9 Key sectors in the Netherlands offering interesting business opportunities

Updated on 6 November 2024

Would you like to expand your business operations internationally, preferably to a European Union member state? Then the Netherlands is one of the most profitable and welcoming places you could possibly choose. Being ranked in the top 5 of the lowest corporate income tax rates in Europe, you can easily establish a Dutch company here from abroad entirely remotely. Intercompany Solutions has specialized knowledge and experience within the field of Dutch company establishment, which we continually use to help foreign entrepreneurs such as yourself establish a legal business presence in the Netherlands. We can assist you in setting up a Dutch BV or NV, a subsidiary that falls under your current parent company, or a branch office. If you are unsure about which option would suit you best, feel free to contact us anytime for advice. We can also provide you with a wide range of other services to keep your company healthy and running, such as administrative services, legal assistance and various secretarial services. Take a look at our website for more information, or contact us directly for a free consultation.

Some interesting facts about the Netherlands

Starting a business abroad or expanding your current business to another country might be a very lucrative step for you in many cases. The Netherlands is currently on the top list of destinations to expand to, due to many contributing and beneficial factors, such as a very stable economy. But also membership in the European Union, fantastic infrastructure and a wide variety of flourishing key sectors. This is also underlined by the country’s exceptionally high ranking in many indexes and top lists:

• The Netherlands ranks 4th on the Forbes ‘Best Countries for Business’ index
• In the IMD ‘World Competitiveness Ranking’, the Netherlands ranks 5th 
• According to the World Economic Forum, the Netherlands ranks 5th when it comes to the countries that are the best at attracting, developing and retaining talent
• The Netherlands also ranks 5th on Statista’s ‘25 Most Competitive Countries in 2023’

The Netherlands is located in the northwest of Europe, neighboring the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium. Holland has a current population of over 17 million people, which is quite a lot considering its relatively small area coverage of 16.040 square miles. Nonetheless, the Dutch economy is in the top 25 of the world at number 17, with a GDP of $907.05 billion in 2019. [1] For such a small country, that is no small feat! The Netherlands also acquired the 4th position in the World Competitiveness Ranking 2020. [2] Next to that, the Dutch are considered one of the ten leading exporters in the world due to their strategically positioned Rotterdam port and Schiphol airport. 

What are the fastest growing sectors in the Netherlands?

You can expand your business in almost any sector here, as innovation is one of the country’s top priorities. In this article, we would like to familiarize you with some very interesting key sectors in the Netherlands, as well as the benefits these might offer for your business or business idea.

1.     The Agriculture and Food Industry

2.     The IT and Technological Industry

3.     The Creative Industry

4.     The Logistics Sector

5.     The Water Sector

6.     The Energy Industry

7.     The Chemical Industry

8.     The Metallurgy Industry

9.     Tourism

How to benefit from these and other sectors?

If you have been thinking about expanding your business to the Netherlands, chances are large that you can collaborate or invest in at least one of the above mentioned sectors and industries. Due to the high amount of intersectoral collaboration in the Netherlands, there are many business possibilities for innovative and driven entrepreneurs. The world is changing rapidly, so it might be a good start to invest in some fresh ideas. Intercompany Solutions can assist you with establishing a branch office or new company in the country in just a few business days. Contact us directly if you would like to receive more information.