Entering the EU Market via the Netherlands or Germany
Strategic pathways for financial services firms expanding into Europe
Entering the European Union is a decisive step for any financial services provider.
The opportunity is significant but the regulatory landscape can feel complex and difficult to navigate. Whether your goal is scale, credibility, or access to new client segments, choosing the right entry point is critical.
The Netherlands and Germany offer two of the most strategic and practical pathways for market entry. Gronblad provides end to end support to help you secure the right licence, build operational readiness, and establish a strong foundation for long term growth across the EU.
Why Enter the EU Market
An EU financial services licence delivers meaningful advantages that benefit your business from day one.
Single market access - A regulated entity in the EU can passport services across twenty seven member states without the need for multiple authorisations. This creates immediate reach and reduces cost and complexity.
Regulatory credibility - Supervision under frameworks such as PSD2, AMLD and MiFID II strengthens your standing with partners, investors and counterparties across global markets.
Consumer confidence - EU jurisdictions are known for strong consumer protection standards. Clients often prefer suppliers who operate under these regimes.
Access to innovation and capital - Fintech ecosystems in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Frankfurt and Berlin provide access to talent, venture capital, and cross border collaboration.
Why apply in The Netherlands or Germany
Both jurisdictions are credible entry points, but each offers a distinct strategic advantage depending on your business model and timelines.
The Netherlands
A highly international environment with English widely used in regulation and business.
A fast moving fintech ecosystem centred around Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
A pragmatic and internationally oriented regulatory framework, with supervision carried out by DNB or AFM depending on the firm type.
Germany
Europe’s largest economy and one of its most mature financial markets.
Frankfurt offers direct proximity to the ECB and global financial institutions.
Berlin is a major fintech hub.
Licensing under BaFin delivers significant regulatory prestige.
The Netherlands is often selected for speed, clarity and international orientation. Germany is preferred for scale, domestic opportunity and reputation. Gronblad operates natively in both markets and can help you determine the right jurisdiction for your strategy.
Simplifying Your EU Licensing Journey
EU authorisation requires careful preparation across governance, compliance, financials and operational design. Our team supports you through every stage of the process.
Initial assessment and jurisdiction selection
We analyse your objectives and determine whether the Netherlands or Germany is the most suitable. We map licence types, passporting routes and regulatory expectations.
Business plan and documentation preparation
We help you prepare regulator ready materials including governance frameworks, financial projections, risk management, safeguarding arrangements and operational models.
End to end application support
We manage the preparation, submission and regulatory interaction throughout the licensing process, ensuring clarity and alignment with expectations in both jurisdictions.
Operational readiness
We help source senior office holders, physical locations, infrastructure and operational or safeguarding accounts. This ensures you satisfy EU regulatory requirements from the outset.
Gronblad Leadership Advantage
At Gronblad TRA, we have over twenty five years of hands on experience building and scaling companies before focusing exclusively on financial licensing and regulatory advisory.
Our expertise encompasses deep, native expertise in both the Netherlands and Germany.
We provide a complete market entry infrastructure covering licensing, staffing, governance and operational setup.
Working with Gronblad TRA ensures a practical, structured approach that gives regulators confidence in your organisation and ensures you are ready to operate from day one.
Position Your Firm for Long Term Success Across the EU
Entering the EU through the Netherlands or Germany offers immediate credibility, scale and strategic opportunity. With Gronblad’s experienced team supporting your licensing and operational build, you can move confidently from planning to execution.
Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards establishing your EU presence..
Why Choose Grønblad?
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Grønblad combines the expertise of a large consultancy with the personalised attention of a boutique firm. Since 2016, we’ve built a reputation as a discreet, trusted partner for businesses worldwide. Our clients value our commitment to providing bespoke solutions, our deep regulatory knowledge, and our ability to deliver cost-effective support without compromising on quality.
Our team’s diverse background enables us to approach each application with a comprehensive perspective, ensuring every detail is considered. Our mission is to make AML registration and compliance as smooth and straightforward as possible, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
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In addition to new authorisations, we support firms with:
Change in Control (s178 Notices): Seamless handling of ownership or control changes.
Variation of Permission (VOP): Adding or modifying regulated activities.
AML Registration Support: Ensuring your firm complies with Anti-Money Laundering regulations.
SM&CR Compliance: Preparing senior managers for FCA interviews (SMF1, 3, 16, 17) and ensuring fitness and propriety assessments are met.
Need authorisation beyond the UK? We provide licensing support in:
Germany (BaFin): Expert native speakers to guide you through the BaFin process.
The Netherlands (AFM and DNB): Navigating Dutch regulatory requirements with confidence.