Financial Services

The sustainability loan (duurzaamheidslening, also called stimulation loan) is an interest-free or low-interest loan that homeowners can apply for from their municipality to make their home more sustainable and energy-efficient. The loan is intended to enable investments in insulation (roof, facade, floor, windows) and sustainable heat generation (solar panels, solar water heater, heat pump).This scheme is offered by various municipalities in the Netherlands to help homeowners reduce their energy bills and CO2 emissions. The conditions, loan amounts, and repayment terms differ per municipality. The purchase of a home battery is usually not eligible for this loan.

Issued by: Municipality

The economic development subsidy (economische ontwikkelingssubsidie) is a municipal subsidy scheme for shop owners' associations, entrepreneurs' associations, and Business Improvement Districts (BIZ) that want to make their shopping street or shopping area more attractive. This subsidy supports collective initiatives by entrepreneurs to improve the livability, accessibility, and appearance of shopping areas.The purpose of this subsidy is to stimulate local economic development through investments in improving public space, marketing, events, and other activities that contribute to an attractive business climate. The subsidy is offered by various municipalities, each with their own conditions and criteria.

Issued by: Municipality

The energy subsidy (energiesubsidie) is a municipal subsidy scheme for residents and organizations that want to implement sustainable energy initiatives. This subsidy supports projects that contribute to energy savings, sustainable energy generation, or awareness about energy transition among residents.Various municipalities in the Netherlands offer energy subsidies to stimulate local sustainability projects. Examples include subsidies for neighborhood initiatives such as collective solar panels, energy cooperatives, educational projects on energy savings, or small-scale sustainable energy installations. The amount of the subsidy and the conditions differ per municipality.

Issued by: Municipality

Movable property tax (roerenderuimtebelasting, RRB) is a municipal tax on movable residential and commercial spaces that occupy a fixed location for an extended period. If you own a houseboat with a permanent mooring, a floating restaurant, or a commercial vessel used as a permanent workspace, you may be subject to this tax.The RRB works similarly to the real estate tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB) but applies to movable rather than immovable property. The municipality sets the tax rate, which is based on the assessed value of the space. Both owners and users of qualifying spaces may be taxed. Not all municipalities levy this tax, so check with your local authority.

Issued by: Municipality

The starting entrepreneurship subsidy is a municipal financial support scheme for new businesses. Municipalities offer these grants to encourage local economic activity and help entrepreneurs cover initial costs such as business planning, marketing, and workspace setup. Eligibility criteria, grant amounts, and application procedures vary by municipality.Applicants typically need to submit a business plan and demonstrate that their enterprise is viable. Some municipalities target specific sectors like sustainable businesses, social enterprises, or technology startups. The subsidy may cover a portion of startup costs or provide a fixed contribution. Contact your municipality to learn about available schemes and deadlines in your area.

Issued by: Municipality

The starter credit (starterskrediet) is a financial scheme for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business from an unemployment or social assistance benefit. Under the Participation Act (Participatiewet), municipalities can provide loans and support to help benefit recipients become self-employed. The scheme covers startup costs and initial working capital.Applications are submitted to the municipality, which often works with a Regional Bureau for Self-Employed Persons (RBZ) to assess viability. Eligibility is determined under the Decision on Assistance for Self-Employed Persons 2004 (Besluit bijstandverlening zelfstandigen 2004, Bbz). The municipality evaluates whether the business plan is viable and whether the applicant has sufficient entrepreneurial skills.

Issued by: Municipality