How to Start a Business in the Pharmaceutical Industry in the Netherlands

Updated on 31 October 2025

Would you like to become a Dutch business owner? Maybe by establishing your very first startup, or by expanding your already existing foreign business to the Netherlands? In such cases, we are always here to assist you in any way we can. Intercompany Solutions has helped thousands of foreign entrepreneurs to set up a Dutch business in the past, ranging from small startups to subsidiaries and branch offices for large multinational corporations. Our experience is very bread and ranges far, which means we can assist every foreign entrepreneurs with their specific wishes and needs.

Next to Dutch business establishment, we also offer many other services that can assist you with the ongoing growth and success of your business. For example, we can support with certain administrative applications, including subsidies where applicable, take care of your tax returns, offer financial and legal advice and help you out with a multitude of administrative tasks. We are basically here to help cater to your every need, so you can focus on your daily business activities and make sure, that your Dutch company becomes a huge success. Please feel free to contact us anytime, we will gladly assist you with all questions you might have.

Would you like to start a business in a stable European Union (EU) member state country?

Starting your business in an EU member state comes with many advantages. The European Union offers a strong legal and economic framework, making it easier to trade, move goods, and access new markets. Thanks to the Single Market, you can sell your products or services across 27 countries without paying import taxes or dealing with complicated rules at each border, which saves you a lot of time and hassle. You can also easily hire talent from other EU countries without needing special permits. And then there are shared consumer protections, safety standards, and digital rules that create a level playing field for businesses. EU membership also brings access to EU funding, innovation programs, and strong protection of your rights through EU laws. In short: doing business in the EU means more opportunity, less hassle, and better support.

The Netherlands is one of the best places to start a business in the EU. It’s a stable, wealthy country with a strong legal system and a business-friendly government. The Dutch economy is modern and innovative, with a special focus on science, health, and sustainability. The Netherlands is well-connected by road, air, and sea, making it a natural hub for trade in Europe and beyond. Dutch people are known for speaking English well and being open to international partnerships. The country also has a rich history of global trade and entrepreneurship. With its excellent infrastructure, reliable institutions, and strong support for startups and research, the Netherlands is a smart choice for anyone who wants to build a future-proof company, especially in high-tech industries like pharmaceuticals.

The pharmaceutical business is currently booming

The pharmaceutical industry is growing faster than ever, both worldwide and in the Netherlands. Globally, the market for medicines, vaccines, and medical treatments is huge. It is currently worth almost €1.3 trillion and expected to keep growing even further in the coming years. This boom is driven by many factors. For example, people are living longer, so there is more need for treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and cancer. New technologies and research breakthroughs have also made it possible to develop better, more effective medicines faster than before. Increased investments in medicine development and healthcare innovation are therefore more than just welcome.

In the Netherlands, the pharmaceutical sector is an important part of the economy and is growing steadily since decades. The country is home to many large international pharmaceutical companies as well as smaller innovative startups. The Dutch government also actively supports the industry through things such as research funding and partnerships between universities, businesses, and hospitals. This strong collaboration helps speed up the development of new medicines and treatments. The Netherlands has an excellent infrastructure, skilled workers, and a reputation for high-quality research, which attracts companies and investors from all over the world.

Over the past few years, the pharmaceutical industry in the Netherlands has seen consistent growth, with investments in new technologies such as personalized medicine, biotechnology, and digital health. The global demand for medicines and medical products continues to rise, making the sector one of the most promising areas for new business opportunities. If you are thinking about starting a business in pharmaceuticals, this booming market offers many chances to innovate and succeed.

Types of pharmaceutical companies you can start as a foreign entrepreneur

There are many types of companies within this sector that you can start as a foreign entrepreneur. When most people think of the pharmaceutical sector, they probably imagine companies that mass-produce a bunch of pills that are sold all over the world. But this sector is much broader than that. It also involves huge research companies, that deliver cutting-edge results on an almost daily basis to create better, more effective and healthier cures, for example. We have listed some of the most well-known types of pharmaceutical companies below, for your convenience. 

Generic drug manufacturers

Generic drug companies produce medicines that are equivalent to brand-name drugs, but usually cost less. After the original patent on a medicine expires, these companies can legally make and sell the same drug under its chemical name. Generics are important because they make treatments more affordable and accessible to more people. Many generic companies focus on mass production and distribution, supplying pharmacies and hospitals worldwide. Starting a generic drug company requires a deep understanding of important factors such as manufacturing standards, quality control, and often building relationships with healthcare providers and governments to ensure your products reach patients.

Research and Development (R&D) companies

R&D pharmaceutical firms focus on discovering and developing new medicines and treatments. These companies often work closely with universities and research institutions to create innovative drugs. Their work can take many years and requires a lot of investment but can lead to breakthrough therapies for diseases that currently have limited options. R&D companies play a crucial role in advancing medicine, focusing on areas such as cancer, rare diseases, or vaccines. Entrepreneurs in this space typically need strong scientific knowledge and access to specialized labs and talented researchers.

Biotechnology companies

Biotech firms are specific companies that use living cells, proteins, and other biological materials to develop new treatments. This is a fast-growing area of pharma, because biological drugs, like monoclonal antibodies or gene therapies, can target diseases more precisely than traditional chemical medicines. These companies often focus on personalized medicine and cutting-edge techniques such as genetic editing. Starting a biotech company usually involves advanced technology and a skilled scientific team, plus partnerships with hospitals or universities to test and develop new therapies.

Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)

CMOs produce drugs or medical products on behalf of other companies. Instead of investing in expensive factories, many pharmaceutical businesses hire CMOs to manufacture their products to required standards. CMOs can also handle packaging and quality testing. Starting a CMO business involves knowledge of production regulations, good manufacturing practices, and building trust with pharma clients. This type of company can be attractive for entrepreneurs who want to focus on manufacturing and logistics rather than research, and is therefore one of the easiest pharmaceutical companies to start without very specialized knowledge of the field. 

Pharmaceutical distributors

Distributors act as the middlemen between drug manufacturers and pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics. They buy medicines in bulk and ensure timely delivery across regions or countries. Their role is critical in maintaining the supply chain and making sure patients get the medicines they need. A pharmaceutical distribution company requires strong logistics capabilities, knowledge of storage requirements, and compliance with healthcare regulations. This business can be suitable for entrepreneurs with experience in supply chain management and sales.

Digital health and pharma tech companies

These types of companies combine technology and pharmaceuticals to improve healthcare. Examples include developing apps for managing medication, software for clinical trials, or AI tools for drug discovery. Digital health is rapidly growing as technology helps make healthcare more efficient and personalized. Entrepreneurs in this area often come from tech backgrounds but need to understand pharmaceutical regulations and patient privacy laws. This type of company can work closely with traditional pharma firms and hospitals to introduce new digital solutions.

As you can see, there is an ample amount of opportunity within this industry if you know what you are doing. Most types of pharmaceutical companies do require specific expertise within the field, apart from CMO’s, which can be handled a bit easier if you hire a team that can take care of specific matters for you. Your own talent, education, knowledge and expertise basically tells you which company type would suit you best.

Are you interested in healthcare, and would you like to be part of an extremely innovative community?

The healthcare and pharmaceutical sector is one of the most exciting and fast-moving industries today. If you have a passion for improving people’s lives through better medicine, treatments, or healthcare technologies, this sector offers endless opportunities. Being part of this community means working with some of the brightest minds, cutting-edge science, and the latest technologies. It’s a place where innovation can truly make a difference in the world.

The Netherlands is a great place to join this healthy and ever-growing sector. The country has a strong reputation for medical research, innovation, and high-quality healthcare. Dutch universities and companies work closely together, sharing knowledge and creating new ideas. The government supports healthcare innovation through grants and incentives, making it easier to start and grow your business. Plus, the Netherlands is centrally located in Europe, with an excellent infrastructure and access to international markets.

As a business owner or investor, you’ll find many chances to connect with experts, collaborate on projects, and access the resources you need to succeed. Whether you want to develop new medicines, create medical devices, or build digital health tools, the Dutch healthcare sector welcomes your ideas and energy. If you want to be part of a forward-thinking community that cares about health and innovation, the Netherlands is the perfect place to start your journey.

How to start a pharmaceutical company once you have a solid business plan?

There are some general steps you will need to take when you start a business in the pharmaceutical industry. Like we already mentioned before; knowledge is crucial. If you have this and a good idea, you should pour this idea into a business plan to map out, for yourself, what you will need to start your company and whether it’s (financially) possible at all. Once you have done that, we have outlined some basic steps for you to follow below.

1. Choose your company type and legal structure

After you have created a solid business plan, the first practical step is deciding what type of pharmaceutical company you want to start, such as manufacturing, R&D, biotech, or distribution (to name a few examples). Next, choose the legal structure for your business. In the Netherlands, a common choice is the BV (Besloten Vennootschap), which is a private limited liability company. This structure protects your personal assets and is flexible for growth. You’ll need to register your company at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and get a VAT number. Choosing the right structure is important for taxes, liability, and investment opportunities. It’s wise to get legal advice to make sure everything is set up correctly and to understand all requirements, which is where Intercompany Solutions can assist you perfectly.

2. Secure funding and investment

Pharmaceutical businesses often need a significant amount of money to start, especially if you’re working in research or manufacturing. You can look for investors, apply for government grants, or get loans from banks. Many Dutch programs offer financial support for innovative companies, so check what fits your project. Make sure your business plan clearly explains how you will use the funds and how investors will benefit. Good funding helps you hire skilled staff, buy equipment, and develop your products. Keep track of your budget carefully and always plan for unexpected costs, so you will be ready in more difficult times.

3. Obtain all necessary permits and certifications

Pharmaceutical companies must follow strict rules to ensure safety and quality. Depending on what you do, like making drugs, conducting research, or selling medicines, you may need special licenses from health authorities like the Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ). You also need to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) if you produce medicines. Getting these permits takes time and requires detailed documents showing you meet all safety and quality standards. It’s important to start this process early to avoid delays, and ensure your products are trusted by healthcare providers and patients.

4. Build your team and set up operations

Once funding and permits are in place, focus on hiring the right people. Pharmaceutical companies need scientists, quality control experts, production staff, and regulatory specialists. Building a skilled and motivated team is one of the largest keys to success. Set up your offices, labs, or production facilities with all the necessary equipment and technology. Make sure your workplace follows all safety and hygiene rules. Strong teamwork and efficient operations help you develop products faster and keep high standards. Also consider training and continuous learning to keep up with new developments in the pharmaceutical field, which can make or break the eventual success of your company.

5. Launch your products and build relationships

With everything ready, it’s time to launch your products or services. Create a clear marketing plan to reach hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or other customers. Building good relationships with healthcare professionals and distributors will help your business grow. Be prepared to provide excellent customer support and meet any regulatory reporting requirements. Also, continue investing in research and development to improve your products or develop new ones. Staying innovative and reliable will keep your company competitive in this fast-changing sector.

Intercompany Solutions can establish your company remotely and assist you with obtaining all necessary permits

Since we are specialized in Dutch company establishment, we can obviously also assist you if you want to start a pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands, or branch out your already existing company. We have a standard procedure we follow, which makes it possible for you to start doing business relatively fast, provided you have all the necessary documentation at hand. In general, setting up a Dutch BV takes up just a few business days and can be done entirely remotely via power of attorney. In this case, however, you will also probably need to obtain some necessary permits, which will make the process longer.

In general, we always start by asking you what type of company you want to start and if you have all information that we need. The general information includes data such as your name, your preferred company name, a valid form of ID and a valid Dutch registration address. Next to that, in the case you would like to dabble in the pharmaceutical industry, you will also need to provide extra information for all the permits you will need. Since this is very specific and varies by company and business-owner, we would kindly like to ask you to contact us personally for personalized advice. Once we have all the information we need, we will guide you through our custom step-by-step process to incorporate your company successfully and with total adherence to Dutch laws and regulations.

The many services we can offer you

Intercompany Solutions has assisted hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs from over 50 different nationalities. Our clients range from small one-person startups to multinational corporations, and everything in between. Our processes are aimed at foreign entrepreneurs and, as such, we know the most practical ways to assist with your company registration. We can assist with the full package of company registration in the Netherlands:

• Company establishment in the Netherlands
• Application for VAT or EORI number
• Startup assistance
• Accounting services
• Secretarial services
• Legal assistance
• Tax services
• General business advice

We are constantly improving our quality standards to continually deliver impeccable services. 

Intercompany Solutions will guide you through the Dutch company establishment process

As you can see, there are many exciting opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry in the Netherlands. If this is an industry that you are experienced in, there is a solid chance of success if you decide to open a company in Holland. The climate here is very friendly, innovative and aimed at unique solutions and inter-collaboration. If you have the necessary know-how, you will probably be able to build a solid company that will last for years to come.

We can assist you with anything you might need, from company establishment to applying for permits. We also offer comprehensive financial, legal and tax advice and can help out with most administrative matters. If you are serious about establishing a company in the Netherlands, we are your trusted partner. Feel free to contact us with any question you might have, and we will help you to the best of our knowledge and abilities. Please contact us directly, or take a look at our website to get to know more about the services we offer.