Frequently Asked Questions

on doing business in the United States

(Click on the question to get the answer.)

1. Where can my company go to find information on establishing a business in the United States?
2. I am a Dutch firm and would like to export to the U.S., how do I start this process?
3. Where could I find a list of American companies based in the Netherlands?
4. Where could I go to find United States sanction information?
5. How do I find information on patent and trademark information for U.S. products?
6. Where can I find information on United States agricultural products, manufactures, and suppliers?
7. Is there a listing anywhere that gives addresses for U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide?
8. Do individual states of the United States have offices abroad? If so, how could I contact a state's international representation?
9. I am interested in promoting a product / establishing a business in the United States. Is there anyway to locate regional representation in various states?
10. I am a Dutch person visiting the United States but I have no idea where the Dutch Embassy and Consulates are. Is there anyway to find this information?
11. I am plan to visit the United States in upcoming months; do I need a visa? If so, what type of visa of I need?
12. Where can I find statistical information about the United States?
13. I am looking for a job or internship in the United States, where could I find information to aid in my search?
14. I am planning to travel to the U.S. Where can I find tourist information and maps?

1. Where can my company go to find information on establishing a business in the United States?

An excellent source for business information is the Council of American States in Europe (CASE). However, if the information provided by CASE does not suffice; please contact individual state websites.

2. I am a Dutch firm and would like to export to the U.S., how do I start this process?

You may contact the:
Export Voorlichtings Dienst (E.V.D.)
Juliana van Stolberglaan 148,
2595 CL Den Haag
Tel. +31 (0)70 778 8888 (8.30 AM - 5.00 PM CET)
Fax:+31 (0)70 778 8889
The E.V.D. has produced a special page on the United States market.

3. Where could I find a list of American companies based in the Netherlands?

The American Chamber of Commerce provides information on American companies based in the Netherlands.

4. Where could I go to find United States sanction information?

Information on United States sanctions is provided on the U.S. Treasury website.
1. Go to U.S. Treasury
2. Click on sitemap website
3. Scroll down to Foreign Asset Control
4. Look for sanctions by region.

5. How do I find information on patent and trademark information for U.S. products?

The United States Trademark and Patent Office provides a wide range of information on patents and trademarks; including how to apply for a Trademark or Patent; what a Patent or Trademark does; international guarentees on patents and trade marks and much more.

6. Where can I find information on United States agricultural products, manufactures, and suppliers?

The easiest way to locate agricultural information is to visit the website of the Foreign Agricultural Service, This site provides large amounts of information on topics such as grains, produce, seafood, lumber, etc.

7. Is there a listing anywhere that gives addresses for U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide?

The U.S. State Department provides a worldwide list of Embassies and Consulates based upon regions.

8. Do individual states of the United States have offices abroad? If so, how could I contact a state's international representation?

Most states do have some form of international representation, although not in every European nation. The Council of American States in Europe, provides information upon individual and gives contact information as to where to reach that state's representatives in Europe.

9. I am interested in promoting a product / establishing a business in the United States. Is there anyway to locate regional representation in various states?

The Chambers of Commerce in the United States, have established a website that links to almost every local chamber of commerce in the United States. These provide incredible amounts of detailed information and contacts for precise areas.

10. I am a Dutch person visiting the United States but I have no idea where the Dutch Embassy and Consulates are. Is there anyway to find this information?

You can visit the website of the Netherlands Embassy in Washington.

11. I am plan to visit the United States in upcoming months; do I need a visa? If so, what type of visa do I need?

The type of visa that a person requires varies depending on their individual situation. Many persons do not need a visa to enter the United States. To find out more, please visit our visa chapter.

12. Where can I find statistical information about the United States?

The Bureau of the Census offers a lot of statistical data.

13. I am looking for a job or internship in the United States, where could I find information to aid in my search?

One organization that specializes in international job searches and internships is the the  World Education Program. It can provide you with information on programs in the United States; in addition, to jobs and internships you could work as an au pair or have a farmstay or a multitude of other arrangements.

14. I am planning to travel to the U.S. Where can I find tourist information and maps?

For tourist information, maps, and a variety of other information please contact the Visit USA SeeAmerica Center at:
Visit USA SeeAmerica Center
Wildenborch 6
1112 XB Diemen
Tel:  +31 (0)20 495 15 93
Fax: +31 (0)20 495 15 99
E-mail: center@visitusa.nl