The Netherlands is an increasingly attractive base for Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Schipper & Paul, headquartered in The Hague, has emerged as a key local partner. Since 2015, the company has offered customized accounting, tax, and advisory services that enable internationally focused companies to enter the Dutch and European market.
The firm has made a particularly strong impact in supporting Japanese businesses setting up and strengthening their presence in the Dutch market.
Joost Schipper, Managing Director of Schipper & Paul, shares his insights into how these partnerships were built and how the firm plans to continue supporting international clients in the years ahead.
Bridges: With close partnerships across the Japanese business community in the Netherlands, how were these established and how have they grown?
Schipper: Since 2015, we’ve supported the Japanese business community in the Netherlands — with a strong focus on small and mid-sized enterprises. Our approach combines a deep understanding of Japanese business culture with practical expertise in Dutch tax, legal, and administrative matters. Relationships have grown steadily through trust, long-term commitment, and word-of-mouth — driven by our hands-on and personal service model. This has allowed us to grow alongside our clients and remain a consistent partner through all phases of their business.
How would you describe the Dutch–Japanese economic relationship and what hopes do you have for its continued success?
The Dutch–Japanese economic relationship is solid and respectful, but it’s often seen primarily through the lens of large corporations. In reality, a growing number of Japanese SMEs are choosing the Netherlands as their European base. That dynamic layer of smaller, often founder-led companies adds depth and agility to the relationship and deserves more visibility. I hope that the climate remains open and supportive, especially for new entrants who rely on strong local partnerships to succeed.
Our approach combines a deep understanding of Japanese business culture with practical expertise in Dutch tax, legal, and administrative matters.
Joost Schipper, Managing Director of Schipper & Paul
What plans do you have for 2025 and 2026 as you develop the business and reach out to new clients?
In 2025 and 2026, we will continue to refine our services to meet the evolving needs of internationally oriented SMEs. Our priority remains to deliver high-quality, personal support tailored to entrepreneurs who value trust, continuity, and practical guidance. As our client base grows, we stay focused on what sets us apart: being close to the client, responsive, and always thinking one step ahead.
A Trusted Client-Focused Service
Schipper & Paul works closely with individual clients to create customized strategies. By establishing personal relationships and being involved in each phase of a company’s growth, the firm seeks to offer more than mere accounting and tax services. Schipper & Paul offers a sense of security and peace of mind with financial matters placed in capable hands.
Bridging Dutch law and Japanese business culture
Schipper & Paul’s experience advising Japanese SMEs has become a hallmark of its practice. The firm’s familiarity with Dutch law and Japanese business culture fully provides clients with continuous support.
With more Japanese business leaders recognising the Netherlands as a preferred European base for strategic operations, Schipper & Paul has emerged as a trusted and culturally sophisticated partner, attuned to the challenges and opportunities companies face when entering a new market.
2025 and Beyond
Schipper & Paul remains committed to supporting Japanese SMEs with high-quality, tailored services. By providing advanced accounting and tax services and maintaining strong client relationships, the firm delivers proactive guidance to help clients navigate evolving markets.
For Japanese businesses looking to succeed in the Netherlands, Schipper & Paul offers more than just technical expertise. The firm fosters long-term partnerships built on trust, continuity and shared entrepreneurial values, ensuring clients feel supported and integrated throughout their journey.
+31 (0) 70 260 0008
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schipperpaul.nl
