Netherlands → Turkey
Turkey Market Entry for Dutch Companies
Multiligo helps Dutch companies find buyers, distributors and partners in Turkey: we pre-qualify Turkish counterparts, set up and attend B2B meetings with interpretation, and report every month. The Netherlands is the largest foreign direct investor in Turkey, with almost USD 33 billion invested over 2005–2025 and around 3,000 Dutch-origin companies in the country (Turkish MFA).
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How big is trade between Netherlands and Turkey?
The Netherlands is the largest foreign direct investor in Turkey, with almost USD 33 billion invested over 2005–2025 and around 3,000 Dutch-origin companies in the country (Turkish MFA).
| Indicator | Figure and source |
|---|---|
| Dutch direct investment in Turkey (2005–2025) | Almost USD 33 billion; the Netherlands ranks first among foreign direct investors in Turkey (Turkish MFA) |
| Companies of Dutch origin in Turkey | Around 3,000 (Turkish MFA) |
| Turkey’s imports from the Netherlands (2025) | USD 5.0 billion; bilateral trade USD 13.0 billion (Turkish MFA) |
| Trade framework | EU–Turkey Customs Union for industrial goods (European Commission) |
Why do Dutch companies look at Turkey?
Dutch companies look at Turkey for its domestic market, its industrial base and its position between several regions, and for partners who already know those markets.
- Around 23,000 companies founded by entrepreneurs of Turkish origin operate in the Netherlands, which creates many existing business links between the two countries.
- Main Turkish imports from the Netherlands include iron and steel scrap, polymers and resins, petroleum oils and tractors (Turkish MFA).
- Turkey sits between Europe, the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, with a large domestic market and a broad manufacturing base.
As an EU member state, the Netherlands trades with Turkey under the EU–Turkey Customs Union for industrial goods; agricultural products are treated differently. Check product-specific rules with the Turkish Ministry of Trade or the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Which sectors do we explore with Dutch companies?
For Dutch companies we most often look for Turkish counterparts in these sectors; fit always depends on the product and its positioning.
Food & agri-food technology
Importers, distributors and producers for food products, ingredients and agricultural technology.
Machinery & industrial equipment
Dealers, integrators and manufacturers for machinery, tractors and components.
Construction & building technology
Building systems, water and climate technologies for contractors and developers.
Franchise & master license
Master franchisees and multi-unit operators for retail and food service concepts.
What should Dutch companies know about working with Turkish partners?
The Netherlands is 2 hours behind Turkey in winter and 1 hour behind in summer (Turkey uses UTC+3 all year), so working hours overlap well.
- Dutch agri-food and technology suppliers are often asked for references from comparable climates and farm sizes; regional case material helps.
- Working hours overlap well, so first meetings can run online and the shortlist can be visited in person.
- English works for most meetings with internationally active Turkish companies; we coordinate Turkish interpretation where needed.
Our process (brief, target list, pre-qualification, meetings, debrief, monthly report) is described on the Turkey market entry page.
How does Multiligo work alongside the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)?
the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) provides market information and programmes for Dutch companies; Multiligo adds company-level execution in Turkey: finding, qualifying and meeting specific Turkish companies.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) supports Dutch companies that do business abroad. Multiligo complements that support at company level: we find specific Turkish counterparts, contact them, and manage meetings and follow-up.
Organisations that support Dutch companies abroad can work with us through the Partner Program.
Frequently asked questions
Can Multiligo help Dutch companies find a distributor in Turkey?
Yes. We identify and pre-qualify Turkish distributors, importers and partners for Dutch companies, set up the meetings, attend them with interpretation and report every month.
Can you organise a matchmaking programme for a Dutch trade mission?
Yes. We build individual meeting schedules for each mission member and handle interpretation and local coordination. See trade delegations to Turkey.
Can you find agri-food and horticulture partners in Turkey?
Yes. We look for importers, distributors, producers and integrators in food and agriculture, and qualify them on their customer base, regional coverage and technical capability.
Official sources
Enter Turkey
Tell us about your product and the partners you are looking for. We will reply by email.