The Benefits of Starting a Business in the Netherlands for European Union Market Access

Intercompany Solutions has assisted countless foreign entrepreneurs with the establishment of a Dutch business, general company expansion, and a very wide variety of extra services that can help your company grow faster and become a stable presence in the Netherlands. One of the main benefits of incorporating a Dutch business is the fact that the country is a European Union (EU) member state. And not just any member state; it is actually held in very high regard due to its stable economy and political situation and excellent climate for doing business. It is actually noteworthy to mention that the country generally lands in the top 5 of various internationally renowned business and competitiveness rankings.

That’s why we decided to start this company years ago: to help foreign entrepreneurs to have a shot at success in this thriving area. The way we do this is by offering you a complete package of services that is specifically tailored to your needs and wants. We always discuss your situation beforehand, so we both know what is best for your company and which services will suit you. If you would like personal advice, feel free to contact us directly. We will provide you with all the information you need and, if you’d like, a clear and competitive quote.

Summary: Starting a business in the Netherlands is one of the smartest ways to gain fast and reliable access to the European Union market. As an EU member state with a strong economy, excellent logistics, and a trusted legal system, the Netherlands offers foreign entrepreneurs direct access to more than 400 million consumers. The country actively supports international growth through favorable tax rules, efficient logistics, and strong business support.

Why the Netherlands?	Business Impact	Key Advantage
Market Access	Reach 400M+ customers	No internal EU borders or duties
Logistics	Fast continent-wide shipping	Rotterdam Port & Schiphol hub
Tax Efficiency	Improved cash flow	Article 23 VAT deferment system
Ease of Entry	Low startup barriers	Incorporate with €1 share capital
Trust & Legal	High reputation	Clear, transparent Dutch legal system

Why do business in Europe? And why choose the Netherlands?

If you are thinking about starting or expanding a business in Europe, the first big question is, where should I begin? The European Union is a massive market with millions of potential customers, but every country has its own rules, languages, and business culture. Picking the wrong 'starting point' can make things harder than they need to be. That’s why so many foreign entrepreneurs choose the Netherlands as their gateway into Europe. It’s small on the map, but incredibly powerful in business. The country sits right in the center of the EU, with fast connections to Germany, France, Belgium, the UK, and the rest of Europe. And the Dutch economy is stable, reliable, and very international. Next to that, English is widely spoken and maybe even the most common language in business, which makes communication much easier.

Another reason the Netherlands is such a popular country for business establishment is trust. When European partners see a Dutch company name, they usually feel confident that everything is handled professionally due to the rather strict laws and regulations regarding businesses. However, Dutch rules may seem strict sometimes, but they are clear and transparent at the same time. This gives your business a very strong foundation to expand and grow. So, in simpler terms, if you want to reach European customers quickly and smoothly, the Netherlands offers one of the best and most efficient ways to do it. In the rest of this article, we’ll show you exactly why our small but powerful country creates such amazing opportunities for international entrepreneurs.

You have direct access to more than 400 million EU consumers

One of the biggest advantages of the Netherlands is also the most straightforward, since from here, you can sell your products or services to the entire European Union without extra borders or complicated customs checks. Once your products enter the EU, they can move freely to any of the 27 member states. No import duties between countries, no long border delays. You are instantly part of a huge market. For many entrepreneurs outside Europe, this is a game-changer. Instead of registering a company in every country one by one, you set up a Dutch business, and your products can reach customers from Portugal to Finland to Ireland. It saves time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Another practical benefit: European businesses often feel more comfortable working with a company that already has a presence inside the EU. A Dutch address and Dutch VAT number show you are serious and ready for real partnerships. It’s like having a trusted home base that opens doors for you. This is especially important if you sell online. Dutch companies can use EU-wide VAT systems like OSS, making cross-border e-commerce much simpler. Your customers can order in their own country, while you manage everything from your Dutch HQ. In short, the Netherlands lets you enter Europe through the front door. Fast, professional, and with the whole market in reach. You don’t have to start big. Just start smart.

The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most favorable logistics hubs

If Europe had something like a 'main entrance,' it would definitely be the Netherlands. Goods from all over the world arrive here first and then spread across the continent at high speed. Essentially, the Dutch are known to be superb at logistics. They’ve been moving products around the world for centuries; it’s kind of their thing. Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and one of the most important in the world. Massive ships arrive there every day, and from the port your products can reach Germany, Belgium, France, and beyond in hours instead of days. The roads, railways, and rivers all connect smoothly with major European cities. Even customs procedures are known for being efficient and digital, not old-school paperwork nightmares. Besides, if you do business from any EU country, you benefit from the European Single Market. This means free transit between the borders of all EU member states, which will make trade exponentially easier for you.

And let’s not forget Schiphol Airport. It’s not only a passenger hub but also a top player in air cargo. Great for high-value products, fast shipping, or e-commerce that promises quick delivery. A lot of big brands choose the Netherlands as their European distribution center for this exact reason. So even if your company is small, your logistics can feel big. Customers love fast shipping and reliable deliveries, and the Netherlands helps you offer exactly that. When your business is set up here, you’re not just shipping packages, but you’re actively building trust.

Dutch tax and customs advantages

Let’s be honest; most people don’t get excited about taxes. But in the Netherlands, the tax system is actually designed to help businesses that trade internationally. It’s surprisingly practical once you know a few basics. One of the biggest perks is the way import VAT works. If your company brings goods into the EU through the Netherlands, you normally pay VAT at the border. But with a special arrangement, which is called Article 23, you don’t have to pay that upfront. You simply report the VAT later in your tax return instead of paying it immediately. That can save a huge amount of cash flow, especially when you deal with larger shipments.

On top of that, the Netherlands has a very strong network of double taxation treaties. This means your income won’t be taxed twice in different countries. This is, of course, pretty useful if you work globally. Investors also like the Dutch corporate tax system because it’s stable and predictable. Rules don’t suddenly change overnight, and business owners know what to expect years ahead of time. And when you’re inside the EU, moving goods to other EU countries is a lot easier because there are no import duties within the single market, as we already discussed briefly above. Altogether, the Dutch tax and customs system removes a lot of financial stress. You can grow faster, move stock freely, and focus on business instead of waiting for goods stuck at borders. Not super exciting to talk about, maybe, but very exciting for your wallet nonetheless.

A trusted financial and legal environment

One thing that many (foreign) entrepreneurs notice quickly: Dutch companies are almost always taken very seriously. There’s a kind of built-in trust that comes with being registered in the Netherlands. For example, the rules here are clear, the legal system is strong, and partners around the world know that a Dutch company usually does things right. Another huge advantage? You don’t need to speak Dutch to run a business here. The majority of professionals that you might need, like bankers, lawyers, and accountants, speak excellent English. That makes life a lot easier when you’re signing contracts, sorting out payments, or discussing new deals. No guessing and no awkward misunderstandings.

The banks also operate under strict EU regulations. That might sound boring, but it means your money and your business are well protected. Customers and suppliers feel safer working with a company that follows European compliance standards. So it’s good for your reputation and sometimes even necessary if you want to sign with bigger clients. And if there ever is a disagreement in business (which happens sometimes), the Dutch legal system offers fair solutions. Processes are structured, and corruption levels are extremely low. You can focus on business instead of worrying about being tricked by unclear rules. All in all, the Netherlands gives your company a strong backbone by offering trust, transparency, and clear expectations. And these are all things that help you grow without unnecessary problems or drama.

Innovation, talent, and a global mindset

If you look at the Netherlands from above, it’s just an extremely small patch of land. But what you can’t see on a map is how much creativity and talent actually fits inside those borders. The Dutch are, amongst other things, known for thinking in solutions that are smart, practical, and often surprisingly innovative. Many international companies chose the Netherlands because the workforce here is highly educated and multilingual. Most people speak English well, and a lot of professionals speak a third language too. That makes teaming up and partnering with clients or entrepreneurs from other countries much easier. Next to that, there’s also a strong and thriving startup scene. There is a wide array of cool tech companies, sustainable innovations, medical research, food technology, and all these sectors are buzzing with new ideas due to the well-known Dutch focus on innovation and growth. 

Additionally, it is also well-known that Dutch universities and research centers work closely with businesses, so innovation is intertwined with interdepartmental collaboration. This is also why many innovative ideas reach the (international) market fast. The mindset in the Netherlands is, and has always been, global. This means that Dutch people are generally very open to things like new cultures, new products, and new ways of doing business. Thus, starting a company in Holland is a great idea if you are coming from abroad and want to feel welcome instead of confused. Furthermore, keep in mind that with a talented team and a supportive environment, your ideas can grow much faster, and the Dutch workforce is simply excellent. You might even find partners or investors who share your excitement and want to collaborate, making your chances at success even higher. So, the Netherlands isn’t just a place to do business: it’s a place to build something better.

Massive support for foreign entrepreneurs

Starting a business in a different country can feel a bit like landing in a maze without a map. You know there’s a success path in there somewhere, but the rules, the forms, and the procedures all look new and sometimes a little confusing. The good news is that the Netherlands is very used to welcoming international entrepreneurs, and there’s a lot of support here to make things easier. There are incubators and accelerators that help startups grow faster. They offer coaching, networks, and sometimes even workspace or funding opportunities. Local municipalities often have programs for newcomers too, and not only large companies but also small entrepreneurs who are just getting started.

And then there are business service providers like Intercompany Solutions, who are basically advisors who speak your language (literally and figuratively). They help with the formal parts like company registration, VAT numbers, payroll, and all those things that are boring but necessary. By having people who know the Dutch system guide you, you avoid the rookie mistakes and can put your time into the good stuff: building your product or services and finding customers. On top of all that, you can set up a Dutch BV with only €1 in share capital. That keeps costs low at the beginning while still giving you a strong and professional legal structure. It’s a simple way to show the world: “I am here and ready, so let’s do business.” You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start because help is already available here when you need it.

A smart way to support your European growth

The European Union may look huge and complicated from the outside, but starting your journey in the Netherlands makes it feel a lot more reachable. For example, you immediately gain access to millions of potential customers, strong logistics, and a solid business environment where people value clarity and trust. It’s the kind of place where companies, even tiny ones, can grow into something impressive. You don’t have to do everything perfectly from day one, and you definitely don’t need a big warehouse or a giant team. You just need a smart first step, and choosing the Netherlands gives you exactly that. A safe base, a respected company structure, and professional support whenever you need it.

Whether your plan is to test the European market with a few products or to build a fast-growing business that expands across multiple countries, the Netherlands helps you move forward without unnecessary barriers. This means that you can dream big and still feel grounded, which provides you with the proverbial best of both worlds. So if Europe is your next horizon, you don’t have to start far away or in a place that slows you down, but you can start where you are welcomed and where people are ready to work with you. So choose to start where success can spread quickly, and choose the Netherlands, which is probably the most welcoming entrance into Europe.

How do you actually establish a business presence here?

In order to start a Dutch company, you will need to take care of some necessary formalities. Firstly, you will need to decide what type of company you want to start. Do you already own a foreign business, and would you like to establish a subsidiary here that falls under your current holding company? Or maybe only a branch office?

Or would you like to start something completely new? In most cases, a Dutch BV is the best option due to various reasons. You can read more about a company formation in The Netherlands and its benefits in this article.

Once you have decided what it is exactly that you’d like to establish, we can take care of the entire process for you. All we need are a few pieces of information and items:

• All full names of future shareholders
• A valid form of ID of every future shareholder
• A company name that we will check
• A valid Dutch business registration address

Once we have all these things, we can incorporate your company by going to a notary in your name. Once this is done and you have deposited the share capital, we register your company with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and you will receive your registration number. You will also receive a VAT number and possibly other documents or permits, depending on what you need. This process only takes a few business days, so you can start working practically immediately!

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, 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.

How Intercompany Solutions can assist you with the establishment of a business presence in the EU

Is you feel excited after reading the article and feel like the EU could have some serious opportunities for you, we greatly encourage you to definitely keep on going and believing in your dream. If you have a good business plan and solid ideas, chances are actually pretty high that you will achieve success here. And we are here to assist you every step of the way, meaning that we also offer many interesting services once your business is already established and up and running. Want to know more? Then feel free to contact us for personal advice.