Doing Business in the Netherlands

Anke Corbin

Business Government Resources in the Netherlands

The information on this page was current at the time it was published. Regulations, trends, statistics, and other information are constantly changing. While we strive to update our Knowledge Base, we strongly suggest you use these pages as a general guide and be sure to verify any regulations, statistics, guidelines, or other information that are important to your efforts.

Netherlands Government Resources

Official Netherlands Government Resources

Netherlands Government: (This website provides an overview of Dutch government policies, regulations, and services.)
Senate of the Netherlands (Eerste Kamer): The Eerste Kamer website provides information on the legislative process and the role of the Senate.

Official Netherlands Government Statistics Resources

Statistics Netherlands (CBS): The CBS offers comprehensive data on the Dutch economy, demographics, and social landscape.
Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL): PBL provides data and reports on environmental issues in the Netherlands.

Official Netherlands Government Trade Resources

Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Ministry’s website provides information on bilateral trade relations, trade missions, and export promotion programs.
Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO): RVO is the Dutch government’s agency for international business affairs. They offer support with export promotion, innovation, and financing.
KVK – The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce: The KVK is responsible for business registration and offers a range of services for entrepreneurs.

Netherlands Tax Authority Resources

Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst): The Belastingdienst website provides information on Dutch tax regulations, tax filing procedures, and tax rates.

Netherlands Labor and Employment Resources

Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW): The SZW website provides information on Dutch labor laws, minimum wage, social security contributions, and work permits
The Netherlands Trade Union Confederation (FNV): The FNV is the largest trade union federation in the Netherlands. Their website provides insights into Dutch labor relations and collective bargaining agreements.
Social Partners in the Netherlands: SER This website provides information on the Dutch social partner model, which involves collaboration between employers’ organizations and trade unions in setting wages and working conditions.

Netherlands Export Agencies Resources

Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO): As mentioned previously, RVO offers a variety of export promotion programs and financial support for Dutch businesses entering foreign markets.

Netherlands Import Agencies Resources

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Products Safety Authority (NVWA): The NVWA is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of imported food and consumer products.

Netherlands Industry Associations Resources

The Federation of Dutch Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW): VNO-NCW is the largest employers’ organization in the Netherlands, representing a broad range of industries.

Netherlands Licensing Authorities Resources

The Netherlands utilizes a decentralized licensing system, so the authority responsible for issuing licenses will vary depending on your industry and location.

Business Information for Entrepreneurs in the Netherlands : This website provides a helpful overview of the licensing process in the Netherlands and can guide you to the relevant licensing authority for your business.
The Netherlands Environmental Protection Agency (RIVM): RIVM may require environmental permits for certain businesses. Their website provides information on environmental regulations and permitting procedures.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM): The AFM regulates the Dutch financial markets. Businesses operating in the financial sector may require a license from the AFM.

Netherlands Intellectual Property Authority Resources

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): WIPO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes intellectual property protection globally. Their website provides information on international IP treaties and resources for registering IP rights internationally.

Netherlands Immigration Office Resources

Netherlands Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND): The IND is responsible for processing visa applications for foreigners seeking to work or reside in the Netherlands.

Netherlands Finance Resources

Netherlands Central Bank (DNB) : This the central bank of the Netherlands and provides information on Dutch monetary policy, financial regulations, and economic data.
Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) : CPB is an independent research institute that provides economic forecasts and analyzes economic trends in the Netherlands.

Netherlands Foreign Investment Resources

Invest in Holland : Invest in Holland is the national foreign investment agency that provides assistance and information to foreign companies looking to invest in the Netherlands.
The Hague International Centre (THIC) : THIC offers support services to international organizations and companies located in The Hague area.
Amsterdam in Business : Amsterdam inBusiness is a platform that connects international companies with opportunities and resources in Amsterdam.
InvestEU : InvestEU is the essential resource for modern investors seeking to learn more about Europe’s unique investment opportunities. Through the Invest in EU magazine, portal and weekly newsletter, we aim to market and analyse investment destinations, various industry sectors & investment opportunities in Europe(EU).
Access2Markets Trade Helpdesk : The European Commission’s Access2Markets Export Helpdesk provides a free online service covering all import rules in force in the EU on a product-by-product and country-by-county basis.

Netherlands International Organizations Resources

World Bank : The World Bank provides data and reports on the Dutch economy, business environment, and development indicators.

The Netherlands Business Grant Resources

While there isn’t a single, centralized website listing all Dutch business grants, several resources can help you identify relevant grant programs:

Netherlands Enterprise Agency Funding : This Netherlands government agency offers various subsidies and financing programs for businesses, including innovation grants and export promotion support.
EU Grants: The European Union also offers a variety of grant programs that Dutch businesses can apply for.

References

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