Netherlands

About the Flag

Located in Western Europe bordering the North Sea, Belgium, and Germany, the  Netherlands is a Dutch-speaking constitutional monarchy and a member of the EC, the OECD, the UN, and the IMO. Amsterdam is the capital and The Hague is the seat of government.

The Chief of State is the Queen, and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister. There is a bicameral legislature called the Staten Generaal. The legal system is based on civil law. The economy is highly developed and affluent and is based on private enterprise. The trade and financial services sector contributes to over half of the country’s Gross National Product. The Netherlands has an open banking system under the control of the Dutch Central Bank which is practically unhindered by exchange control regulations. Several banks provide a wide variety of ship financing possibilities in the euro and/or foreign currencies.

The Netherlands export various goods to its main trading partners the EC and the U.S. with Rotterdam as its international distribution centre, being the largest port in the world and gateway to Europe.

Over the past years the tonnage registered under Dutch flag has grown significantly, yet maintaining its high standard because of the successful policy of the Dutch government which maritime policy included improvement of facilities, safety and tax incentives.

This entry was prepared with the kind assistance of Mr. Erik H. Geerling, Civil law notary and partner of NautaDutilh | Weena 750, 3014 DA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Tel: +31-10-224 03 63 | Fax +31-10-224 00 14 | http://www.nautadutilh.com | erik.geerling@nautadutilh.com