The national government provides support to companies developing innovative products by means of grants, innovation credits and tax benefits. The European Union also offers different grants for innovation.
Innovations create opportunities
Inventive businesses can participate in the quest for solutions concerning fundamental social issues, such as population ageing, deadly diseases and food security. The development of new products can give them access to markets they have not previously explored. Innovations boost the economy and create jobs. Therefore the government embraces innovative initiatives. Its financial support allows companies to promptly place their innovative services and products on the market.
Investment in leading sectors
The innovative leading sectors in the Netherlands are rated among the best in the world. The Dutch government is eager to cement their top position on the international market. There are 9 top sectors in the Netherlands, namely:
- The creative industries
- The logistics sector
- The energy industry
- The high technology industry
- The chemicals industry
- The life sciences and health sector
- The water sector
- The propagation materials and horticulture industry
- The agriculture and food sector
Alliance of the Top Sectors for Innovation and Knowledge (TKI)
The private sector, the government, various research centres and universities are collaborating through the Alliance of the Top Sectors to make these sectors even more competitive. They look for means to establish innovative services or products on the market.
Stimulating innovation in the top sectors
The government stimulates innovation through the following initiatives:
National Icons
National Icons is a biennial competition where the government announces several winning products or projects. The selected entries address main social issues and prove that Dutch innovations qualify among the best in the world.
Innovation Expo
This Expo is organized every 2 years and its purpose is to boost innovation. The event in the spring of 2016 highlighted the EU Presidency of the Netherlands. The Expo is also a network of innovation including 3000 private sector representatives, knowledge institutions and public bodies. They collaborate with the aim to make technological breakthroughs and innovations.
Volg Innovatie
“Volg Innovatie” is a database maintained by the Enterprise Agency of the Netherlands. It gives information about the financial contributions of the Ministry of Economy to different projects.
National Scientific Agenda
The National Scientific Agenda of the Ministry of Economy and Climate Policy (MECP) specifies major topics for research for the coming years. It considers the following questions: Which fields appear promising for the scientific sector in the Netherlands? What can science do to solve social issues? In what ways can science open economic opportunities to introduce innovations?
Attache Network for Innovation
Dutch consulates and embassies have innovation attaches. Their job is to help Dutch companies conducting business abroad by, for example, providing them with contacts of potential partners in the face of other companies or research institutions.
Smart Industry
This initiative strengthens the industries in the Netherlands by encouraging the application of modern technology and IT, such as nanotechnology, robots and 3D printing.
Future Fund for Innovation
The Future Fund of the government provides additional financial support to innovative small and medium enterprises for the achievement of key perspective research goals. Starting in 2018 it will provide 5 million Euros annually and its starting capital is 200 million Euros. All activities of the fund are pending review in 2020.
Tax credit for development and research
The tax credit for development and research approved by the MECP aims to provide an incentive for entrepreneurs to make investments in research.
For three years now an unprecedented number of firms have set up a new business in Amsterdam. Only in 2016, more than 150 multinational corporations have opened locations in the metropolitan area of the Dutch capital. This is a sign that Amsterdam is not only the prime business hub of the Netherlands but of the continent as well.
The city is an attractive destination for many international investors. Our local lawyers can assist you in opening a subsidiary or a branch of an international company in the country.
Amsterdam is an attractive location for international companies
IBM’s report on global trends confirms the competitiveness of Amsterdam as a destination for foreign companies. The city is ranked third in attracting international investments, but also fourth in PwC’s ranking for opportunities and EY’s European survey.
Amsterdam owes its global attractiveness to its agreeable business climate and its capability to remain stable throughout a year full of business challenges in Europe. Some international companies fearing the consequences of Brexit have opted for relocation and have chosen the Netherlands for their new bases of operations.
Establishing headquarters in the Dutch capital
The Netherlands offers many benefits for international companies. Some of its most attractive features are its convenient European location, developed connectivity and infrastructure, numerous opportunities for business and employment, and a suitable pool of qualified and talented Dutch and international workers.
The process for company registration in the Netherlands is easy, with different possibilities for incorporation. EU companies are free to open branches in the country, while other international corporations can register subsidiaries.
The increasing number of companies opening headquarters in the country does not come from Europe alone. Some of the biggest players of the year also come from the regions of North Africa and the Middle East. North American corporations account for more than a half of all expanding businesses in the metropolitan area of Amsterdam.
If you need more information on how to start your business in Amsterdam, please, contact our law firm in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is welcoming foreigners intending to work and live on its territory and start private businesses. The country offers an ideal environment for setting up a branch or establishing the headquarters of a big company, but smaller businesses also develop well. The Netherlands is among the European member states where motivated investors and entrepreneurs can set up new businesses with comparatively small initial capital. Below is a list of five sectors suitable for opening a small company:
1. The Dutch food industry
Many people in the Netherlands are too preoccupied to cook at home. Therefore opening a restaurant or an agency for catering is an excellent option for a small business. Food storage, production and sale in the Netherlands require special licenses and permits.
2. Handmade Goods
The production of handmade goods requires a small initial capital and mostly depends on the ingenuity and talent of the entrepreneur. Original handmade clothing, bags, leather goods and jewellery can be offered to locals and tourists alike.
3. Online Sales
It is easy to open a Dutch website and turn it into a platform to facilitate online purchases or offer direct access to different providers of goods and services.
4. Mobile applications / IT business
Developers of mobile applications are discovering new useful and exciting solutions. The huge variety of apps covering areas from social productivity to finance attracts a broad range of customers. Read more on the high-tech industry of the Netherlands.
5. Childcare in the Netherlands
A lot of Dutch parents work full time and need babysitting services. Opening a centre for childcare is a good option for development of investors with previous experience (for example babysitters). This business requires special permits, mostly connected to the safety of children.
International entrepreneurs are treated in the same way as the locals and have the option to open any type of company. Regardless of the chosen field of operations, investors must complete the procedure for company registration and respect the national rules for taxation.
Some runner up ideas:
- Technical jobs such as plumbers, locksmiths, engineers, mechanics and much more are in high demand in The Netherlands. Due to a shortage of qualified personnel in these fields.
If you would like to receive more information on Dutch company registration, please, get in touch with our law firm.
Read here for more ideas on business opportunities in the Netherlands.
According to a research by Savills Investment Management, Amsterdam remains among the 5 most dynamic European cities for a number of years. The factors used in the ranking are focused mainly on the suitability for new investments. Cambridge, London and Paris are among the other top cities.
If you plan to do business in the Netherlands, our Dutch incorporation agents can give you an expert advice.
The top qualities of Amsterdam
The research performed by Savills covers 130 European cities and compares them with respect to six particular characteristics: inclusiveness, innovation, inspiration, interconnection, investment and infrastructure. The city of Amsterdam ranked 5th among these jurisdictions with outstanding scores for innovation and investment.
The report underlines Amsterdam’s top qualities and mentions that it is the main Dutch commercial and financial centre with a growing community involved in technology and start-up.
The report states that the top dynamic cities have innovative companies, universities of high quality, ambitious projects for investment in infrastructure and good abilities to maintain a highly professional workforce.
Other Dutch cities ranked in the report are The Hague at the 50th spot, Eindhoven at 48th and Utrecht at 46th place. The Hague is also 8th on the continent with respect to innovation.
If you would like to learn more about the Netherlands, please read our article The Netherlands, An Introduction. In the article, you will find information on the Dutch workforce, tax regulations and background of the country.
Investments in the Dutch Amsterdam
The Dutch government welcomes and stimulates international investments. No special legal policies exist for international investments and the companies can hold 100 percent of their branches in the country. There are many options to obtain tax incentives in the Netherlands, e.g. subsidies or loans for projects in Research and Development and particularly in the field of protection of the environment. Employment premiums can be obtained for opening new job positions. The country has also adopted special policies for international employees. Our Dutch team of lawyers can give you more information about these benefits.
The most common business forms preferred by international investors in the capital and other cities in the Netherlands are private and public companies with limited liability and branches.
If you need more details on how to make an investment, please, do not hesitate to contact our Dutch law firm.
