The verdict in three sentences
For an Amsterdam SME trading with 14 countries, a four-language website (NL/EN/DE/FR) costs between EUR 12,000 and 28,000 excluding VAT in 2026, with a 8 to 12-week timeline. The real trade-off is translation: EUR 0.12 to 0.18 per word for professional translators versus EUR 0.04 per word for AI reviewed by a native speaker, plus the technical quality of the multilingual setup (hreflang tags, dedicated URLs per language). Dutch innovation and export support schemes can offset part of the bill.
What each extra language costs
A multilingual site is not just translated text. Each language adds integration, testing, local SEO and editorial maintenance. For a 25-page site with 30 product sheets, the extra cost is 25 to 40% per language depending on the level of localisation.
| Configuration | Indicative budget (excl. VAT) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| NL only, 25 pages + 30 product sheets | EUR 9,000 to 14,000 | 6 weeks |
| NL + EN | EUR 11,500 to 18,500 | 7 to 8 weeks |
| NL + EN + DE | EUR 13,500 to 23,000 | 8 to 10 weeks |
| NL + EN + DE + FR | EUR 15,000 to 28,000 | 9 to 12 weeks |
| Entry-level 4-language version (theme + reviewed AI) | EUR 12,000 | 8 weeks |
| Adding a 5th language later (ES, ZH) | EUR 3,000 to 6,000 | 3 to 4 weeks |
The extra cost drops if the structure is designed multilingual from day one: adding a language to a poorly built site often costs twice as much.
Translation: professional, reviewed AI or hybrid
A 25-page site with 30 product sheets represents about 18,000 words in the source language. Multiplied by 3 target languages, that is 54,000 words to translate.
| Method | Price per word | Cost for 54,000 words | Perceived quality | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialised professional translator | EUR 0.15 to 0.18 | EUR 8,100 to 9,720 | Excellent | 4 to 5 weeks |
| General professional translator | EUR 0.12 | EUR 6,480 | Very good | 3 to 4 weeks |
| AI + native-speaker review | EUR 0.04 | EUR 2,160 | Good if reviewer knows the trade | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Hybrid (key pages pro, product sheets reviewed AI) | EUR 0.07 average | EUR 3,780 | Very good | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Raw AI without review | EUR 0.005 | EUR 270 | Risky (tone, trade terminology) | 1 day |
Our recommendation: professional translation for the homepage, company story and distributor pages, reviewed AI for technical product sheets. The hybrid option is the most cost-effective for an SME.
The technical details that matter for export
Three elements drive visibility abroad. Hreflang tags tell Google which version to serve to a buyer in Madrid or Munich. Per-language URLs (/en/, /de/, /fr/) allow separate rankings. Finally, local compliance matters: legal drinking age gates, alcohol warnings that differ by country, and GDPR-compliant consent banners in every language.
On funding, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and regional MIT schemes can co-finance part of digital and export projects, and trade missions help you prioritise target markets before investing in a new language. Conditions change every year, so check eligibility before signing.
Mini case study
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Daan, managing director of a 22-person wine and spirits importer-exporter near Amsterdam, runs EUR 6.5M in revenue, 55% of it across 14 export markets. His German and French distributors complain that the site is only in Dutch and English.
He invests EUR 21,000 in a four-language site with hybrid translation. Within 12 months, the site attracts 11 new qualified distributor contacts, 2 of whom place a first average order of EUR 45,000. At a 40% gross margin, these two accounts deliver EUR 36,000 of margin in year one, 1.7 times the investment, before any repeat orders.
FAQ
How much does a four-language SME website cost in 2026?
Between EUR 12,000 and 28,000 excluding VAT, depending on page count, translation method and customisation. Translation alone represents EUR 2,000 to 10,000 for 54,000 words.
Is AI enough to translate an export website?
AI reviewed by a native speaker at EUR 0.04 per word works for technical sheets. For brand pages and terms of sale, professional translation at EUR 0.12 to 0.18 per word remains safer.
What are hreflang tags for?
They tell Google the language and region of each page. Without them, the Dutch version may show to a German buyer and contact rates can drop by 30 to 50%.
Is there funding for the website?
RVO and regional MIT schemes can co-finance part of digital and export projects. Rules change every year, so verify them before committing.
What timeline should we expect for four languages?
Plan 8 to 12 weeks, including 2 to 5 weeks of translation depending on the method. Starting translations as soon as source texts are approved saves 2 weeks.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your target languages, page volume and priority markets: we will price your multilingual site between EUR 12,000 and 28,000, delivered in 8 to 12 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
