Brexit

The EU and the UK have reached a Trade and Customs Agreement (TCA). The UK is now a third country, and that means there are changes for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands doing business with UK clients or suppliers. Find out what they are.

Brexitloket.nl in English

You can find relevant information on Brexit and its consequences for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands via the links on this page. These are translations of the pages for entrepreneurs on the main Dutch governmental platform, Brexitloket.nl. These may still be subject to changes, as the Dutch government is still analysing the contents of the Brexit Trade and Customs Agreement.

For links to other websites offering Brexit information, read Find information on Brexit.

Apply for residence permit

Since Brexit, British nationals already living in the Netherlands need a residence permit to be able to stay legally in the Netherlands and, for example, to apply for a health insurance. They can apply for a residence document under the Withdrawal Agreement, also called Brexit pass and article 50, until 1 October 2021. Find more information on the IND website.

Business aspects

Import and export: prepare your goods transports, and avoid long waits.
Transport and logistics: learn about procedures, documents and a five-step to-do list
Supply and customers: do you use parts manufactured in the UK? Be aware that product requirement rules have changed.
Competition and market: UK companies can no longer make use of EU trade treaties.
Opening a branch office in the UK: opening a UK branch office may be to your advantage. It can also come with extra requirements.
Staff and organisation: British citizens in the Netherlands require a residence document.
Intellectual property: find out what Brexit means for your patent or plant breeder's rights.

Tools and support

Take the Brexit Impact Scan to find out what you need to do, and what risks you run. Available in Dutch only.
Read the EU Readiness Notices on the EU website.
Do you need advice on how to move on with your business after Brexit? You can apply for a Brexit voucher to receive financial support when you hire a consultant.

Q&A about the Brexit

There is an extensive Q&A about the Brexit Trade Agreement available on the website of the European Commission. It explains what the new rules mean for different sectors, such as trade in goods, fisheries and road transport. There are nine chapters in total and you can search per sector. At the top you can choose your language. You can find answers to questions such as: What was agreed to facilitate trade in automotive? How does the Agreement contribute to trade and sustainable development? Will air carriers still have the same rights to operate between and within the EU and the UK? Note that this Q&A was published in December 2020 and therefore speaks of a draft agreement.

Sector information

Transport and logistics: new customs formalities will cause longer queues at the border.
Agriculture, fisheries and foodstuffs: the export of food and animals is more complicated. Read what to do.
Providing services: there is no more free movement of services to the UK.
ICT and digital services: digital data flows may be seriously hindered as a result of Brexit.
Healthcare: the consequences of Brexit for patients, care professionals and suppliers.
Industry, construction and chemicals: the rules for imports and exports of chemical and industrial products and waste have changed.