Country Fact File
- Location: Western Europe
- Capital City: Amsterdam
- Population: 17.6 million as of March 2024
- Government: Constitutional monarchy
- Currency: Euro (€ EUR)
- Main Language: Dutch
- Main Religions: Roman Catholic, Islam, Protestant
Country Profile
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a small country in North West Europe, bordered by Germany, Belgium, and the North Sea. It is often referred to as ‘Holland’ because two of its twelve provinces, North and South Holland, were independent states until 1813. With more than 20% of its land area under water, the title ‘the Netherlands’- which is Germanic for ‘lowlands’ – aptly reflects the country’s geography. It is one of the world’s most densely populated countries (16.8 million inhabitants) and the largest and most important cities are the capital Amsterdam, The Hague, which is the seat of government, and Rotterdam, home to Europe’s largest port. The Netherlands began life as a republic, when it became one of the world’s most powerful maritime trading nations, but is now a constitutional monarchy. It is considered to be one of the driving forces behind the formation of the European Union and the UN, with The Hague being home to the International Court of Justice. The country also enjoys a reputation for artistic brilliance on par with Italy, producing legends such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.
Culture
Dutch culture is uniformly considered to be one of tolerance and individuality. The prevalent liberal attitude towards gay rights and same-sex marriage, gender equality, and the legalisation of soft drugs and prostitution is an essential part of the Dutch national identity. Dutch people take pride in promoting individualism and this laissez-faire attitude permeates society. There is a general expectation that everyone has a right to their opinion and equality and democracy is enshrined in most laws. Indeed, the Netherlands was one of the first countries in the world to have an elected parliament. Dutch people are known for their progressive values compared to many other European nations and the Netherlands has an egalitarian society where status and respect are obtained through education and work rather than through money, power, and privilege.
Popular activities
Despite its diminutive size, the Netherlands is a diverse country with a huge range of things to do. Its countless canals and waterways mean that river cruising and canal boating are a popular pastime. One of the best times to visit the Netherlands is in the spring when the famed tulip fields (or ‘bulbfields’) are in full bloom.
The national sport of the Netherlands is football. The distinctly orange-clad national team has an unwanted reputation as ‘the bridesmaid’ of the international game on account of their record of having been to more World Cup finals than any other nation, without ever winning the competition.
Cycling is a national obsession and the Dutch own more bicycles per capita than any other nation in Europe. Nearly all roads and cities are adapted for cycling and the Netherland’s pancake-flat geography makes biking long distances easy. Even before they can walk, Dutch children are immersed in a world of cycling, with babies and toddlers travelling in special seats affixed to the front of bicycles. The Netherlands also has its share of white sandy beaches and the popular resorts of Cadzand, Oostkapelle, Dishoek, and Domburg in the province of Zeeland attract thousands of walkers, cyclists, and sun-worshippers every year.
Food and Drink
The Netherlands is famous for cheese-making, the red-rind bound Edam (Edammer) being the most well-known. Indeed, the Dutch themselves comment that their love of cheese and dairy, in general, has contributed to their status as the world’s tallest people – on average, Dutch women stand almost 1.71 metres (5.6ft) tall, and men 1.84 metres (6ft).
Traditional dishes include erwtensoep, a thick pea soup cooked with ham or sausage and hutspot, a potato-based stew to which klapstuk (lean beef) is sometimes added. Seafood is also hugely popular, particularly oysters, mussels, herring, and freshwater eel. For breakfast and lunch, the Dutch generally eat broodjes, small buttered rolls usually filled with ham and cheese or beef. Although the Netherlands has numerous restaurants serving international cuisine, for authentic Dutch dishes, look for the ‘Neerlands Dis’ sign, which identifies restaurants specialising in native cuisine.
The Dutch are a nation of beer drinkers with homegrown brands such as Heineken, Grolsch, and Amstel being among the most popular. Also a favourite is Dutch gin, jenever, a colourless spirit distilled from grain or malt, usually enjoyed neat.
Languages
Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, with the Frisian language group recognised as the second language in the northern province of Friesland. Over 90% of Dutch people speak English to a high level of competence, and many people also speak a good level of German and French. Most Dutch people are expected to learn and speak non-native languages fluently from an early age.
Accents and Dialects
Considering its size, the Netherlands has a wide range of dialects and accents, some varying from town to town in the same area. Some dialects can be difficult to understand but in most cities, standard Dutch is widely used. The Low Saxon dialects (Gronings, Drents, Limburg, and Brabants) are spoken in the east of the country and The Zeeuws group of dialects are spoken in the Zeeland area. Many Dutch dialects are related to Flemish (or Belgian Dutch), which is a West Germanic variation of the Dutch language spoken in neighbouring Belgium.
Weather
The Netherlands has a rainy climate with cool summers and mild, humid winters. The average high in summer is around 22°C and temperatures drop to an average low of 1°C in winter. The country sees around 185 days of rainfall each year so it’s important always to carry an umbrella and raincoat – as the Dutch do!
Safety and Security
The Netherlands has low crime rates in comparison to other European countries but care should be taken in large cities such as Amsterdam where tourists frequently fall prey to pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves. Bicycle theft is a common problem and the Dutch authorities estimate around 700,000 bikes were stolen in 2022. It’s wise to keep your bicycle locked and parked in a designated bike stand. Bikes that have been removed by city officials or found without an owner are taken to the local Bicycle Depository (Fietsdepot).
System Structure
The Netherlands has an exceptionally high standard of state-funded education and full-time schooling is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16/17. Primary education (basisschool) is attended from age 4 or 5 to age 12 and covers eight grades (or groeps) of schooling. Following primary education, students are placed within three branches of secondary education (middelbare scholen), according to vocation and aptitude. The type of secondary education assigned to pupils is determined by the final grade 8 examination results and the advice of the grade 8 teacher. Students stay in secondary school until they have gained a diploma at age 18, when they can then choose to enter higher education. The education system is governed by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap).
Academic Year
Academic terms in the Netherlands exist only at higher education level (from September to June). State schools are free to set their yearly timetables and major school holidays have staggered start times according to region, making it easier for Dutch families to travel outside of busy times.
The school day begins at 8.30 am and ends at around 3 pm, Monday to Friday, although again, schools have a degree of autonomy in how they organise their timetables. Most primary schools are closed on Wednesday afternoons.
Higher Education
The Netherlands has one of the oldest and most highly-regarded systems of higher education in the world, with some institutions dating back to the 16th century. Five Dutch universities feature in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, with the highest places being taken by The University of Amsterdam (55th) and the Delft University of Technology (64th). Dutch higher education is state-funded and divided into two types of education; research-oriented degrees offered by research universities (universiteiten, WO) and ‘higher professional’ degrees offered by universities of applied sciences (hogescholen, HBO), which prepare students for specific arts or science-based careers. There are 14 research universities and 41 universities of applied sciences. The type of university students choose depends on the diploma they gained at secondary school.
Funding
The standard annual tuition fee for all Dutch and EU students is €2,314 for the academic year 2023-2024. (£1,991), but can be higher for more specialised courses. In some circumstances, students from the EU can also apply for Dutch state grants.
Students from outside the EU will pay between €6,000 and €12,000 per year. There are a variety of scholarships options available to these students such as the Holland Scholarship, which is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
Courses
All university courses (WO and HBO) are divided into a bachelor-masters system. A HBO Bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete and a WO degree around three years. A Master’s degree can take up to two years, depending on the course of study. Dutch universities are popular among international students, as more than 1,500 courses are taught entirely in English, ranging from short training seminars to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. The Netherlands has the largest offering of English-taught degree programmes in continental Europe, outside of the UK. Students can apply to university in the Netherlands through the Studielink portal, which tells you if your qualifications are suitable.
Research
The Netherlands is recognised worldwide for the high standard of its research-led institutions, which place great emphasis on furthering research traditions. The country’s universities have produced a wealth of Nobel Prize winners and world-leading scientists. The national research council, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), receives over €400million per year from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. The organisation funds top researchers and aims to further Dutch innovation and progress in science.
Primary and Secondary Education
Primary school education (basisscholen) is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Pupils follow a core curriculum of Dutch, science, maths, and English, with many learning other foreign languages from an early age. Primary school has eight grades, groep 1 (group 1) through to groep 8 (group 8) and is free to all children, regardless of nationality, although parents are expected to make an annual contribution to extra-curricular activities. On reaching groep 8 (aged 12) students are required to sit the ‘Cito final test of primary education’ (Citotoets), the results of which will determine their route into secondary education.
Secondary education is divided into three branches as follows:
- VMBO (Voorbereidend Middelbaar Beroepsonderwijs): pre-vocational secondary education, for students wishing to enter a vocational career.
- HAVO (Hoger Algemeen Voortgezet Onderwijs): Senior general secondary education, for students who wish to prepare for a Bachelor’s degree at university.
- VWO (Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs): pre-university education for those wishing to take a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree at university.
The curriculum at all types of secondary school is basically the same for the first three years before students branch off into more specialised subjects. English is a compulsory subject throughout all types of secondary education.
Pre-school
Children can attend pre-school (peuterspeelzaal) in the Netherlands from between age two-and-a-half to age four or five, when they begin primary school. Pre-school education is provided Monday to Friday for 3 or 5 hours (according to parents’ wishes) and the cost is split between parents, their employers, and the government. Parental contributions to pre-school education are means-tested according to income. Children attending Dutch pre-school follow a programme of play-centred education, sports, and music.
Geographical Variation
The cost of living in the Netherlands has risen steadily in recent years, especially since the adoption of the Euro in 2002. However, in comparison with many other European countries – such as the UK – it still offers a relatively cheap lifestyle. Property prices and rents can be high in the larger cities, mainly due to the country’s large population and relative lack of affordable housing. The Netherlands also has some of the highest income taxes in the world, with top earners paying up to 52% above the tax threshold. However, the average monthly salary of €2178 (£1,533.37) after tax is correspondingly high, and expats moving to the Netherlands will enjoy an excellent standard of living.
Accommodation
Property prices in the Netherlands have fluctuated since the global economic downturn in 2008 and with such a dense population, competition for attractive homes is fierce, particularly in Amsterdam and The Hague. There are no restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing property in the Netherlands, however, getting a mortgage may be difficult for first-time buyers on middle to low incomes.
Although the Dutch are a nation of homeowners, the majority of expats moving to the Netherlands choose to rent a property. Rental prices have rocketed in recent years, due to the market being flooded by residents who now cannot afford to buy. A small one bedroom apartment in the centre of Amsterdam can set you back around €1,204.87 (£1,036.83)/month. Again, with a lack of affordable rental properties available, many are taken before they are even advertised. The best way to find a rental property is through an estate agent used to dealing with expats such as Dutch Real Estate or Funda.
Most landlords ask for a security deposit (borg) of one to two month’s rent. Tenancy agreements can be indefinite or for a fixed time period. The tenant usually has to give one month’s notice before leaving the property.
Property Tax
There are a variety of property taxes homeowners must pay, such as the real estate tax (onroerendezaakbelasting) which is based on the value of the property, the refuse collection tax (afvalstoffenheffing – AFV) and two water taxes covering maintenance and a pollution levy. For renters, these taxes are divided between the landlord and tenant or paid wholly by the tenant.
Utilities
The cost of utilities in the Netherlands depends on your usage, but prices are high in comparison to other European countries. The energy market was privatised in 2002 and there are a number of companies to choose from, most offering combined gas and electricity packages. The exception to this is water, where each property has a single designated supplier. Access to the internet is widely available in the Netherlands and most communications companies offer a range of broadband, phone, and TV packages.
The basic cost of utilities (gas, water, electricity, refuse) for an 85m² apartment is around €162.74 (£114) per month. Broadband, phone and TV packages start at around €27 (£19) per month.
TV Licence
There is no TV licence fee in the Netherlands, although public channels are limited. Since 2000, The Netherlands Public Broadcasting has been funded by government subsidy and advertising. Most households now opt for cable or satellite TV.
Healthcare and medical costs
The healthcare system in the Netherlands underwent major reform in 2006 and is now funded entirely through private insurance. This is in stark contrast with most other European countries, where funding for healthcare is based on a national health system or single payment. However, the standard of Dutch healthcare is exceptionally high and insurance companies are tightly regulated by the government. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents and is divided into two levels:
- Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw), often called ‘basic insurance’ and covers standard medical care.
- Wet Langdurige Zorg (WLZ) covers long-term nursing and care.
Private insurance companies in the Netherlands must offer a core universal package for primary care, which includes the cost of all prescription medicines. The cost of a basic insurance package is around €120-€150 (£103.29-£129.11) per month with another social healthcare contribution taken from income. Whether to take out Dutch health insurance depends on the length of your stay. Those from the EU can access emergency treatment through a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and expats from outside the EU must have a private international health insurance policy. Expats (EU and Non-EU) are required to take out a mandatory Dutch healthcare policy on becoming resident in the country. For more information consult the Dutch government website here.
Shopping
The Netherlands has a wide variety of large department stores and supermarket chains, as well as specialist independent retailers, which are often more expensive. As well as Dutch supermarket chains such as Albert Heijn and Vomar, you will also find the German discount stores Aldi and Lidl. Major UK food and clothing retailer, Marks and Spencer, also have branches in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Most Dutch people like to shop for their groceries each day at independent cheese, bread, or butcher shops, and browsing some of the Netherlands’ many delicatessens is a good way to spend a Saturday! The cost of groceries is low in comparison to some Western European countries such as the UK and France. Shoppers should be aware that stores are generally open until 6pm, with very limited hours on Sundays.
Sales Tax
The Dutch VAT or sales tax rate for most goods and services is currently set at 21%. In the Netherlands, there are also two exceptional rates: the 9% rate and the 0% rate (zero rate).
Price Guide
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – €1,204.87 (£1,039.01)
- Rent 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – €968.82 (£835.45)
- Price of apartment per square metre in city centre – €5,016.38 (£4,325.63)
- Price of apartment per square metre outside city centre – €3,675.66 (£3,169.24)
- Loaf of bread – €1.72 (£1.48)
- Milk (1 litre) – €1.10 (£0.95)
- Bottled water (1.5 litre) – €0.69 (£0.59)
- Draught beer (0.5 litre) – €1.17 (£1.01)
- Packet of cigarettes – €8.20 (£7.07)
- Petrol (1 litre) – €2.04 (£1.76)
- Cinema ticket – €12.00 (£10.34)
Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed August 2023)
Budgeting and Savings
There are a number of price comparison sites that help consumers save, such as Verelijk. Food shopping at discount supermarkets such as Aldi or Lidl, and renting an apartment outside of city centres can also significantly cut costs.
Driving
The Netherlands has one of the most extensive road networks in the world, with well-maintained motorways (autosnelweg) and dual carriageways. All roads are toll-free and over a quarter have dedicated cycle tracks. Drivers will encounter a large number of cyclists on most roads, particularly in cities where bicycles significantly outnumber cars. With its large population and small size, you can expect heavy traffic congestion on Dutch roads, both in cities on and the motorway.
Cars drive on the right in the Netherlands. Speed limits on motorways are 130km/h (80mph), 100km/h (60 mph) on dual carriageways, and 50km/h (30mph) in built-up areas. It is compulsory to carry a driving licence, car registration papers, and insurance documents while driving. Drivers from an EU member state can use their European Driving Licence, those from outside the EU who intend to stay in the country must exchange their licence for a Dutch one.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available in the Netherlands, and are useful when the public transport system shuts down at night. Taxis can be hailed in the street, although beware that they are not permitted to stop where they like so it is better to find a designated taxi rank. Fares are calculated on a meter and the driver will give you a receipt at the end of your journey.
Buses and Coaches
The Netherlands has a well-organised bus network which offers a cheap way of getting around towns and cities. Most services run every 10-30 minutes. All public transport in the Netherlands, including buses, metro, trams, and some trains is paid for using the OV-chipkaart swipecard system. There are two types of chipcard; ‘anonymous’, which anyone can buy from one of the OV-chipkaart machines situated in bus and train stations, or ‘personal’, which you can apply for online. You swipe your card in a machine on boarding and getting off public transport.
The Netherlands has an excellent rail network so coaches are often overlooked as a viable travel option. However, it is possible to travel cross-country by coach, which is a cheaper alternative to trains. You can also travel to and around the Netherlands from other European countries by coach, tickets can be booked through Eurolines.
Trains
The rail network in the Netherlands is well-developed and efficient, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel around this small country. Intercity and local trains (stoptreinen) run regularly, allowing passengers to easily reach any part of the country within a matter of hours. A high-speed rail service is available from Amsterdam, Schiphol, via The Hague and Rotterdam to Belgium and Paris, on the Thalys or TVG trains. All train tickets must be purchased prior to travelling, and most stations now accept the OV chipkaart (see above). You can check timetables and book online at Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Netherlands Railways)
Trams and light rail
Trams are popular in the Netherlands and are seen as an eco-friendly mode of transport. Tram systems are in operation in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht and they run from 6am until around midnight. Amsterdam also has a mixed metro and light rail network, with three routes connecting Amsterdam Central station to the outer suburbs. Rotterdam also operates a metro system, consisting of two lines.
Air travel
Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport is the Netherland’s main international airport. It is one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of passenger traffic, with connections worldwide. Eindhoven International Airport and Groningen Airport also provide European and domestic connections. The largest airline is KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij) which flies to 130 destinations around the world.
The Netherlands is a small country so there are only a couple of domestic airlines that provide internal connections, including KLM’s Cityhopper which connects Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Maastricht. However, most visitors choose to get around the country by train, coach, or car.
Other ways to get around
Cycling is the transport of choice in the Netherlands, a country with more bicycles than residents. They say there is no happier cyclist than the Dutch cyclist, and this is probably true – the Netherlands has a vast network of wide cycle lanes, row upon row of bicycle parking facilities, and flat roads, making it a cyclist’s paradise. Bike rental shops, such as Yellow Bike in Amsterdam, can be found in every village, town, and city.
Another great way to see the country is to take advantage of the Netherland’s hundreds of canals and waterways by renting a boat, canoe, or ‘water bike’ (pedalo). Regular ferries also connect Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Hook of Holland with the UK.
Working hours
Under Dutch law, you are allowed to work a maximum of nine hours a day and 45 hours a week. A quirk of the legislation stipulates that employees can only work a maximum of 2,080 hours a year, which equates to a 40 hour week. Dutch workers tend to follow a Monday to Friday week with the working day starting at 9am and finishing at 6pm. Workers are entitled to take two 15 minute breaks and a 90 minute lunch break. Many workers opt to work through their breaks and eat lunch at their desks so they can leave at 5pm. It is rare to see Dutch people working late into the night or at the weekend.
Holidays
Holiday entitlement in the Netherlands is on a par with most European countries with workers being eligible to 20 to 25 days of holiday a year. The Dutch usually take most of their holidays off in the summer with July and August often being referred to as ‘dead months’ for businesses. All workers are entitled to holiday pay. Maternity and parental leave is protected under the Work and Care Act which aims to promote a work-life balance for parents. It is illegal to turn a woman down for a job just because she is pregnant. Employees are entitled to 16 weeks’ maternity leave on full pay, by law.
Public holidays
There are nine public holidays in the Netherlands. Although not national holidays, the two Second World War Remembrance Days are often marked by closing shops and businesses.
Public holiday dates
New Year’s Day: 1st January
Good Friday: 29th March
Easter Sunday: 31st March
Easter Monday: 10st April
King’s Day: 27th April
Liberation Day: 5th May
Ascension Day: 9th May
Whit Monday: 20th May
Christmas Day: 25th December
St Stephens Day: 26th December
Visas and eligibility
EU citizens, with some exceptions, are permitted to travel to the Netherlands without additional documentation thanks to the freedom of movement within the European Union. Depending on your nationality, for stays of up to 90 days, you will probably need a Schengen visa, unless you are just passing through, in which case you can apply for a transit visa in your home country. If you want to stay longer than 90 days you need to apply for a ‘machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf’ or an MVV. Different rules apply for people from different countries but to apply for a visa you can visit a Dutch mission (embassy) in the country where you live. Dutch people cannot apply for a visa on your behalf. Schengen visas and transit visas cost around €80 (£68.96) with child visas costing €40 (£34.48).
Tax
In the Netherlands, the tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December. Citizens must file their tax return before 1 April for the previous year. Income tax is regulated by the Income Tax Law 2001 and comprises a basic pension and national insurance contributions. Income tax rates are famously high in the Netherlands, with those earning over €73,031 (£62,933.17) paying up to 49.5% in tax. If you are moving to the Netherlands to work in a highly skilled area you may be eligible for the 30% Tax Facility, also known as the 30% Ruling, which allows employers to compensate expat workers for the cost of moving to the country. You need to have permission from the Tax and Customs Administration to apply. If you are eligible, you may also apply for non-resident taxpayer status which can have additional advantages. One of these being that non-EU expats can receive a Dutch driving licence without the need to retake their test.
Pensions
Pensions in the Netherlands are known as the ‘Three Pillars’ comprised of a basic pension residents receive when they are 65 (likely to rise to 67 by 2023), a labour-based pension which is negotiated with an employer, and an annuity, where individuals contribute to an insurance plan which are often used as a tax break. The Dutch principle for pensions is that the amount should be close to a worker’s final salary. In 2014 the basic pension (Algemene Ouderdomswet, AOW), contributions were 17.9% of the gross salary. The amount of pension you receive will depend on your earnings and your final salary. Your final figure may be reduced if you move out of the Netherlands and return later.
Benefits
The Dutch social security system is accessible to expats, with unemployment and incapacity support among the benefits that can be claimed depending on individual circumstances. The law states that unemployment benefits are paid at 75% of your last wage. After two months out of work, this is reduced to 70%. To be eligible for unemployment benefits you need to have worked a minimum of 26 out of 36 weeks before you apply for support. Other benefits include childcare, tax credits, and rent allowance, depending on income and the value of the property. Visit the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment website for more details.
Disability
The rights of disabled people in the Netherlands are enshrined in the Dutch Constitution. Since 2003, with the Act on Equal Treatment of Disabled and Chronically Ill People, employers have been legally bound to make suitable adaptations to help disabled workers. The Dutch care system provides broad support for disabled people, including those suffering from mental and psychological problems, through its laws and care facilities across the country.
Organisational Structure
The business structure in the Netherlands is considered to be one of the flattest and most egalitarian in the world. There is a deep-rooted system of industrial democracy in place, where everyone has a right to contribute to overall decision-making. Business is seen as a team effort and respect is acquired through diligence, transparent communication channels, and a commitment to consensus within the team.
The Netherlands has the 18th largest economy in the world and is also one of the richest nations, in terms of GDP per capita. The country has a long history of successful international trade and is home to some of the world’s most famous brands, such as Shell Oil, Unilever, and Philips.
Management Style
Dutch managers are rarely authoritarian and instead prefer to be seen as the person who holds influence with other managers, rather than the decision-maker-in-chief. In adherence to the national culture of consensus and equality, managers consider the opinions of each member of their team. This open style promotes transparency when it comes to making business decisions and underhand tactics are widely discouraged.
Formality
Business tends to be informal, yet highly professional in the Netherlands. In some professions, such as law, medicine, or academia, formal titles are often used but in general, colleagues arrive at first-name terms quickly. No matter how formal a meeting or business setting is, Dutch people express their opinions openly and directly.
Relationships
Dutch people are incredibly tolerant, friendly, and used to doing business with foreigners. In building business relationships, it is important to demonstrate how you can be mutually successful in an honest and direct way. Although co-workers are seen as equal and business relationships can be informal, and injected with humour, Dutch people prefer to leave their private lives outside the business environment and would not welcome ‘over-friendliness.’ It is also important to remember that family and personal time is very important in the Netherlands so try to keep appointments within designated business hours.
Dress Code
Business attire in the Netherlands depends on the industry or profession. In more formal professions Dutch men usually wear a smart suit, shirt, and tie and women a smart business dress, or trouser suit. Casual dress, such as jeans and a smart shirt or top is acceptable in some more laid-back professions such as marketing or IT. Remember that many people cycle to work so business attire is often practical and easily tied down with bicycle clips! Due to the heavy rainfall in the Netherlands, it is probably best to carry an umbrella and raincoat.
Greetings
A firm handshake is the accepted greeting in a Dutch business setting, for men and women. This is particularly true if meeting for the first time, kissing, and hugging would not be acceptable between strangers. A handshake saying goodbye at the end of a meeting is also good practice. However, for those who know each other in a social situation, kissing three times (between women and women and women and men, not men and men) the ‘Dutch Three Kisses,’ is the cultural norm. If involved in some Dutch kissing, ensure you follow the correct rules – air kisses (not wet smackers!) first on the right cheek, then left, then right again.
Punctuality
The Dutch are good timekeepers and being on time to meetings is expected. Although lateness is sometimes inevitable, it’s best to call ahead if you are going to be more than five to ten minutes late. Being punctual with the delivery of goods or services is also expected in a Dutch commercial relationship so you should always try to keep to deadlines.
Meetings
Inevitably, consensus-building and a broad teamwork approach means long meetings, where everyone is given sufficient opportunity to have their say and contribute to proceedings. Meetings are forums for open and frank debate and participants stay until the issues have been discussed and, hopefully, resolved. Dutch business meetings generally follow a pre-agreed agenda and there is usually an independent minute-taker tasked with keeping the meeting moving along. It is important to understand that Dutch people communicate in a frank, and often blunt, manner and expect participants to be as direct as them. This should not be misunderstood as rudeness, and indeed it is unusual to hear raised voices in even the most forthright meetings.
Cultural Sensitivity
Dutch people have a direct approach to business, as in other areas of life, so it is important to avoid being pretentious or arrogant. Obvious self-promotion would be met with distaste in a business setting. It is important that any success in business is attributed to the team rather than assumed by any individual. Although Dutch people favour an open and frank communication style, commenting on someone’s private issues or their appearance in a business or social setting would be seen as highly offensive.
Business Language
Most business in the Netherlands is done in Dutch. However, Dutch people are masters of foreign languages, particularly English, German, and French, and can negotiate successfully in these languages easily. It is not uncommon for an entire meeting with multiple participants, to be carried out in English should a non-Dutch speaker be present.
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