For Dutch businesses choosing between accounting platforms, Xero is generally the better fit for international businesses and those prioritising cloud-first workflows, while Exact remains a strong choice for companies deeply embedded in Dutch administrative processes. The most important factor is not which platform is more capable in isolation, but which one aligns with how your business operates and where it is heading. This article works through the key comparison points, from VAT compliance and integrations to migration difficulty and pricing, so you can make an informed decision.
Which accounting software is better suited for international businesses in the Netherlands?
Xero is the stronger choice for international businesses operating in the Netherlands. It is built for global use, with a multilingual interface, multi-currency support, and a user experience that feels familiar to business owners and finance teams from outside the Netherlands. Exact, while capable, is primarily designed for the Dutch and Belgian markets and can feel less accessible to non-Dutch speakers.
For companies expanding into the Netherlands from the UK, the US, or elsewhere, Xero offers a significant practical advantage: it works the way international finance teams expect it to work. Reports, dashboards, and workflows are intuitive for users who have not grown up with Dutch administrative conventions. This reduces onboarding friction and makes it easier to maintain financial oversight across borders.
Exact does have a strong local reputation and integrates tightly with Dutch government portals. However, for businesses whose management, investors, or parent companies sit outside the Netherlands, Xero’s accessibility and international design philosophy make it the more practical long-term platform.
How does Xero handle Dutch tax and VAT compliance compared to Exact?
Both Xero and Exact support Dutch VAT reporting, but they approach it differently. Exact has native integrations with Dutch tax authority systems and is built with Dutch compliance workflows at its core. Xero handles Dutch VAT effectively but relies more on the expertise of the accountant or firm using it to configure and manage local compliance requirements correctly.
In practice, this means that Xero’s compliance capability in the Netherlands is closely tied to the quality of the accountant managing the platform. When configured correctly by a specialist, Xero handles BTW (VAT) returns, corporate income tax preparation, and annual accounts reporting accurately. The platform supports the standard Dutch VAT codes and can generate the data needed for submissions to the Belastingdienst.
Where Exact has a native edge is in direct electronic filing integrations with Dutch government systems. Xero typically requires an intermediary step, which a qualified accountant manages as part of the compliance workflow. For businesses working with an experienced Xero partner, this is a non-issue in practice. For businesses trying to manage compliance entirely in-house without specialist support, Exact’s out-of-the-box Dutch integrations may reduce administrative complexity.
What integrations and app ecosystems do Xero and Exact offer?
Xero has a significantly larger global app ecosystem, with over 1,000 third-party integrations spanning invoicing, inventory, payroll, CRM, and eCommerce platforms. Exact has a more focused marketplace, with strong integrations into Dutch-specific tools and ERP systems, but fewer options for businesses using international software stacks.
For businesses running tools like Shopify, Stripe, HubSpot, Dext, or international payroll systems, Xero’s integration library is considerably broader. This makes it easier to build a connected, automated finance function without relying on manual data entry or workarounds.
Exact’s integrations tend to be deeper within the Dutch business ecosystem, connecting well with Dutch payroll providers, logistics platforms, and government systems. If your business relies heavily on Dutch-specific tools and operates primarily within the Netherlands, Exact’s integrations may cover your needs well. If your software stack is internationally oriented, Xero is likely the more compatible platform.
One practical consideration: Xero’s open API makes it easier for developers to build custom integrations, which matters for businesses with bespoke operational systems or complex workflows that standard integrations do not cover.
How difficult is it to migrate from Exact to Xero?
Migrating from Exact to Xero requires careful planning but is entirely achievable for most businesses. The key steps involve exporting historical data from Exact, mapping chart of accounts structures, importing opening balances into Xero, and configuring Dutch VAT codes and reporting settings correctly. Most migrations can be completed without significant disruption when managed by an experienced Xero specialist.
The main areas of complexity are:
- Historical data: Deciding how much transaction history to migrate versus archive, since importing years of detailed data adds time and cost
- Chart of accounts: Exact and Xero use different account structures, so mapping these correctly requires accounting knowledge
- Dutch tax configuration: VAT codes, tax rates, and reporting settings must be set up accurately from the start to avoid compliance errors
- Bank feeds: Reconnecting Dutch bank accounts to Xero and ensuring transaction feeds are live and accurate
- Payroll: If payroll was managed in Exact, this may need to be migrated to a separate Dutch payroll tool such as NMBRS
Timing the migration to the start of a financial year simplifies the process considerably, as it avoids the need to split reporting across two platforms mid-year. Working with a certified Xero partner who understands Dutch compliance requirements reduces the risk of configuration errors and ensures the transition is handled correctly from day one.
How do Xero and Exact compare on pricing for Dutch SMEs?
Xero and Exact are broadly comparable in price for small and medium-sized Dutch businesses, though the total cost depends heavily on which plan tier you need and which add-ons your business requires. Xero’s pricing is transparent and tiered by feature set, while Exact’s pricing varies more significantly depending on the modules selected.
For straightforward bookkeeping and VAT compliance, both platforms sit in a similar monthly cost range. However, as businesses add complexity, multi-currency, advanced reporting, payroll, or inventory, costs on both platforms increase. Exact’s modular pricing model can become expensive when multiple functional areas are activated.
One factor worth considering is the total cost of ownership, which includes not just the software licence but also the accountant’s or bookkeeper’s time required to manage compliance. Because Xero is designed for ease of use and collaboration with advisors, many businesses find that their overall finance administration costs are lower when using Xero with a specialist partner, compared to managing a more complex Exact setup.
Should a growing Dutch business switch from Exact to Xero?
A growing Dutch business should consider switching from Exact to Xero if it is scaling internationally, relies on a broad range of integrated software tools, or finds Exact’s interface limiting for collaborative financial management. Xero’s cloud-first design, large app ecosystem, and accessibility for non-Dutch teams make it particularly well-suited to businesses in a growth phase.
The case for switching is strongest when:
- The business has international operations, investors, or management teams who need accessible financial reporting
- The current Exact setup requires significant manual work that Xero’s integrations could automate
- The business is working with or moving to an accountant who specialises in Xero
- The team finds Exact difficult to use day-to-day and wants a more intuitive platform
- The business is adding new tools, eCommerce, CRM, expense management, and needs a platform with strong integration support
The case for staying with Exact is stronger when the business is deeply embedded in Dutch-specific workflows, has a large volume of historical data that would be complex to migrate, or has a long-standing relationship with an accountant who manages Exact effectively on their behalf.
Switching platforms is not a decision to take lightly, but for many growing businesses, the long-term efficiency gains from moving to a better-suited platform outweigh the short-term disruption of migration.
How Ace. helps businesses move from Exact to Xero
Ace. is the Netherlands’ only certified Xero Platinum Partner, with dedicated expertise in helping Dutch and international businesses migrate from Exact and other platforms to Xero. Working with Ace. means the technical and compliance complexity of switching is handled by specialists who have been working exclusively with Xero since 2014.
- Full migration support, from data export to Xero configuration and VAT setup
- Ongoing Dutch tax and bookkeeping compliance managed within Xero
- Access to Xero’s app ecosystem, with expert guidance on which integrations suit your business
- Real-time financial support and transparent pricing, tailored to your business stage
- Specialist knowledge for international businesses expanding into or operating within the Netherlands
If you are weighing up whether Xero is the right move for your business, the best starting point is a conversation with an advisor who knows both the platform and the Dutch compliance landscape. Book a consultation with Ace. You can discuss your situation and get a clear picture of what a migration would involve for your business.
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