The Netherlands is a prime choice for business expansion
Interview with Alfonso Martinez Ruiz
Co-Founder & CFO at Ignaszak Law Company
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am Alfonso Martinez Ruiz, chief financial officer and co-founder of Ignaszak Law Company, and I’m responsible for ensuring our operations in Poland, the Netherlands and Spain are all aligned financially. My role also includes making financial decisions, ensuring optimal financial structures and supporting the business and legal objectives of our clients, especially in the real estate and corporate sectors.
From your experience, what makes the Netherlands an attractive location for Polish businesses?
That’s an interesting question. In my opinion, the Netherlands offers a great mix of strategic, financial and cultural advantages that make it an ideal location for Polish businesses looking to expand their operations. Strategically, it offers an excellent location at the very heart of Europe, as well as direct access
to some of the largest markets in the world. It has an extensive transport and logistics network, supported by Rotterdam Port and Schiphol Airport, which ensures goods can be moved around quickly and efficiently, and also reduces supply chain difficulties. All of this makes the Netherlands a perfect springboard for Polish companies looking to scale their operations across Western Europe.
On top of that, the Netherlands offers a number of programmes, such as Innovation Box, which offer significant tax reductions on income derived from innovative activities. This could be particularly attractive for Polish businesses in sectors like technology, manufacturing and renewable energy. The Dutch government also actively supports R&D through various grants and subsidies.
Another point to bear in mind is the Dutch corporate tax system, which encourages international business through its favourable corporate tax rates. Moreover, the procedures for setting up a company in the country have been simplified, while the transparent legal system in the country also helps to ensure smooth business operations.
Beyond tax incentives, the Netherlands also provides access to a robust financial ecosystem, with venture capital, private equity and government funding programmes. This is particularly advantageous for Polish businesses seeking investment to fuel their growth.
And finally, the Netherlands is a global leader in sustainability and green technology, which means Polish businesses will have the opportunity to align with international standards in environmental responsibility. Any companies involved in sustainable projects can also benefit from additional financial and regulatory support in this area.
What I would say is that setting up in the Netherlands is about more than just expansion – it’s a strategic decision that can position Polish businesses for long-term success in Western Europe. In my opinion, the combination of its strategic location, innovative ecosystem and favourable business environment makes the Netherlands a highly attractive destination.
Can you briefly outline what’s involved in setting up a business in the Netherlands? How can Ignaszak Law Company facilitate this process?
Setting up a business in the Netherlands involves a number of key steps. First, you need to choose the right legal structure – the most common is the BV (Besloten Vennootschap), a private limited company offering limited liability.
Once you’ve decided on the structure, you then need to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK), get a VAT number, open a Dutch bank account, and ensure compliance with local labour laws, including registering employees with the Dutch social security and tax authorities.
Several steps are therefore needed when setting up a business in the Netherlands, and at Ignaszak Law Company we are well-equipped to guide and support you throughout the whole process.
We specialise in simplifying all those procedures I’ve just mentioned, and ensuring full legal compliance. By partnering with us, you can focus on your core business while we handle all the legal and administrative complexities.
What is the cultural impact of Polish companies expanding westwards? Are there any differences between the Poles and the Dutch which should be taken into account when doing business?
I’d say that there is a strong cultural compatibility between Poland and the Netherlands, with both countries valuing innovation, hard work and collaboration. This makes cross-border partnerships very natural.
From what I’ve seen, Polish companies find it relatively easy to integrate into the Dutch business ecosystem, and the shared work ethic definitely helps with this. It’s not just a matter of commercial expansion – it’s about forging stronger relationships between professionals in both countries.
I have noticed that both cultures seem to prioritise efficiency and results. However, while Poles may focus on hierarchical decision-making and thorough preparation, the Dutch tend to embrace a more egalitarian and consensus-driven approach.
Dutch professionals are known for being direct in terms of their approach to communication, with an emphasis on transparency and being straightforward.
Poles, on the other hand, seem to approach sensitive topics with a little more subtlety. It can be important, therefore, for Polish companies to be aware of that rather more direct style in order to prevent potential misunderstandings and build trust quickly.
Expanding westwards offers companies not only economic opportunities, but also the chance to deepen intercultural understanding and strengthen professional relationships. I believe that being mindful of these cultural nuances is important for Polish companies looking to position themselves for long-term
success in the Dutch market.
Finally, what would you say to Polish companies considering expansion into the Netherlands?
I would say the Netherlands offers more than just a new market – it’s a launchpad for long-term success. With the right guidance and strategic planning, Polish companies can not only establish a presence here but thrive.
For any inquiries, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].