When we decide to take our business to another country or open a new one, we would have many market choices. In this article, we share why The Netherlands is a great country to run your tech company into and consider as an entry point. And, most importantly, why this country should be your entry point for startups.
Below is a list of 16 of the reasons why the Netherlands should be your entry point in Europe.
Let’s start with number 1:
1. Dutch Startup visa
The Netherlands has a special Startup Visa for entrepreneurs outside of Europe.
There are a few rules for your startup:
- Collaborate with a reliable and experienced facilitator; our partner, Crosspring, can help you with this.
- Have an innovative product/service.
- Have a (step-by-step) plan in order to move from idea to business.
- You will need to register your startup at the Chamber of Commerce.
- You will need to bring money for living expenses. An amount of €13,000, will be sufficient for one year.
Check more information about the startup visa on this video. Also, on this official website from The Netherlands, you can check for more information.
2. Everyone speaks English
Yes, they do!
If you’d have to name an obvious aspect that is really easy and comfortable for any foreigner in the Netherlands, that would be the fact that everybody speaks English.
One or two homeless people (there are very few homeless in The Netherlands) asked me for money in this country. I told them that I didn’t speak Dutch and they asked me in English! So, yes, I really mean that everybody speaks English.
This will not only make your life easier, but it also shows that Dutch people are extremely international oriented. It’s not new that English is the number one business language, and the Dutch are taking advantage of their skills to explore new countries faster than its neighboring countries. This fact makes the destination a great entry point for businesses.
Check out this study from Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences to get an insight about how The Netherlands is a top English-speaking country.
3. Startup ecosystem
It’s part of the Dutch culture to think as a group.
You can also see this in the Dutch startup system: all different players work together to raise as one global hub. There’s a healthy competition between the hubs in The Netherlands. By helping each other, they are all able to grow even bigger.
Here is a quick overview of the startup ecosystem in The Netherlands:
- 2,500+ startups
- 10+ innovation hubs
- 3rd on the Global Innovation Index
- 19th place on the Startup Genome World ranking
For more information on how to enter the Dutch market, you could always get in contact with our Dutch mentor, Maurice Beckand Verwee.
4. International business climate
The Dutch tendency for trade, commerce, and the outward reaching mentality make The Netherlands one of the most international oriented countries around the world. In addition to that, their home market is relatively small. All these factors combined make startups think global from the start.
Big startups like Booking.com, TakeAway.com, and TravelBird.com are great examples of Dutch companies that were born thinking global.
- 2,500+ startups
- 10+ innovation hubs
- 3rd on the Global Innovation Index
- 19th place on the Startup Genome World ranking
5. Bilateral trade treaties worldwide
The Netherlands has around 107 treaties worldwide with other countries.
The dutch international mindset started in 1602 with several trade missions around the world during VOC time. These missions brought them benefits that last until today, and you and your business can also take advantage of that!
The Netherlands is the country with the most Bilateral trade treaties contracts of the world, one of the reasons why major companies are located in The Netherlands.
6. International business climate
The Dutch tendency for trade, commerce, and the outward reaching mentality make The Netherlands one of the most international oriented countries around the world. In addition to that, their home market is relatively small. All these factors combine areas making startups think global from the start.
Big startups like Booking.com, TakeAway.com and TravelBird.com are great examples of Dutch companies that were born thinking global.
7. Strategic location
The Netherlands is located right beside the three major economies in Europe: Germany, France, and the UK.
The geographical location, in combination with an amazing airport, provides companies with easy access to over 700 million customers in Europe. Many companies decide to choose the Netherlands as their entry point in Europe thanks to this facility to reach other countries.
8. Schiphol airport
Schiphol, located close to Amsterdam is the fifth world’s busiest airport and has 322 international daily flights from and to all parts of the world.
One of the principal reasons why companies choose The Netherlands is because you can easily reach the main countries in the EU in less than 24h.
9. Creative and innovative environment
The Netherlands is always open for new technology and has a very innovative & adaptive environment, that’s why the country is a very good place to test new products.
“Holland, according to our experiences, is steps ahead in adapting new technologies. The Dutch people become accustomed with new technology much easier than others.”
Jitse Groen, founder, Takeaway.com
Now wouldn’t this be one of the great reasons to why the Netherlands should be your entry point in Europe?
10. Internet connection
The Netherlands has one of the best internet infrastructures around the world. According to speedtest.net, the country is the number 3 for mobile internet and number 6 for cable internet!
11. Straight to the point
The Dutch are (in)famous for being straightforward, direct and speaking right what they think, this is something foreigners sometimes might see as rude. But don’t worry! It’s (usually) not meant that way! 🙂
Being straight forward helps entrepreneurs stay with both feet on the ground an keep focussed on what really matters: building a great business.
12. Good public transport
Getting anywhere in the country is very cheap and easy because of their great network of railroads. You can cross the country in less than 3 hours, and won’t pay over €20 for that.
Besides that, the cities have buses and trams lines that can get you as close to your destination as possible.
13. Big social life besides work
There is a lot going on in the city centers in The Netherlands. From art exhibitions to great music festivals, there is always something new to do in the country.
14. Always open for new migrants and entrepreneurs
The Dutch government is constantly finding new ways to attract highly skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs via schemes such as the 30% tax ruling and the startup visa residence permit. Because The Dutch are very welcoming to new cultures, there are people from over a 180 different origins living in there. This helps the entrepreneurs get different views and opinions on their business and thus get more innovative and ready for the global market.
15. Constant improvement
If you live in the Netherlands for a few years you will start to notice the constant renewal and development that is always going on. Old buildings are restored and used for other purposes, empty roads are converted into bike lanes, office buildings are being transformed into houses and so on.
The Dutch are not afraid of change. You can also see this in the business environment, where the local entrepreneurs are always innovating.
The restaurant in an old kettle house. Instead of breaking it down, it’s currently being used as a restaurant and attracts a lot of tourists.
16. Quality of life
The quality of life is rated among the highest of the world. The great infrastructure, high education, freedom and low criminality gets The Netherlands on spot six on the world happiness report.
17. The Netherlands has great universities
Four Dutch universities are among the top 100 of the world. Their educational system incentives students to become independent learners. But at the same time to also share their knowledge with others and learn together as a group. This mindset results in a very qualified workforce, which is perfect for companies who want to set up their operations in the country.
All of above shows reasons why the Netherlands must be your entry point in Europe.
