Whether you’re a freelancer, a business operator or an entrepreneur the COVID-19 crisis may have you feeling uncertain about your financial wellbeing.

The Dutch government have released a series of grants and schemes, some existing and reworked to respond to the economical effects of COVID-19.

See below a working list of initiatives aimed at financially supporting those that have been affected most by COVID-19 measures.

Updated last 1 April, 2020.

For Businesses & Entrepreneurs

NOW: Temportary Emergency Birdging Measure for Sustained Employment

• For businesses expecting a loss due to COVID-19.
• Government assists by paying up to 90% of employees wages.
• Valid from March 1.

SME Credit Guarantee scheme (BMKB)

• For businesses with over 250 employees.
• Enables larger loan borrowing capacity.
• Available now.

Credit Guarantee scheme for Agriculture (BL) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Agriculture (BL-C)

• For agricultural entrepreneurs.
• Enables large bridging loans of up to 1.2 million.
• Available now.

Business loan guarantee scheme (GO)

• For large and medium sized businesses.
• Enables substantial loans.
• Available now.

€4,000 Compensation for affected sectors scheme

• For entrepreneurs in sectors hit hardest by COVID-19 measures.
• Government offers a €4,000 compensation.
• Terms being negotiated currently.

Extra Bbz support for self-employed professionals (Tozo)

• For self-employed professionals (zzp-ers).
• Claim income support of up to €1,500 with no repayments or a repayable loan of up to €10,157.
• Available now.

Microcredit & Qredits Loan repayment freezes

• Entrepreneurs who have a loan from microcredit provider Qredits
• Do not have to repay their loan for a period of 6 months with reduced interest rates.
• Available now.

Dutch Trade and Investment Fund (DTIF)

• Exporters (Overseas investment, imports and exports) hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
• Loans extended to include pre-delivery advances.
• Available now.

Incentive Scheme eHealth at Home (SET)

• Care providers who want to offer more digital care during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Offering up to €50,000 to increase eHealth.
• Temporarily closed due to high interest. TBC when opening again.

For Freelancers

Temporary benefit for self-employed professionals (Tozo) 

• For self-employed professionals running a viable business
• Receive additional financial support
• From March 1

For Individuals

Water Tax Payment Extension

• Regional Water Authorities will check your eligibility.
• Offering 3-6 month extension of payment.
• Available now.

Tax for Entrepreneurs

• Payment extensions of three months for income tax, corporate tax, payroll tax, and turnover tax (VAT) will be granted upon reception of your request with The Dutch Tax Administration. You must fill out this form.
• The normal collection interest rate for paying after the payment term has passed has been decreased temporarily to nearly 0% which applies to all tax debts.
• The obligation for employers under the new Balance Employment Market Act, to report permanent employees’ employment contracts before 1 April 2020, has been extended to 1 July 2020.
• If you expect lower profits due to the coronavirus and you currently pay a provisionary assessment for income tax or corporate income tax you can change your provisionary assessment. Go to the online portal for individuals: MijnBelastingdienst (in Dutch); to change a corporate tax provisionary assessment go to the business portal: MijnBelastingdienst Zakelijk (in Dutch).
• You can apply for a payment extension for income tax. Resident entrepreneurs is +31 (0)800 0543; non-residents can call +31(0)55 538 53 85

More Information

Questions concerning staff, events, transport of goods or inventory, call the KVK Advice Team at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce on workdays between 8:30 and 20:00 hours (CET).

• Calls from the Netherlands: 0800 2117 (menu in Dutch)
• Calls from abroad: +31 88 585 1585 (menu in English, press 9)