Finance and compliance for congresses and events
When you are organising an international conference in Rotterdam, it is important to know which financial support options are available and which rules and codes in the Netherlands you need to comply to.
Pharma & Biomedical Code of Conduct
You need to comply to the Code of Conduct of Foundation for the Code for Pharmaceutical Advertising (CGR). These are rules in respect to sponsoring and promotional activities by the pharmaceutical industry during medical conventions and events organised in the Netherlands. This includes, among other things, advertising of prescription medication. The rules are based on the current European Directive, the Medicines Act, the Code of Conduct for the Advertising of Medicinal Products, and the HCP Code of EFPIA.
- Dutch Code of Conduct for Pharmaceutical Advertising (January 2024)
- Explanatory Notes (January 2024)
VISA
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that visas will be granted to all participants requiring them. Entry to the country is guaranteed to all foreign individuals participating in a congress organised in the Netherlands, regardless of their nationality. Delegates must, of course, meet the standard requirements. They must carry travel documents valid for an adequate period of time, have sufficient means of support, and may not considered to be a threat to the public peace, public order or national safety. For information on country-specific conditions, please check the websites below.
- Website of NBTC (Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions)
- Website of Netherlands WorldWide
VAT Regulations
Generally, all who deploy business activities against compensation in the Netherlands, such as organizing a conference, are considered to be VAT entrepreneurs and are, therefore, liable to pay VAT. This applies just as well to foreign as to Dutch entrepreneurs. In order to find out in which country you are liable to pay VAT, the location of your performance and the substance of your performance are relevant. Every entrepreneur who provides a service against compensation in the Netherlands is obliged to pay Dutch VAT. In this respect, it is irrelevant whether such entrepreneurs operate from the Netherlands or from a foreign country.
Financial support for international conferences
When you plan an international multiday congress or conference in Rotterdam, there are financial support mechanisms available that can help you manage financial risks, cover upfront costs, and make your event more feasible.
Related information
Production support and event planning services in Rotterdam
Rotterdam offers comprehensive production support to ensure your conference or event runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether you're planning a small event or a large-scale congress, our network of trusted partners are here to help bring your vision to life.
Key sectors & industries in Rotterdam
Rotterdam is Europe’s gateway and a hub for strategic sectors: Life Sciences and Health, IT, Tech, Energy to name a few. With leading institutions the city fuels collaboration and innovation, making it the ideal destination for sector-focused conferences and events.
Event marketing services: promoting your congress
Promote your congress with professional, high-quality visuals that boost visibility and attract delegates. Use our extensive image banks or tap into our network of experienced local photographers and videographers to capture both your event and the city in its best light. You can also utilise outdoor advertising to promote awareness.
Legacy: Rotterdam Collaboration for Change
Rotterdam Partners invites congress and event organisers to join our Rotterdam Collaboration for Change. Connect the power of your congress to a resilient future for all. Together we can ensure that your congress or event achieves meaningful impact in the city. We offer a series of themes within the Collaboration for Change framework to address societal challenges. From the state of our city to the status of our citizens, we are working hard to provide opportunities for improvement. Working together, your congress can be the catalyst that helps us achieve more, sooner.