Ministry of Economic Affairs
The Ministry of Economic Affairs (Ministerie van Economische Zaken, EZ) promotes the Netherlands as a country for business owners looking for a solid, sustainable and competitive base in an international market. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is committed to creating an optimal business climate in the Netherlands, providing the right conditions, and giving business owners room to innovate and grow.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs encourages cooperation between research institutes and businesses. The ministry invests in an economically stable and sustainable country and bolsters the Netherlands' position in key sectors: agriculture, horticulture, life sciences and health, chemicals, water, hightech, logistics, energy, water, and the creative industry.
Programmes for startups
The Dutch government has introduced several programmes to make the Netherlands an attractive proposition for innovative, foreign startups, and to encourage Dutch businesses to go international. Among others:
- Early-stage financing
- Regulations allowing ambitious entrepreneurs to apply for a Dutch residence permit
Questions relating to this article?
Please contact the Ministry of Economic Affairs, EZ