What does doing business internationally involve?
Doing business internationally means trading beyond Dutch borders. That can mean exporting products, producing locally, or working with partners abroad. Whichever route you take, you enter new markets and a different set of rules. A clear understanding of the local economy, legislation and financing options helps you turn opportunities into results and keep risks under control.
Dutch businesses start from a strong position. Dutch expertise in water, energy, agri-food, health and sustainable manufacturing matches the global demand for reliable, future-proof solutions.
Where the opportunities are
Worldwide demand for reliable, sustainable and innovative solutions is growing fast. In many regions there are concrete openings for Dutch businesses with the right expertise.
- Asia
Economies such as Vietnam and India are growing quickly. The need for modern infrastructure and a reliable energy supply is considerable, and there is strong interest in Dutch water technology and logistics expertise.
- Africa
In many African countries the emphasis is on food security and better basic services. Dutch expertise in agriculture and water management is a close fit, particularly when local partners are involved.
- The Middle East
The region is investing in a future that depends less on oil. Water projects, renewable energy and industrial modernisation all offer scope for long-term collaboration.
- Latin America
More and more countries are prioritising circular production and sustainable exports. That opens up opportunities in agri-food, transport and knowledge transfer.
In every region, local collaboration and market knowledge determine whether a project succeeds.
The financing challenge
International growth usually requires more capital than a business has available in-house. Projects run for longer, carry currency risk, and sometimes offer too little security for a commercial bank.
For SMEs, expanding abroad brings an extra hurdle: large credit lines are harder to access. That is exactly the stage at which we can help.
We combine public funding with financial expertise to make projects possible that are both commercially sound and socially valuable. This form of public and blended finance supports entrepreneurs with international ambitions who reach the limits of what mainstream financiers can offer.
"Invest International combines public funding with financial expertise to make projects possible that are commercially sound and socially valuable."
How we help
We work with Dutch and Dutch-linked businesses that operate internationally, or want to. We assess plans not only on return, but on their contribution to sustainable development.
We focus on the sectors in which the Netherlands leads internationally:
- energy and climate
- water and infrastructure
- agri-food
- health
- sustainable manufacturing
We finance businesses, public projects and initiatives still in development — from a first feasibility study through to investment in scaling up. Our aim: enabling sustainable growth, with tangible results abroad and economic value at home.
What this looks like in practice
The impact of doing business internationally shows in the projects already delivered. Dutch businesses are working worldwide on solutions that combine growth with development:
- agricultural projects that strengthen food security
- water and infrastructure projects that make communities more resilient
- health initiatives that improve access to care
- manufacturing projects that apply circular principles and create jobs
Getting started with your international plans
Doing business abroad calls for a solid plan and reliable partners. Thinking about financing early improves your chances of sustainable growth. We support entrepreneurs who want to take Dutch knowledge and enterprise further into international markets.
Want to know what’s possible for your plans? Get in touch with our team, or check your eligibility to see which solutions fit.
Frequently asked questions about doing business internationally
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What is sustainable international business?
Sustainable international business means combining business growth with positive social and environmental impact. In practice, this involves adhering to ESG principles, including environmental, social and governance standards, and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Dutch companies in sectors such as energy, water, agri-food and healthcare have a strong international presence in this area, helping to meet the growing global demand for sustainable and future-proof solutions.
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What financing is available for international business?
Invest International provides financing through programmes including the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) and the Dutch Trade and Investment Fund (DTIF). Its financing solutions include loans, guarantees and export finance, tailored to different stages of a company’s growth, from feasibility studies through to scaling up. There is also a dedicated facility for SMEs carrying out smaller export transactions. Where possible, public and commercial financing are combined.
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Can startups do business internationally?
Yes. Startups and scale-ups can also expand internationally. A well-developed and realistic business plan is essential, as are a clear understanding of the target market and a solid financing strategy. When it comes to funding, demonstrating measurable positive impact, such as contributing to climate goals or job creation, is increasingly a requirement for public financiers that step in alongside commercial banks.
Invest International is one such financier. It is a Dutch public financial institution that supports startups and scale-ups with international ambitions when conventional financing is not yet sufficient or available.
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Can I start a business abroad?
Yes. Within the European Economic Area, you can establish a branch or subsidiary using a Dutch legal entity, although the specific requirements vary from country to country.
Outside the EEA, the rules of the country in which you establish your business apply. These may include registration requirements, local tax legislation, permits and, in some cases, foreign ownership restrictions. In many emerging markets, having a local shareholder or working through a local partnership structure is either mandatory or strongly recommended.
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How do you do business internationally?
Successful international business requires strong local knowledge. This means understanding the culture, building a local network and working with reliable partners on the ground. In practical terms, it can involve attending trade fairs and trade missions, ensuring contracts comply with local law, and taking country-specific customs and VAT requirements into account.
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How do companies expand internationally?
International expansion starts with an export strategy and thorough market research. Which countries have demand for your product? Who are your competitors? What local rules and regulations apply?
The next step is choosing the market-entry strategy that best fits your business. It is important not to underestimate how much capital international growth can require. Longer lead times and foreign exchange risks can mean that conventional financing is not always sufficient, making additional financing solutions necessary. Invest International supports sustainable businesses in addressing these financing needs.
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What are the main forms of international business?
There are generally four common ways to operate internationally: exporting directly to customers abroad, working with a local distributor or sales agent, setting up a foreign branch or subsidiary, or entering into a joint venture with a local partner.
The best option depends on your industry, the target market and how firmly you want to establish a local presence. In emerging markets, working with a local partner is often not only a smart choice, but sometimes essential.
