Business

Etiquette In
Netherlands
By U.B. Ujwal
About Netherlands

 Netherland, “discovered” in 1624 by the

Dutch West India Company 
 The foodstuffs, energy, chemical, trade,
machinery, metallurgy, and tourism are all
big industries.
 The population as of December 2021, is
17,189,161
 Official language is Dutch. 
 Government is a Constitutional Monarchy
Business Etiquette 

 You should pay attention to names

 Greet everyone the best you can
 Be on time as long as it’s possible
 Always dress appropriately accordingly.
 Keep your workplace a neat area.
 Don’t use your technology unless it’s
necessary.
 Business Meetings in Netherlands 

 Greet participants by shaking their hand and saying your last name
 Meetings are always on fixed times
 All members of a meeting are to contribute
 No small talk, immediately begin the meeting on appointment time
 Informal clothing is fine unless it’s a higher circle of business
 Typically, informal in terms of speech if everyone is heard.
Introductions/Greetings 

 Shake their hand and say your last name

 Kiss each other 3 times on the cheek if they are close
 Hug each other if you are close is also an option
 Tell them your name
 Ask for their name
 Speak formally or informally according to who you speak to
Business Attire/Dress Code

 Formal dress code is not expected

 In higher circles of business dress formally
 Business suits are good if you’re a manager at an event
 Jeans, t-shirts and blouses are common in the
summer.
 Dress code can depend accordingly to your profession.
 Modest clothing is recommended.
Non-Verbal Body Language 

 People from Netherlands however do tend to rely on speech

a lot more..
 Direct eye contact is considered to show you’re trustworthy 
 Don't point, use your whole hand to gesture 
 Putting your index finger to the temple of your  forehead is
known as an insult; it indicates that the person you are
talking about is crazy
 Pointing is considered rude
Dining Etiquette 

 Start to eat only after the host has invited you

 Your hands are expected to be visible above the table
 The only food eaten with the hands is bread or
sandwiches
 Always start from the outside and work your way in
 Pass all dishes to your left
 The most honored position is either at the head of the
table or in the center
Gift Giving 

 Gift giving is not obligated at all

 Gift giving is not a normal part of business relationships in
the Netherlands
 If you decided to gift anyway, make sure it's
neutral(nothing with the company logo, or with your
business card attached.)
 If you're offered a gift, open it instantly , it shows your
appreciation.
 If you gift flowers, make sure they are not chrysanthemums
or carnations.
 If you receive a gift, a handwritten note of
appreciation the next day is nice
General Etiquette 

 Be on time as much as possible

 Give people space to ensure they're comfortable
 Don't talk over the other person
 Learn the names of your peers
 Lower your smartphone usage in public
 Just try to be polite in general.
Business Etiquette Differences Between
Canada and Netherlands

 There are many differences between the two countries 

 In Netherlands, business is much more aggressive
 You can be far more informal in speech in the Netherlands
 We have a far stricter dress code here in Canada
 It's common for everyone no matter your position to
contribute to business, in the Netherlands
 Gifting is considered far less relevant in the Netherlands
References

 “Business Etiquette.” Business Culture, Passports to Trade 2.0, 22 Oct. 2013, businessculture.org/western-europe/business-culture-in-
netherlands/business-etiquette-in-netherlands/#:~:text=%21%20%5Ben%5D-,Gift%20giving,business%20relationships%20in%20the
%20Netherlands. 
 “Business Meeting Etiquette.” Business Culture, 22 Oct. 2013, businessculture.org/western-europe/business-culture-in-netherlands/
meeting-etiquette-in-netherlands/. 
 “History of Netherlands.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2021,
www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-the-Netherlands. 
 “Netherlands Dining Etiquette.” Etiquette Scholar, Yellowstone Publishing, 2019,
www.etiquettescholar.com/dining_etiquette/table-etiquette/europe-w_table_manners/dutch.html. 
 “Netherlands Population (Live).” Worldometer, Worldometer, 2021,
www.worldometers.info/world-population/netherlands-population/#:~:text=The%20current%20population%20of%20the,year%20according
%20to%20UN%20data
. . 
 Pier. “Dutch Culture.” Cultural Atlas, Incluude, 2021, culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/dutch-culture/dutch-culture-communication. 
 Pier. “Dutch Culture.” Cultural Atlas, Incluude, 2021, culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/dutch-culture/dutch-culture-greetings. 
 “What to Wear in the Netherlands: Packing Checklists and Clothing Tips for Your Vacation.” What To Wear on Vacation, What to Wear on
Vacation, 2019,
www.whattowearonvacation.com/destinations/europe/netherlands/121-what-to-wear-in-netherlands/#:~:text=Like%20much%20of%20Eu
rope%20there,versatile%20base%20to%20your%20wardrobe
. 
 Mayne, Debby. “How to Be Socially Acceptable in All Situations.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 10 Nov. 2019, www.thespruce.com/social-
etiquette-tips-1216646.