DISCLAIMER: This post was last modified on 19 March 2024. Some information in this article may not be updated.

Amid an increasingly shifting political, social and economic landscape, the Netherlands remains an economically vibrant country.  

The Netherlands is among the top nations in the world for innovation and technology, and it has one of the most open economies. It has a highly skilled labour force, a competitive business environment and excellent infrastructure, which includes the largest port in Europe.  

Being a globally oriented nation, the Netherlands is home to many highly educated foreign workers — a plus for international investors. On top of that, the Dutch tax system offers several tax advantages to promote business activities. 

To learn more about the business landscape in the Netherlands, read these FAQs: https://boldergroup.com/insights/blogs/faqs-start-business-netherlands/  

The leading industries in the Netherlands  

The Dutch economy presents a wide range of opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs, being a centre of innovation, trade and sustainability. Below are some of the leading industries in the Netherlands: 

• Technology – The research and development investments made by the Dutch government and highly educated workforce resulted in technology innovation, making the country a tech powerhouse in Europe.  
• Fintech – With a stable and robust financial sector, the Netherlands leads the growth of fintech companies. The Dutch government’s favourable policies and regulatory environment fuel fintech innovation in the country.  
• Logistics and Transportation – The Netherlands is ideally situated in Europe and boasts one of the most advanced and connected logistics networks globally. The logistics industry has a strong job market due to the expansion of e-commerce and worldwide supply chains, increasing the demand for these services.  
• Renewable Energy – The Netherlands intends to reduce carbon emissions and switch to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass. For this reason, the Dutch renewable energy industry has the potential to grow as the globe looks for cleaner energy solutions.  

Due to the free flow of goods in the region, setting up a business in one EU nation allows businesses to seamlessly penetrate the entire market. This is especially true in the Netherlands, which is an entry point of the UK and US markets to the EU region.

Challenges of entering the Dutch market 

The main challenge of entering the Dutch market is language, as some organisations where you need to apply for certificates do not always provide English documentation or explanation.  

Other challenges that you need to consider when doing business in the Netherlands as a foreigner include (a) trade barriers, (b) a complex tax system, (c) intricate systems and processes, (d) a highly regulated labour market and (e) finding the right service providers that can help you with your business.

As a company formation agent, Bolder has the solutions to these challenges. In particular, our representatives have connections with experienced tax advisors who can assist you throughout the EU and help you understand the tax structure within the region.  

Bolder Solutions for Operational Companies  

Establishing a business in a new market can take time due to the numerous requirements and the setup process. We help operational companies enter the EU market through a Dutch business. Our onboarding process and services are personalised based on our client’s needs, industry and location. 

Reach out to our team today, so we can start setting up your company and commence your operations in the EU. You may also contact our experts from Bolder Launch, a subsidiary of Bolder Group that specialises in assisting startups and small businesses to enter or expand in the Dutch market. 

Bolder Group does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained herein is meant for general information purposes only. We strongly recommend that before acting on any of the information contained herein, readers should consult with their professional advisers. The Bolder Group accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information, or the consequences resulting from any action taken by a reader based on the information provided herein.

Bolder Group refers to the global network of independent subsidiaries of Bolder Group Holding BV. Bolder Group Holding BV provides no client services. Such services are provided solely by the independent companies within the Bolder Group which are each legally distinct and separate entities and have no authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind Bolder Group Holding BV in any manner whatsoever. The operations of the Bolder Group are conducted independently and have no affiliation with third party financial, tax or legal advisory firms or corporations.