about the Visma eAccounting API integration
e-Boekhouden
A favorite among smaller companies thanks to its simplicity and affordability. Its straightforward approach makes it highly popular for micro-SMEs and freelancers.
SnelStart
Another tool geared towards small businesses, SnelStart combines ease of use with compliance features, positioning itself well in the SME segment.
Moneybird
Known for its user-friendly experience, Moneybird is widely used by freelancers and small businesses. Its focus on simplicity and automation makes it attractive for fintechs targeting micro-enterprises.
Twinfield (Wolters Kluwer)
A more advanced solution, Twinfield is part of Wolters Kluwer and is often adopted by medium-sized firms. It integrates accounting with reporting and compliance needs.
💡 Other notable tools:
Asperion, Minox, Jortt, EasyAdmin, Zoho Books, and WK Adsolut were also cited in our study, each holding relevance in certain niches or regions.
Integration Strategy for the Netherlands
Your integration priorities in the Dutch market will depend on your target customers:
- For small businesses and freelancers: Start with e-Boekhouden, SnelStart, Moneybird, and Asperion—they dominate the micro-SME space.
- For medium-sized firms: Focus on Exact Online, AFAS, Twinfield, and Visma (Yuki & eAccounting) for broader functionality and ERP-level capabilities.
- Don’t overlook diversity: With 14 relevant tools in use, it’s nearly impossible to cover the market with one or two integrations.
The Dutch market is integration-friendly, but expectations are high: fintechs must deliver smooth UX, automation, and robust APIs to win.
How Chift’s Unified API Simplifies the Netherlands
Covering the fragmented Dutch ecosystem means juggling multiple connectors and API nuances. With Chift’s Unified Accounting API, you can integrate once and instantly unlock connectivity with all the major Dutch accounting platforms—from accountants favorites like Yuki to ERP leaders like Exact.
- One integration → full market coverage
- Real-time, secure data without sync headaches
- Support for both SME and mid-market tools
- Future-proofing for e-invoicing compliance
📥 Want deeper insights?
Our 2025 European Accounting Technology Market White Paper includes detailed analysis of the Dutch ecosystem, alongside France and Spain.
Download your copy here and get a head start on your fintech’s European expansion.
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