Thinking of launching or growing your business in the Netherlands? You’re in the right place.

Known for its strong innovation ecosystem and eco-conscious policies, the Netherlands offers generous government grants to help startups and SMEs thrive, especially in 2025. Regardless if you're building cutting-edge tech, going green, or upskilling your team, there’s likely a funding option tailored to your goals.

In this article, we’ll walk you through six key government grants you should know about. You’ll learn who they’re for, how they work, and how they can help you get your business off the ground or take it to the next level.

WBSO (Research & Development Tax Credit)

If your business is working on technical innovation, the WBSO scheme is one of the most accessible and beneficial grants in the Netherlands.

Offered by the Dutch government, WBSO is a tax incentive designed to support companies involved in research and development (R&D) activities. Whether you're developing new software, testing prototypes, or improving production processes, this credit can help lower your labor and R&D costs.

Key Benefits:

• Covers a portion of R&D labor costs, including for employees and self-employed individuals.
• Reduces payroll tax and income tax, making innovation more affordable.
• Repeatable every year, as long as your project qualifies.
• Simple online application process with RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency).

Who Should Apply:

• Tech startups working on new products or software
• Manufacturing companies that are improving internal processes
• Any SME conducting scientific or technical experiments

Innovation Box

If your company earns profits from innovative activities, the Innovation Box tax scheme can help you keep more of what you earn.

Offered by the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, this scheme allows businesses to pay a lower corporate tax rate on profits generated from eligible innovations. It’s not a direct grant but a tax benefit, and a powerful one at that.

Key Benefits:

• Reduced corporate tax rate (as low as 9% instead of the standard 25.8%)
• Applies to patented inventions and WBSO-recognized innovations
• Significant savings for tech companies and R&D-heavy businesses
• Can be used year after year as long as innovation income is earned

Who Should Apply:

• Startups and scaleups with patented products
• Software companies generating profit from in-house developed solutions
• Any business using the WBSO and earning money from those innovations

MIA/Vamil (Environmental Investment Deduction)

If your business invests in environmentally friendly equipment or technology, the MIA/Vamil scheme can help lighten your tax burden while supporting your sustainability goals.

This Dutch tax incentive encourages entrepreneurs to make green investments by offering deductions on taxable profits and more flexible depreciation options.

Key Benefits:

• MIA (Milieu-investeringsaftrek): Deduct up to 45% of your investment cost from your taxable profit.
• Vamil (Willekeurige afschrijving): Write off up to 75% of the investment at any time you choose.
• Helps reduce tax liability, especially in years when your business requires additional financial support.

Who Should Apply:

• Companies investing in energy-efficient machines or clean technology
• Startups that are buying sustainable packaging equipment
• Businesses upgrading to electric delivery vehicles

DEI+ (Demonstration Energy and Climate Innovation)

The DEI+ grant is designed for businesses that want to test and showcase new solutions that help reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. If you're working on a project that contributes to the Dutch Climate Agreement goals, this funding could be a perfect fit.

This program supports pilot projects, demonstrations, and feasibility studies that explore innovative technologies in the energy and climate space.

Key Benefits:

• Covers up to 45% of project costs, depending on company size and project type
• Focused on CO₂ reduction, renewable energy, circular economy, and sustainable mobility
• Supports experimental development, not just research

Who Should Apply:

• Startups testing new clean energy solutions
• SMEs piloting sustainable building systems
• Companies exploring hydrogen, bio-based materials, or carbon capture

SLIM (Stimulating Labor Market Position)

The SLIM grant is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses in the Netherlands invest in their employees’ growth. If you're looking to upskill your team, improve training programs, or create learning opportunities, SLIM can support you.

What You Can Use It For:

• Developing learning plans within your company
• Training staff to keep up with digital and industry changes
• Career development guidance and coaching
• Creating or improving internal knowledge systems

Grant Highlights:

• Available to SMEs across all sectors
• Covers up to €25,000 per project
• Promotes a culture of continuous learning in the workplace

RVO General Support (Explorer Funding, Export Support, etc.)

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) offers a wide range of support tools to help entrepreneurs grow their business, especially when entering new markets or developing innovative ideas.

Whether you're planning to explore international opportunities or test a new product abroad, RVO has a program that can help.

Key Types of Support:

• Explorer Funding: Great for businesses taking their first steps in foreign markets. It covers part of the costs related to international market research, feasibility studies, or partner searches.
• Export Support: Tailored advice, coaching, and even matchmaking to help SMEs with international ambitions expand successfully.
• Innovation Support: Access to innovation advice, subsidies, and connections to research institutions and funding opportunities.

Why Consider RVO Support:

• Designed to reduce risk and cost when scaling or innovating
• Especially helpful for SMEs, startups, and sustainable businesses
• Backed by government funding, so you’re not giving up equity

Final Thoughts

Looking for your ideal government grant in the Netherlands might feel confusing at first, but taking advantage of them can significantly boost your startup's foundation. Whether you’re investing in innovation, sustainability, or international growth, there’s likely a grant tailor-made just for you.

Take the time to explore which options suit your business plans. And remember, it’s okay to ask for expert advice when applying.

Ready to take the next step? Open a business account with Adro and manage your international business finances with ease.