Declining bankruptcy rate among Dutch companies in 2026

The bankruptcy rate among Dutch companies has fallen significantly compared to last year. 53 fewer companies declared bankruptcy in February of 2026 than in February of 2025.

Dutch business bankruptcies drop in February

According to the latest figures by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the bankruptcy rate of companies in the Netherlands has seen a decline of 15 percent compared to the same period in 2025. February 2026 has brought a total of 311 bankruptcy declarations, a steep difference from 364 declarations last February.

Data shows that most of these insolvencies were experienced in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. 25 per 100.000 companies in manufacturing declared bankruptcy in the last month. Close behind are the sectors of transportation and storage, trade and rental services.

While in February the general rate rose slightly by 11 percent since January 2026, the overall development is part of a negative trend, and is expected to decline further. Companies are recovering from the high bankruptcy rates of the past years, caused by the drawback of governmental COVID aid.

Understanding bankruptcy developments in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, these rates are calculated based on the number of bankruptcies among 100.000 companies, institutions and solopreneurs. The CBS provides numbers and figures on different categories relevant to the Dutch public, including the bankruptcy rates. 

The rate is always fluctuating due to current circumstances. Throughout the last 10 years, bankruptcies were at their lowest point in August 2021. 2024 brought a new peak that seems to have been in decline ever since.

 Bankruptcy rates are affected by a number of complex factors. Changes in legislation, fluctuating costs, numbers of new start-ups and economic events are reflected in the figures. Peaks in declared numbers of bankruptcy in 2024 can partially be traced back to persistent inflation, higher energy costs, geopolitical tensions and even social contributors such as the COVID pandemic.