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🇳🇱 Country guide · the Netherlands
US market entry for Dutch companies: the 2026 guide
The Netherlands punches far above its size in the US: by direct parent it is the second-largest foreign investor. Dutch tech and agri-food SMEs are used to selling abroad, which helps; the US still asks for a narrower focus than most expect.
the Netherlands and the US, in numbers
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Dutch direct investment position in the US, end 2025 (by direct parent) | $1.04 trillion — second only to the UK (BEA) |
| Note on the figure | Much of the Dutch position reflects holding structures ultimately owned elsewhere (BEA) |
| E-2 treaty in force since | 1957 |
Visa and entity basics for Dutch founders
- E-2 treaty investor visa: the Netherlands has an E-2 treaty with the US, so Dutch nationals can qualify by investing substantially in a US business they direct. It follows citizenship, not residence.
- L-1: move a manager or specialist who has worked for your Dutch company for at least one year in the last three to a US affiliate.
- Entity: most Dutch parents use a Delaware C-corporation. A US LLC owned by your Dutch company must file Form 5472 every year ($25,000 penalty if missed).
- Beneficial ownership: a US-formed subsidiary is exempt from FinCEN BOI reporting under the August 2026 final rule; a Dutch entity registered directly in a US state is not.
Where Dutch companies find help
| Organisation | What it does |
|---|---|
| Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) | Dutch government export support, including US market information and programmes. |
| Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSO) and consulates | Dutch government trade presence in several US regions. |
| SelectUSA | US Department of Commerce programme connecting foreign investors with US states. |
| Gershon Consulting | Outbound LinkedIn pipeline and commercial representation from New York. |
Sectors where Dutch companies win US accounts
Agri-food and ag-tech, logistics and supply chain, water technology, energy transition, life sciences, fintech and B2B SaaS. Dutch companies often find receptive US buyers in sectors where the Netherlands has a global reputation.
How we run a US pipeline for Dutch companies
- US market map and ICP brief before launch, from ICP.gershon.ai plus our analysis.
- Promote: content written for US buyers and published on your behalf on LinkedIn.
- Network: personalised outreach to mapped US decision-makers, run from New York.
- Engage: replies turned into meetings, with talking points and weekly reports.
We work with one company per sector. See the full US market entry guide or our Promote · Network · Engage method.
Frequently asked questions
Can Dutch citizens get an E-2 visa?
Yes. The Netherlands' treaty with the US has been in force since 1957 and covers E-1 and E-2.
Why is Dutch investment in the US so large?
Partly because many multinational groups hold US investments through Dutch holding companies. By ultimate owner, the Dutch figure is much smaller, but Dutch SMEs remain active US exporters.
Do Dutch companies need a US entity first?
Usually not. Start by selling from the Dutch entity and add a US subsidiary when customers, hiring or banking require it.
Want US buyers in your pipeline this quarter?
Free 30-minute call with Olivier Attia, founder of Gershon Consulting. We map who buys what you sell in the US and how a Promote · Network · Engage campaign would reach them.
Book your free US growth call