Step-by-step plan: Applying for a subsidy from the government
Do you run a business in the Netherlands? And do you need funding to develop an idea into a project, product, or service? You may be able to apply for a subsidy from the Dutch government or the European Union. Read which steps to take when applying for a subsidy.
Please note: business.gov.nl does not provide any grants or subsidies.
Better chance with innovative ideas
The Dutch government and the European Union (EU) offer many subsidies for businesses, especially if your products or services are related to topics they consider important, such as sustainability, innovation, or international cooperation. You also have a better chance if your idea is clearly innovative and contributes to social challenges or economic growth.
There are various types of subsidies and schemes. The Subsidies and schemes page has an overview of most subsidies and schemes for entrepreneurs. Filter by subject, region, or type of scheme to see which subsidy suits your project idea.
Research the subsidy scheme
Once you have found a subsidy scheme you want to apply for, collect information about it. You will find a lot of information on this and other websites, but not everything. So, talk to the organisation that grants the subsidy before you apply. For example, research which business activities are suitable for the subsidy.
Sometimes you will only receive the money after you have completed the project. You will then have to pay for the project yourself first (pre-finance it). This means that you may have to apply to the bank for a loan.
Most subsidy schemes have special application forms or documents. You can download these from the website of the organisation that manages the subsidy. Sometimes you need an eHerkenning tool to do this. This is a secure way to log on to the government organisation’s platform.
In your application, clearly describe your project plan in detail. If you explain and justify everything in your plan properly, you will have a better chance of receiving the grant.
Start on time
Applying for a subsidy can be difficult and time-consuming. So take enough time to write your application. In some cases, you need to create an extensive project proposal. Also, it often takes time for the government to make a decision.
After the government organisation has received your application, you will usually get a confirmation of receipt. This will state how long it will take to get a response to your application.
The government organisation reviews your application. This results in a decision (beschikking) — positive or negative — or a letter with questions. What this means is explained below.
Positive decision: you receive a subsidy
This means that the organisation wants to spend money on your plan(s). The decision tells you, for example, how much money you can spend, and when you can spend it. But also how to record the costs. The decision also tells you how you will receive the amount. For some schemes, you can request an advance. You will then get part of the money in advance.
Grant decision: you will receive the subsidy retrospectively
Will you not get the money until after your project? You will usually receive a grant decision (verleningsbeschikking). With this, you can prove that you will receive the subsidy. This may be necessary to get a loan from a bank.
Negative decision; you will not receive a subsidy
The government decides that your project does not (sufficiently) meet the conditions for the scheme. But it can also happen that there is no more money left for the scheme.
You can object to a negative decision. The decision tells you how and by what date you can do so. Only object when you are sure you can convince the government of your case. Do not unnecessarily waste your effort.
Question Letter
The government organisation may need more information to evaluate your application. In a question letter they will ask you to provide additional information or explanations for your project.
Make sure you meet the deadline mentioned in the question letter. If you respond too late, you will not be given another opportunity.
Because you are receiving money from a government body, they will want to know what you do with that money. You must record all activities and expenditures in your records. Often there are guidelines you must meet. Comply with these guidelines, because the government will check them during your project. And you need them for your final declaration. Store all your project records, also from before you start the project.
The subsidy and your taxes
A subsidy is part of your company's turnover. It affects the amount of your profit. Check carefully how you process the subsidy in your income tax return. For some subsidies you are required to pay VAT (in Dutch). Check carefully whether this applies to you. Seek advice from your bookkeeper or accountant.
Do you receive the subsidy after your project? Then the government organisation will determine the exact amount based on your final declaration. In this declaration, you make an overview of all costs, including the supporting documents. For example, invoices and bank statements.
So, you must have your records in order to make a final declaration.
You will receive a letter stating the final grant amount you will receive. This is called a final determination notice (vaststellingsbeschikking). The government organisation bases this amount on your final declaration. Did you receive money during your project? And is that amount higher than your final declaration? Then you must pay back the remaining amount.
Before the final decision is sent, the government organisation may pay you a monitoring visit. They will then check your project records. Sometimes they will ask some critical questions about the course of the project. Be prepared for this.
Please note: Even after the final decision, your project administration and final declaration may be checked.
Engage a consultant
A subsidy adviser (intermediary) can help you find and apply for subsidies. Choose an adviser who knows your industry, field, and region well. Agree on what services this adviser will provide and the price you pay.
On average, you will spend 5% to 15% of the subsidy amount on an adviser. Usually, you must pay the consultant when your subsidy application is approved and not when you receive the money. That means you must pay your adviser's invoice first.
Make clear arrangements with the adviser to ensure you do not pay them for a subsidy you did not receive.