Last updated: 23 Mar 2012
Market profile
Doing business
English is widely spoken and almost all company executives have excellent business English, however, it is always worth checking before attending a meeting. The business culture is similar to elsewhere in Europe – slightly formal with a preference for open dialogue.
More information on doing business in the Netherlands
Country Profile
Content supplied by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- ECONOMIC CLIMATE
The Netherlands is a small, wealthy trading nation. With a population of 16.7 million it accounts for 0.2 per cent of world population, 1.2 per cent of world GDP and 3.6 per cent of world trade.
» read more at DFAT
- TRADE RELATIONS
The Netherlands is a significant investment and trading partner for Australia. It is Australia's second largest export market within the EU after the UK.
» read more at DFAT
- POLITICAL CLIMATE
A broad centrist coalition comprising the liberal (VVD) and the Labour Party (PvdA) was sworn into office on 5 November 2012, following elections in September of that year.
» read more at DFAT
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.