Navigating Dutch Business Culture: Tips for Foreign Investors and Entrepreneurs

Intercompany Solutions is your trusted Dutch partner for business establishment in the Netherlands. We have dealt with countless business formations for entrepreneurs from all over the world in the past decades, ranging from small and unique companies to large international corporations that want to establish a business presence in our beautiful country. We are very driven when it comes to helping foreigners establish a business presence here and helping them thrive afterwards as well.

When it comes to doing business internationally, it is always smart to hire a specialized third party to help you sort out all sorts of legal and business affairs. Finding your way in another country is difficult enough as it is, especially when it comes to foreign laws and regulations. If you are planning to set up a Dutch business in the near future, please feel free to contact us anytime for professional and honest advice. We can assist you through many different procedures, making the transition that much easier for you. In this article, we will focus mostly on the differences in business culture between your country and the Netherlands. This will make it much easier for you to set up a Dutch company that has the potential to be successful and seen.

Do you wish to start a Dutch company from abroad?

The number of entrepreneurs that are discovering the benefits of starting a Dutch company is consistently growing, even while living far away from the country itself. The Netherlands has built a massively strong reputation as a gateway to Europe during the past centuries. Due to the fact that the Netherlands is part of the European Union, you also immediately gain access to the EU single market once you establish a business here. This means your company can trade freely with millions of customers and businesses across Europe, without the nuisance of facing complicated administrative barriers or restrictions. The Netherlands itself also offers many advantages, especially for foreign entrepreneurs. For example, it has one of the most open economies in the world and is known for its stable government, reliable infrastructure and strong business sector. 

Many international companies choose the Netherlands because of its central location and excellent connections with many different countries around the globe. With major airports, seaports and an advanced logistics network, the Netherlands makes it easy to reach customers and partners both inside and outside the EU. Another important reason to establish your company here is the friendly business climate. The Dutch government has clear rules for setting up a company, and the procedures are relatively quick and transparent compared to many other countries. In addition, the Netherlands offers a highly skilled workforce and numerous English-speaking professionals, which makes communication much easier for foreign investors. Whether you want to expand your existing company into Europe, access new customers or create a solid international base, setting up a Dutch business from abroad is almost always a smart move.

Some general things you should consider when starting a Dutch business

Before starting a company in the Netherlands, it helps to understand a few key points about how business in general works here. The Dutch system is open and efficient, but it also values good preparation and clear communication. From choosing the right legal form and registering your company to handling taxes and finding the right partners, there are some very important steps to take before you actually start doing business from here. Understanding these basics will make it easier to start off smoothly and avoid surprises later on. Let’s look at some of the most important things to keep in mind, which we will explain below.

1. Which type of industry would you like to participate in?

Before you start a company in the Netherlands, it’s important to think carefully about the kind of business you want to start or run. The Dutch economy is diverse and full of opportunities, which is obviously a very good thing. From technology and logistics to agriculture, creative industries and sustainability, the opportunities are nearly endless. So, ask yourself first what truly interests you and where you see potential growth. Choosing an industry that matches your goals and values will help you stay motivated and make better decisions along the way.

It’s also wise to look at how your chosen industry performs within the Dutch and European markets. Some sectors are highly competitive, while others may offer more room for newcomers. A bit of research into current trends, government incentives and possible partnerships can help you find the best fit for your business idea. Whether you’re starting small or aiming big, knowing your market and where you want to stand in it is the first real step towards success.

2. Try to involve your basic skillset as much as possible

When starting a business, it’s always smart to build on what you already know. Your personal skills, experience and strengths can make a big difference in how smoothly your company eventually runs. If you have a background in fields like marketing, design or finance, then those abilities can save you time and money whilst helping your business grow at the same time. Even simple traits like being organized, creative or good with people can play a major role in your success.

By focusing on what you do best, you can create a business that feels natural to you instead of forcing yourself into something unfamiliar. Of course, you can always learn new skills along the way, but your basic talents give you a strong starting point. Many successful entrepreneurs use their existing knowledge as a foundation and expand from there. Think about what you’re good at, what you enjoy doing and how those things could meet a need in the Dutch market. That’s often where the best ideas begin.

3. Choose a company type that fits your ambitions

Every business starts with a dream, but it’s important to match that dream with the right structure. In the Netherlands, you can choose between several company types, depending on how big you want to grow and how much you’re ready to invest. For example, a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) can be great if you want to start small and keep things simple. If you aim to expand internationally or work with partners and investors, a private limited company (BV) might suit you better. In general, almost all foreign entrepreneurs choose the BV structure.

Think about your short- and long-term goals as well. For example, do you plan to sell only in the Netherlands at first, or do you also want to reach customers abroad? How much time and money can you put into your business in the beginning? These (and other important) choices affect not only your registration process but also your taxes, responsibilities and future flexibility. Taking the time to choose a structure that matches your ambitions will help your company grow in a stable and sustainable way.

4. Registering your Dutch company from abroad

Once you have chosen an appropriate company structure, it’s time to actually register your business. Registering a company in the Netherlands is a relatively straightforward process, even if you live outside the country. The main step is to register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel). This gives your company an official registration number and automatically connects it to the Dutch tax authorities. Depending on your company type, you may also need to prepare some legal documents, such as articles of association or proof of identity. This is generally done by a notary.

While it’s possible to handle the registration yourself, many entrepreneurs prefer to work with a local specialist who knows the system well. This can save time, prevent errors and ensure that everything is submitted correctly. Specialists can also help with additional steps, like applying for a VAT and EORI number. With proper guidance, registering your Dutch company from abroad can be a smooth and quick process. So definitely give us a call if you are ready at this point.

5. Taking care of all other necessities

Once your company is officially registered, there are a few more things to arrange before you can actually start doing business. Depending on your industry, you may need specific permits or licenses. For example, food, transport and construction companies often have extra requirements. It’s always smart to check these requirements from the start, so you won’t face delays later on. You’ll also need a Dutch business bank account to handle payments and manage your finances easily. This is very easy to do once you have a Dutch company. You just contact a Dutch bank and open an account.

So, setting this up is usually simple once your company is registered. In addition, make sure you have the right insurance, bookkeeping system, and, if needed, an accountant. We don’t offer official accounting services, but we can redirect you to a trusted third party. These are small but important details that keep your business running smoothly. If this all feels a bit overwhelming, you can always ask a specialist for help. At Intercompany Solutions, we can guide you through each step and make sure everything is in order even before you start doing business. This way, you can focus on growing your new Dutch business with confidence.

What makes the Dutch stand out from the rest of the world?

The Netherlands may be small, but it plays a big role in global business. Its strong economy, international outlook and reliable infrastructure make it one of the best places to either start or expand a company. The Dutch have a long history of trade and innovation, after all. From the days of sailing ships to today’s high-tech industries, this innovative and entrepreneurial spirit is still alive. Companies that are based here benefit from excellent transport links, including one of the world’s largest ports in Rotterdam and a top international airport in Amsterdam, as well as tight international connections with a wide variety of countries all over the globe. These factors make it very easy to reach customers and partners across Europe and beyond.

The Dutch are also known for being open-minded and direct, which helps create a clear and efficient business culture. English is widely spoken, since the Dutch excel in foreign languages, and foreign entrepreneurs are generally welcomed with interest and respect. The government supports international business through favorable tax systems and straightforward regulations. Combined with a highly educated workforce and a culture that values cooperation and creativity, the Netherlands offers a stable and inspiring base for success. It’s no surprise that so many global companies, ranging from tech start-ups to large corporations, choose to call the Netherlands their home.

How you can make a difference as a foreign entrepreneur

As we already explained, starting a business in a new country can be exciting and full of opportunity. The Netherlands welcomes international entrepreneurs, but to truly stand out, it helps to understand what makes your company unique. As a foreign business owner, you should bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and valuable experience(s) from abroad. To succeed, you’ll need to match those strengths with local needs and expectations. That means learning about Dutch customers, understanding your competition, and knowing where your products or services can fill a gap. With the right approach, your international background can actually become your biggest advantage. Below, we will list some handy tips.

Make sure there is enough demand for your services or products

Before you invest time and money into your new company, it’s important to find out if people actually want what you plan to offer. That is literally the basis of every successful company. Market research doesn’t have to be complicated; it simply means learning who your potential customers are and what they need. To see if you stand a chance, you can look at existing businesses in your field, study their prices and target audience, and see where your idea fits in. Also make sure that there is an audience that wants your goods or services.

If you notice that demand is high but the competition is strong, think about how you could stand out. If there’s less competition, ask yourself why: maybe the market is small, or maybe it’s waiting for someone with a fresh approach? Talking to locals, visiting trade fairs, or joining online groups can help you understand the Dutch market better. A bit of research early on can save you a lot of guessing later.

Become acquainted with local markets and niches

Once you’ve confirmed there’s demand for your product or service, the next step is to find the best place to establish your business. The Netherlands may be small, but each region has its own strengths. For example, Rotterdam and Amsterdam are perfect for companies that rely on businesses that trade, transport, or focus on international connections. Alternatively, Eindhoven is a city known for high-tech and design (Philips originated here), while Wageningen attracts many food and agricultural businesses. So there are many different regions to pick from.

So in general, getting to know these local markets can help you find your ideal spot and understand where your customers or partners are based. It’s also worth exploring smaller cities, which often offer lower costs and strong local communities. The Dutch are well-connected, so even from a smaller town, you can easily reach clients across the country. By understanding local opportunities and niches, you can position your business where it has the best chance to grow and stand out.

Find out what makes you stand apart from the crowd

In a country full of creative thinkers and skilled professionals, it’s definitely worth asking yourself first what makes you different. Maybe it’s the way you approach problems, your product design, or simply the attitude you bring to your work? It takes courage and skill to think about this, but it will almost always pay off in the end in terms of potential success. The Dutch business world values originality and clear purpose, so don’t be afraid to show what makes your company special.

Do note, that as a foreign entrepreneur, your background already gives you a unique edge. You might see opportunities others overlook or offer something that feels new to the local market. Or you might offer some cultural insights that can spice up an already existing niche in no time. Think about how your experience, culture, or way of working can add value here. When you understand your strengths and communicate them well, people are more likely to remember and trust you. That’s how many successful businesses in the Netherlands have built their name: not by being the biggest, but by being unmistakably themselves.

How to deal with cultural differences?

Now, let’s get to the real point of this article: possible cultural differences. Doing business in the Netherlands can feel refreshing and sometimes surprising for many foreigners, since their business style is quite exceptional. The Dutch are known, amongst other things, for being direct, open and practical in their communication. They usually value honesty over formality and rituals and prefer getting to the point instead of spending time on small talk. Meetings tend to be clear and focused, and agreements are expected to be kept. For foreign entrepreneurs, this straightforward approach may take a little getting used to, but it’s also one of the reasons business runs so efficiently here. Understanding and respecting these cultural habits can make your cooperation much smoother from day one. So below, we have added some practical tips to help you become acquainted with the Dutch and how they do business.

1. Embrace Dutch directness. It’s not rude; it’s honest

If you’re new to Dutch business culture, the direct way people speak might surprise you at first. The Dutch value honesty and clarity, and they often say exactly what they think. Mostly without much small talk or softening. It’s not meant to be rude; it’s simply seen as efficient and respectful to be open. The major perk of this is that you’ll always know where you stand, and others expect the same from you. In meetings, feedback is often given in a straightforward way. Instead of taking it personally, try to see it as useful input: a sign that someone takes your work seriously. The good thing about this approach is that it saves time and avoids confusion. Once you get used to it, you may even start to appreciate how easy it becomes to make decisions and move forward!

2. Keep communication clear and to the point

Dutch professionals appreciate conversations that are open, simple and generally focused on the main topic. Long introductions or overly formal wording aren’t really necessary and are often not very much appreciated. When you’re explaining your ideas, it helps to be specific and practical. This means saying what you mean and meaning what you say. If something isn’t clear, Dutch colleagues will usually ask directly about the topic, and they’ll expect you to do the same. Written communication basically follows the same rules. Emails and messages are short, polite and straight down to business. It’s not a sign of coldness; it’s just a way of working that saves time and avoids misunderstandings. If you can express yourself clearly and confidently, people will genuinely take you seriously. Good and straightforward communication is one of the easiest ways to build trust and respect in the Dutch business world.

3. Don’t confuse informality with disrespect

In Dutch business, you might notice people calling their managers by their first name or dressing quite casually at the office. This doesn’t mean they don’t respect each other; on the contrary. It’s just how Dutch workplaces show equality and embrace diversity. The main focus is on what you contribute, not on status or appearance. Even in serious meetings, people often speak freely and share their opinions, no matter their role. This informality can feel unusual if you come from a culture where hierarchy is strong. But in the Netherlands, being open and approachable helps build trust and confidence. It’s perfectly fine to disagree or offer your opinion, as long as you stay polite, rational and factual. The main idea is that everyone should be able to speak up and be heard, which is amazing. Because everyone has something valuable to bring in. Once you understand that informality goes hand in hand with mutual respect, working with the Dutch becomes much easier and often more enjoyable too.

4. Be punctual and keep your promises

Time is taken seriously in the Netherlands, both in business and in daily life. Arriving late to a meeting, even by a few minutes, is often seen as disrespectful. Being on time shows that you value other people’s schedules and that you can be trusted to keep your word. If you expect to be delayed, it’s perfectly fine (and even slightly necessary) to let the other person know in advance: Dutch people very much appreciate the honesty. The same goes for promises and deadlines. When you agree to something, make sure you can deliver. Reliability is a big part of building long-term relationships here. If something changes, be clear about it as soon as possible. This straightforward and responsible approach helps create trust and keeps things running smoothly because all agendas are aligned. In Dutch business, doing what you say is often valued just as much as saying something clever, if not more. There is even a saying in Rotterdam that translates freely to “don’t talk, but do”. You should keep that in mind when wanting to do business in the Netherlands.

5. Efficiency is key

The Dutch have a strong sense of efficiency. This means that they like to get things done well and without unnecessary fuss. Meetings are short and focused, decisions are made quickly, and everyone is expected to come prepared. It’s not about rushing; it’s about using time wisely so there’s more room for what truly matters, both in business and in life. You’ll notice that Dutch professionals value clear planning and practical solutions. Long discussions without action don’t fit their style. They prefer straightforward goals, realistic timelines, and teamwork that keeps things moving. If you can show that you work efficiently and respect others’ time, you’ll earn their trust fast. It also helps to keep communication simple and use tools or systems that save effort. In the Netherlands, doing something efficiently isn’t cutting corners; on the contrary. It’s a sign of respect for everyone involved.

Why choose the Netherlands and how to integrate successfully

The Netherlands offers one of the most open and reliable business environments in the world. Its location, infrastructure and strong international mindset make it easy to connect with Europe and beyond. But what truly sets the country apart is its people: practical, creative and straightforward. If you understand how the Dutch work and communicate, you’ll find it much easier to build trust and grow your business here.

We advise that you start by embracing the local style. So try to be clear, honest and efficient. Keep your promises, be on time, and focus on solutions instead of problems. Don’t worry too much about formalities; just show that you’re reliable and genuinely interested in cooperation. The Dutch appreciate people who take initiative and think for themselves but who can also work well in a team. When you blend your international perspective with the Dutch way of working, you’ll not only fit in; you’ll stand out in the best possible way.

The services that Intercompany Solutions 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, either ourselves or via trusted and professional partners we work closely with:

• Company establishment in the Netherlands
• Application for a VAT or EORI number
• Application for foreign VAT numbers
• Startup assistance
• Accounting services
• Administrative services
• Secretarial services
• Legal assistance
• Payroll administration
• Tax services
• OSS returns
• Intra-Community transactions declarations (ICP)
• Acquiring an Article 23 license
• Obtaining E-herkenning for your company
• Acquiring or closing G-accounts
• Transfer of shares
• Dutch company closures
• General business advice

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

Need solid business advice? Give us a call!

As we already explained, we are focused on providing foreign investors and entrepreneurs the possibility of success in the Netherlands. Our aim is to make your company thrive here, making sure your needs are met and your expectations are realistic. The Dutch are very straightforward, and this can be daunting for some cultures, but in the end, it makes doing business actually much easier. If you have a solid business plan and want to move forward, give us a call, and we will help you along the way.