As one of Europe’s most internationally connected and trade-oriented economies, the Netherlands continues to offer opportunities supported by strong infrastructure, digital maturity, international openness, and access to global markets. For many Swedish companies, the Netherlands serves both as an important domestic market and as a gateway to broader European operations.
At the same time, survey results point to a more demanding operating environment. Companies highlight labour shortages, regulatory complexity, housing constraints, and infrastructure-related challenges as key factors affecting operational flexibility and long-term planning.
Cooperation between Sweden and the Netherlands continues to grow in sectors such as logistics, clean energy, infrastructure, mobility, digital services, life sciences, and advanced industry. The Netherlands’ strong innovation ecosystem and focus on sustainability continue to create opportunities for Swedish companies offering knowledge-intensive and innovative solutions.
Competitiveness in the Netherlands is closely linked to partnerships, innovation, product development, and strong local relationships. The Swedish brand remains associated with quality, reliability, safety, sustainability, and responsible business practices.
The Netherlands is widely viewed as a stable and transparent market with strong institutions and favourable conditions for international business. At the same time, companies point to increasing administrative complexity and uncertainty around long-term policy direction as areas requiring continued attention.
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ABOUT THE SURVEY
To assess the opportunities and challenges faced by Swedish companies in international markets, Team Sweden conducts annual Business Climate Surveys across multiple markets worldwide. This year’s survey in the Netherlands includes responses from 52 Swedish companies operating in the country. Professional services companies represent the largest share of respondents, while industrial and consumer-oriented companies also make up a significant share. Most surveyed companies have been active in the Netherlands for many years, with a large proportion established before 2003.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all participating companies and respondents who contributed to this report. Team Sweden in the Netherlands hopes that the findings will serve as a basis for continued dialogue with Dutch authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
