Starting or expanding a business across borders presents exciting opportunities, particularly between the Netherlands and Portugal. These two European nations offer complementary business environments. The Netherlands is known for its entrepreneurial mindset and offers superb logistics infrastructure, while Portugal offers an unique quality of life, combined with a growing tech scene. For entrepreneurs from both countries looking to expand, several organizations can help to support your cross-border ambitions.
Modern Diplomatic and Social Relations
Portugal and the Netherlands maintain strong diplomatic relations and actively cooperate within the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations. Moreover, regular high-level state visits reinforce these bonds; King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visited Lisbon in 2017, while Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa travelled to the Netherlands in 2024. The two nations engage in robust trade that exceeds €3 billion annually. Additionally, Dutch companies invest heavily in Portugal’s renewable energy and technology sectors. Both countries also collaborate on environmental initiatives that address climate change, water management and ocean conservation. Furthermore, cultural and academic exchanges between Portugal and the Netherland are supported by vibrant expatriate communities in both countries. The Netherlands has an embassy in Lisbon and 3 honorary consulates (in Faro, Funchal and Ponta Delgada), while Portugal has an embassy in The Hague. These diplomatic missions actively strengthen the shared commitment to sustainability, human rights, and open trade policies.
Government Support Structures
When considering Dutch expansion The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) serves as a first point of information. This government organization provides free and confidential information and some assistance. They can also connect you with regional partners and offer insights into the local business ecosystem. Additionally, they help navigate permits, taxation, and location selection. The information this agency provides will help to make your entry into the Dutch market significantly smoother. Similarly, in Portugal, AICEP Portugal Global (Trade & Investment Agency) plays an important role in attracting foreign investment. AICEP offers support to businesses entering the Portuguese market and connect you with local partners. Furthermore, they provide market intelligence to incoming businesses. Their extensive network spans nationally and internationally; consequently, they become invaluable partners for Dutch entrepreneurs looking toward Portugal. Both government organisations can help to support your cross-border ambitions.
Chambers of Commerce
The Dutch-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, also known as the Cámara de Comercio Portugal-Holanda (CCPH) is a non-profit business network based in Lisbon. The chamber serves as the bridge for companies that want to expand or move their business to Portugal. They focus on helping companies by opening doors and putting them in contact with business partners, clients, distributors or provide entrepreneurs with opportunities, consultancy and relevant market information. Additionally, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIP) connects Portuguese entrepreneurs with industry-specific opportunities in the Netherlands and many other countries. This network of members throughout the country has active members from the various economic sectors in Portugal. The CCIP actively supports cross-border business development through various programs and initiatives. The Dutch Commercial Registry (Kamer van Koophandel, in short KvK) is where you register your business in The Netherlands. But the KvK also offers a lot of support and information for starting entrepreneurs in The Netherlands. It is a good point for starting entrepreneurs that are looking for know-how on how to do business in The Netherlands. All businesses and organisations in the Netherlands are listed in the KvK Business Register. Are you about to setup a contract, make a purchase or delivery? First check your business partner’s details in the KVK Business Register! That way, you can avoid many problems. Another organisation is the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Netherlands – Portugal (CCINP) with headquarters in the Netherlands and a local team in Porto. This organisation builds on the long-standing ties between the two countries to create new opportunities for business, innovation and collaboration and acts as the bridge connecting Portuguese and Dutch enterprises, investors, and institutions. It’s part of the global network of Portuguese Chambers of Commerce (RCCPM).
Tech and Market Specific Organisations
Tech entrepreneurs should consider StartupDelta-Techleap in the Netherlands and Startup Portugal in their respective countries. These organizations specifically support technology-related ventures and regularly provide specialised networking opportunities. Additionally, they offer valuable mentorship programs. Moreover, both organizations host regular pitch events, hackathons, and innovation challenges that create visibility for new market entrants. For those in traditional sectors like agriculture or manufacturing, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) directly offers sector-specific information and manages numerous subsidy programs that Portuguese businesses can leverage when entering the Dutch market. The RVO also coordinates trade missions and industry-specific delegations between both countries. Meanwhile, IAPMEI in Portugal provides specialised support to industrial and manufacturing businesses from the Netherlands looking to establish operations in Portugal. IAPMEI has several programs aimed at strengthening SME innovation, entrepreneurship and business investment.
Incorporating your company
Multiple organisations stand ready to support your cross-border ambitions in Portugal and The Netherlands. There are several companies that have created a business model around providing a hassle-free fast-track for entrepreneurs that are looking to set up shop. In Portugal BridgeIn is one of the market references for business expansion to Portugal. This company offers an “Employer of Record” service, but can also organise your complete business incorporation in Portugal. The Dutch Intercompany Solution is headquartered in the World Trade Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This company provides legal and accounting services in the Netherlands for entrepreneurs from all over the world and specialises in assisting international clients with all-in company formations.
Navigating Cultural Differences
Besides building your business network and getting the right information, understanding cultural nuances greatly enhances business success. The famous International language Institute Regina Coeli (also known as “de Nonnen van Vught”) offers cultural and language training programs that help entrepreneurs navigate the significant differences in business communication styles between the two countries. While Dutch business culture typically values directness and efficiency, Portuguese business relationships often develop more gradually and rely heavily on personal connections. Learning these distinctions before entering negotiations can prove invaluable for your nearshore success! The institute offers both excellent Dutch and Portuguese (European or Brazilian) language courses by native speakers. This language institute is internationally renowned. Nowadays you can also take their language course (partly) online.
Need more information on how to do business in Portgal and The Netherlands? Feel free to reach to us out for a free intake!
