Business Etiquette

Business Etiquette

Business hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1700. The Dutch pride themselves on their efficient use of time, so punctuality is important. Dutch business associates should be addressed by their full name and title and not by their first name, unless they are much younger or have indicated that it is all right to do so. Most Dutch executives speak English, so it is not essential to have business cards translated into Dutch. However, it is important to have promotional material and instruction manuals translated into Dutch. It is a good idea for visiting businesspeople to put the date their company was founded (if it was a long time ago) and university degree details on their cards, as the Dutch respect history and education.

While the Dutch wear suits for business meetings, smart-casual wear is worn on social occasions. Business lunches and appointments in the evening are rare. If invited to the home of an associate, guests should bring flowers. If given a present, it is customary to unwrap it immediately.