Country guide
Netherlands Business etiquette and meeting customs
Europe/Amsterdam
What kind of meeting?
Strict punctuality
Arrive on time or a few minutes early — being late makes a poor impression.
Meeting Culture
Recommended duration30-45 min
Communication StyleVery direct, egalitarian
Greeting StyleFirm handshake
Daily Schedule
Work Hours09:00 – 17:00
Breakfast07:00 – 08:00
Lunch12:00 – 13:00
Dinner18:00 – 19:00
Sleep23:00 – 07:00
Tips for Meetings
For the kind of meeting you chose above.
Dress Code
Business casual
Tone
Direct, egalitarian, efficient
- ·Get straight to the point — small talk is brief
- ·Everyone in the room is expected to contribute
- ·Decisions require group consensus before moving forward
General Tips
- ·Be on time — Dutch value punctuality
- ·Direct feedback is not rude, it's expected
- ·Consensus-based decision making
- ·Hierarchy is flat — everyone can speak up
Cultural Notes
- ·Direct communication style
- ·Punctual work culture
Meeting someone from Netherlands?
Find the best timeCultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.
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