Expanding from the Netherlands into Germany, Belgium and France

1. Introduction: The European Opportunity in 2026-2027

The landscape for Dutch entrepreneurs is shifting from a domestic focus to large-scale European expansion. The shock of “Liberation Day” in early 2025, which marked the start of new US customs policies, has redefined global trade. While the domestic German economy provides little tailwind, international markets have become an “anchor of stability” for firms.

We are moving away from fragmented national rules toward a period of digital connectivity. The 2026-2027 era represents a major transition where cross-border barriers are being systematically dismantled. This shift allows ambitious firms to treat the European Union as a single, accessible growth platform.

Key Takeaway: International expansion is now a strategic necessity for business stability. Streamlined digital rules in 2026 make this the ideal window for Dutch firms to scale into neighboring markets.

2. Economic Outlook: Navigating the Eurozone Recovery

The global economy is showing resilience despite ongoing geopolitical shifts. According to the AHK World Business Outlook Fall 2025, 44% of companies worldwide expect better business in the coming year. This optimism contrasts with subdued domestic expectations within Germany itself.

Global trade is now shaped by power politics rather than open cooperation. Dutch firms must actively fight for market access in 2026 to maintain a competitive edge. The “New Normal” requires companies to be agile and digitally connected to navigate rising costs and protectionism.

Note: Data represents balance points from the 2025 Statistical Appendix.

3. Scaling Simplified: The Rise of ‘EU Inc’ (The 28th Regime)

The “EU Inc” proposal of 2026 is a revolutionary optional corporate vehicle. It sits alongside national company forms, allowing founders to opt into a single set of EU-wide rules. This framework reduces the need to navigate 27 different legal systems when scaling across the continent.

• Rapid Incorporation: Companies can be formed within 48 hours with fees under €100.
• Once Only Principle: Registration data is submitted once and extends to obtaining Tax and VAT numbers without resubmission.
• Digital-by-Default: Full compatibility with the European Business Wallet and online meetings.
• No Minimum Capital: Zero minimum share capital requirements for incorporation.

• Innovative Enterprise: A firm where R&D costs reach at least 10% of operating costs or 5% of sales.
• Innovative Startup: An enterprise with fewer than 100 employees, turnover under €10 million, and less than 10 years of operation.
• Innovative Scaleup: A firm with turnover above €10 million and 20% growth over two years that employs fewer than 750 people.

4. Target Market: Germany (DE) – Stability Amidst Transformation

Germany remains a critical partner, yet Dutch firms must navigate specific structural risks. Economic policy is the primary concern for 48% of businesses, followed by weak demand at 47%. Despite local gloom, 29% of German companies abroad are expanding their investments to leverage global innovation.

To succeed in 2026-2027, firms must focus on local value creation. Market access is increasingly linked to local production and innovative strength. Overcoming bureaucracy and high energy prices requires a proactive and digitally-led strategy.

• Assess local economic policy risks and new trade barriers.
• Utilize local production to secure market access in key sectors.
• Mitigate exchange rate risks through strategic financial planning.
• Leverage Dutch digital expertise to bypass traditional German bureaucracy.

5. Target Market: Belgium (BE) – Posting and Compliance Rules

Dutch employers sending staff to Belgium must comply with strict mandatory formalities. Failure to follow these procedures can lead to significant delays and legal complications. The Belgian authorities strictly distinguish between labor law and social security regulations.

1. LIMOSA Declaration: You must inform authorities via the official portal before work begins. A LIMOSA-1 receipt is issued immediately and must be produced for the client.
2. Liaison Person: You must appoint a contact person for the Belgian Labour Inspectorate. This individual facilitates communication between your firm and the authorities.
3. Social Security: Ensure all staff have valid A1 forms to prove their status. This prevents double social security contributions.

Specific sectors, such as construction and meat processing, require “checkinatwork” registration for every employee. Road transport is exempt from LIMOSA and the Liaison Person requirement, as it follows separate specialized rules.

6. Target Market: France (FR) – The SIPSI and Representative Framework

Entering the French market requires mandatory registration through the SIPSI portal. This system tracks international service providers and their seconded staff. Foreign employers must submit this declaration before any activity starts on French soil.

You must appoint a representative based on French territory. This representative acts as the primary liaison for control authorities. They must be reachable by phone or email throughout the secondment to provide necessary documentation.

Warning: Penalties Failure to notify via SIPSI can result in a fine of €4,000 per employee. This doubles to €8,000 for repeat offenses within two years. The maximum total penalty per firm is capped at €500,000.

Workers on French construction sites must also carry a BTP card. Note that road transport activities are exempt from the standard SIPSI and representative framework described here.

7. Strategic Hurdles: Overcoming Fragmentation and Talent Gaps

European startups often stall after Series A funding due to a fragmented domestic value pool. While Europe generates 36% of funded startups, it produces only 14% of the world’s unicorns. Dutch firms must internationalize much earlier than US counterparts to reach similar valuations.

Attracting top talent remains a significant hurdle across the Eurozone. Employee Stock-Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are powerful tools for talent retention, yet they still lack a fully harmonized EU framework. This creates an administrative burden for firms hiring across different national tax systems.

To compete, firms must adopt “Digital-First” strategies that bridge these regional gaps. Standardized investment documents can lower transaction costs. Focusing on global leadership early in the journey prevents the “stalling” effect seen in less ambitious firms.

8. Regulatory Future-Proofing: CSRD and Digital Strategy

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a major regulatory shift for firms in the Netherlands. By 2026, firms will need data infrastructure to handle 1,100 specific data points. Importantly, adopting the “EU Inc” corporate form does not exempt firms from these mandates.

Digital survival depends on rapid cloud migration and the adoption of Generative AI. The Dutch government is pushing a digital-first policy, including a €590 million investment in the sovereign “Rijkscloud.” These initiatives aim to improve data interoperability and control over digital assets.

Firms should focus on “Digital-First” road-mapping to optimize their operating models. Adopting automation and sovereign cloud solutions helps mitigate the scarcity of senior talent. Robust data governance is now a prerequisite for all cross-border European activities.

9. Conclusion: Connecting for Growth

The shift from isolation to connectivity defines the modern European market. While 2027 brings complex risks, the “EU Inc” framework provides a clear path to leadership. Standardized rules and digital-first strategies allow firms to bypass old barriers and unlock the single market.

Dutch expertise in digital transformation and sustainability is a significant asset. By embracing these new regulations, entrepreneurs can secure market access and drive global growth. Connectivity is the key to turning regional challenges into a sustainable competitive advantage.

10. Hoe NextAccounting u kan helpen

NextAccounting fungeert als uw totale partner voor al uw ondernemersbelangen in Duitsland, België en Frankrijk. Wij begrijpen de technische precisie die nodig is voor internationaal succes. Ons team begeleidt u door het complexe landschap van de Europese regelgeving.

• EU Inc & Het 28e Regime: Advies bij de oprichting van een ‘EU Inc’ entiteit en het gebruik van de nieuwe, gestandaardiseerde regels.
• Payroll en Detachering: Volledige ondersteuning bij SIPSI- en LIMOSA-aangiften, A1-certificaten en het aanstellen van de juiste vertegenwoordigers.
• CSRD en ESG Compliance: Hulp bij het inrichten van uw administratie om te voldoen aan de 1.100 verplichte rapportagepunten.
• Markttoegang: Strategisch advies om lokale barrières te overwinnen en uw groei in Europa veilig te stellen.

Neem contact op met onze specialisten voor op maat gemaakt advies. Wij helpen u de markttoegang te verzekeren en uw wereldwijde groei vorm te geven.

Sources

• Onbekende bron
• A Guide to IOSS for E-commerce Businesses – DHL eCommerce Global
• A1 Certificate: Everything Employers Need to Know – RemoFirst
• A1 certificate of coverage for social security – Business.gov.nl
• AHK World Business Outlook Frühjahr 2024_ENG – DIHK
• AHK World Business Outlook Herbst 2025_en – German Trade Office Taipei
• AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2025Reporteng – DIHK
• Alles over btw en internationaal zakendoen – KVK
• AmCham Germany Transatlantic Business Barometer 2024 – Roland Berger
• Annual Report on European SMEs 2024/2025, SME performance review – JRC Publications Repository
• Annual Survey of Jobs, Trade and Investment between the United States and Europe – The transatlantic economy 2025 – AmCham EU