The coronavirus COVID-19, and the measures taken to restrict the spreading of the coronavirus in the Netherlands, mean significant loss of turnover for many businesses. This article lists the measures the Dutch government is taking to help entrepreneurs affected by the crisis.

Up to date info from the Dutch government

Please be referred to this webpage to keep yourself informed on the most actual measures.

Read the latest information

Check your measures

The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and Business.gov.nl have produced an interactive pdf that will help you find out which measures are in place for you. You can find it here.

Lansigt international contact persons

Robert Bioch – Partner Audit
rbi@lansigt.nl
Tel.: +31 (0)172 750 150

Martin van Beelen – Partner Audit and transaction services
mvb@lansigt.nl
Tel.: +31 (0) 172 750 150


Should you need assistance, please contact one of our international contact persons. They will help you or bring you in contact with our Lansigt Corona-serviceteam for the specific field needed.

Summary measures taken by the Dutch Government

The measures now in place are:

NOW
The new temporary measure Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment (NOW,Noodfonds Overbrugging Werkgelegenheid) will provide financial help for employers to help pay their employees' wages. You can apply for the NOW scheme until and including 31 May 2020.
  Tozo
Self-employed professionals will be able to apply for an extra, temporary benefit for self-employed professionals (Tozo) to bridge the loss of income from 1 March onwards, in the municipality where they live.
 

TOGS
The €4,000 Reimbursement for entrepreneurs in affected sectors scheme (TOGS) is open for entrepreneurs in a number of specific sectors who have been affected by the coronavirus measures. You can apply to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. To find out if your business is eligible for the reimbursement, check the SBI code list in the RVO article.

Indirect Emission Costs Subsidy Scheme (ETS)
If your company is eligible for the Indirect Emission Costs Subsidy Scheme (ETS), you will receive the money sooner.

BMKB-C
From 16 March 2020 to 1 April 2021, the SME credit guarantee (BMKB) scheme is extended to help SMEs that are affected by the coronavirus secure bank guarantees and bridge financing.

BL-C
For agricultural entrepreneurs, the equivalent of the BMKB-C is the Credit Guarantee scheme for Agriculture (BL-C).

COL
Startups and scale-ups can apply for the 'Corona-Overbruggingslening' (Corona Bridging Loan or COL) via the Techleap.nl website. Regional Development Companies (ROMs) supply the loans, that vary between €50,000 and €2 million.

GO
The Business loan guarantee scheme (GO) has been extended.
Self-employed professionals can apply for an extra, temporary benefit for self-employed professionals (Bbz) soon. The requirements for applying will be relaxed.

Microcredit
Entrepreneurs who have a loan from microcredit provider Qredits do not have to repay their loan for a period of 6 months. During this period, the interest will be reduced to 2%. The government supports Qredits with 6 million euros.

Growth Facility Scheme
The intended phasing out of the Growth Facility Scheme will be extended by one year, to 1 July 2021.

Proof-of-concept funding
Businesses that make use of the Proof-of-concept funding scheme (VFF) or the Innovation credit scheme (IK) can apply for a repayment extension. Also, no interest will be levied on the VFF.

Tax options for entrepreneurs

There are several tax options for entrepreneurs, please contact our Lansigt team for the most actual info. Also you could call with the Tax Information Line.

Call the Tax Information Line
Since the information on the tax options offered to entrepreneurs during the coronavirus crisis is mostly only available in Dutch, it would be wise to consult the Tax Information Line if Dutch isn't your primary language. The number for resident entrepreneurs is +31 (0)800 0543; non-residents can call +31(0)55 538 53 85.

Of course you can also contact the Lansigt team (mentioned above)

Information and advice

You can turn to these organisations for further information and advice:

National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM

National information phone: 0800-1351 (from abroad dial +312 0205 1351) Advice and information on the coronavirus

Government.nl

Tackling new coronavirus in the Netherlands Frequently asked questions about coronavirus and health 

Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK)

Advice and information on the coronavirus for entrepreneurs (in Dutch) Call the KVK Advice Team: +31 800 2117 (open Mon-Fri from 8:30-17:00 hours)

Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

Coronavirus: consequences for doing business in China (in Dutch)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Travel advice for entrepreneurs (in Dutch) Travel advice for China (in Dutch)

World Health Organization (WHO)

Travel advice

FME, technology sector organisation

Notification and information point for the technology industry (in Dutch)

Discl.: the information has been collected form the official government sites and could be subject to amendments. Lansigt cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracy.

30 April 2020