Latest information by the Dutch Government if your business in the Netherlands is impacted by COVID-19
Last updated: 3 December 2021
Your Dutch business might be severely impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 and by subsequent national and international containment measures.
At the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) we hope that you are able to keep relative business continuity in the midst of these challenging circumstances. We recognize that this situation raises many questions for your business and its employees – whether you are already serving the European market from the Netherlands, or contemplating doing so in the future.
Please find below an overview of key websites that provide up-to-date information and guidance on COVID-19 related matters in the Netherlands. Additionally, the NFIA team worldwide is here for you. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
General public health & safety information on COVID-19
The latest information on the COVID-19 containment measures and how this applies to business, travel, schools, childcare facilities, employees, employers, can be found on the official Government website of the Netherlands.
Latest information on the public health situation, relevant advice and COVID-19 safety measures are available on the website of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
General business information and support measures on COVID-19
Most financial support measures for businesses affected by the corona crisis ended per 1 October but some have been extended until end 2021. Meanwhile, the government has announced financial support measures to compensate entrepreneurs who are affected by the stricter rules from 13 November onward. For more information on these and other support measures now in place, see the article Corona support for entrepreneurs after 1 October 2021. An overview of these and further measures can be found on the website of the Dutch government as well. This website also guides you to Dutch national organizations which you can turn to for more information and advice. Most common business questions are covered on an FAQ page.
Amongst others, the most noteworthy measures are:
- Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment (Noodfonds Overbrugging Werkgelegenheid, NOW): provides financial help for employers to pay their employees’ wages in regard to the COVID-19 crisis
- The Reimbursement Fixed Costs Scheme (TVL) for SMEs aims to compensate SMEs in selected sectors for fixed costs other than wage costs.
- Corona Bridging Loan (Corona-Overbruggingslening or COL): Startups and scale-ups can apply for the COL via the Techleap.nl website. Regional Development Companies (ROMs) supply the loans, that vary between €50,000 and €2 million.
If you have other business questions, for instance 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)
Updates on tax options for business affected by COVID-19
Until the end of 2021, the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration offers a number of measures and possibilities for payment extensions to help businesses and employers during the corona crisis.
To keep your business up and running, it may help if you can get a payment extension from your financer, or a longer period for paying your taxes. The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, other government organizations and financing organizations such as banks and Regional Development Agencies have measures in place to help you.
For more information, we would advise to contact the Dutch Tax Information Line by phone:
- Calls from the Netherlands: 0800 0543
- Calls from abroad: +31 55 538 53 85
Updates on international travel
Limited travel to and from the Netherlands is currently possible, For the latest news on international travel from and to the Netherlands, please follow the travel advice from the Dutch Government and your local authorities. Ensure that before you travel, you meet all necessary requirements to enter the Netherlands. More information on visas to the Netherlands in regards to COVID-19 can be found here.
If you need more information or require urgent assistance, please contact your travel insurer or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- By telephone: +31 247 247 247 (please note these phone lines can be busy and you may have to wait for some time before your call is answered)
- Via Twitter at @24/7BZ
Updates on immigration matters
On the page of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) you can find the latest information about the regulations around staying in the Netherlands and renewing and applying for different versions of residence and work permits. Please note that this page is regularly updated. You also find the latest information if and how employees from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland can enter the Netherlands.
Updates on European logistics
The Netherlands plays a vital role in European supply chains, therefore, the Dutch government has identified air and sea freight chains, road transport, as well as food and medical supply chains as vital processes in view of COVID-19. Our Invest in Holland partner Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC) provides insights how COVID-19 is changing the European distribution system and wat you can do to respond. HIDC is available for questions about the continued operations of Dutch ports, borders and logistics operations.