The Netherlands had fourteen billionaires as of 2026, concentrated around Amsterdam. How many billionaires are in the Netherlands, and who is the richest? The wealthiest is Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, worth roughly $17.9 billion as of 2026 through her controlling stake in brewer Heineken. This guide profiles the nation's richest and where they live.
The Netherlands is home to several ultra-wealthy billionaires. The country’s richest individual is Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, who, as of 2026, is worth roughly $17.9 billion through her controlling stake in brewer Heineken. The list below spans a variety of industries, including staffing, manufacturing, chemicals, payments software, and media & entertainment. Note that several pioneers of Dutch enterprise featured here have passed away in recent years, and their fortunes are now held by their families and estates.
How many billionaires are in Netherlands?
As of 2026, there are fourteen billionaires in the Netherlands, according to Forbes, concentrated mainly in and around Amsterdam.
Top Billionaires in Netherlands
Who has the highest net worth in Netherlands?
1. Frits Goldschmeding
Frits Goldschmeding, born in 1933, was a self-made Dutch billionaire who founded the staffing and temp-agency group Randstad in 1960. He died on July 26, 2024, at the age of 90; at the time of his death Forbes estimated his net worth at roughly $5.8 billion (as of July 2024), built on his stake in Randstad, the world’s largest staffing company.
2. Wim van der Leegte & family
Wim van der Leegte, born in 1947, built his fortune in manufacturing as the founder of VDL Groep, one of Europe’s largest privately held car and bus makers. He died on November 19, 2023, at the age of 76. The business is now wholly owned by his three children, who serve on the company’s executive board.
3. Hans Melchers
Hans Melchers, born in 1938, was a self-made Dutch billionaire whose wealth came from chemicals and investments, principally his company Melchemie and a major stake in HAL Investments. He died on November 4, 2023, at the age of 85; Forbes estimated his net worth at roughly $2.7 billion at that time.
4. Arnout Schuijff
Arnout Schuijff, born in 1967, is a self-made Dutch billionaire and a co-founder of the payments-technology company Adyen. As of 2026, he is worth approximately $2.5 billion, with his wealth sourced from technology. He is based in Amsterdam.
5. John de Mol
John de Mol, born in 1955, is a self-made Dutch billionaire in the media & entertainment industry, best known for creating TV formats such as Big Brother and The Voice. As of 2026, his net worth is estimated at approximately $2.4 billion, up from earlier estimates around $2.0 billion. He is based in Blaricum.
Sources:
Forbes World’s Billionaires List 2026
Bloomberg Billionaires Index
List of Dutch by net worth (Wikipedia, citing Forbes)
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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