Latest information by the Dutch Government if your business in the Netherlands is impacted by COVID-19

Your Dutch business might be severely impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 and by subsequent national and international containment measures that begin to sink in.

As part of the Invest in Holland Network, 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 further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to them.

General public health & safety information on COVID-19

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). Information about the effect of COVID-19 on schools, childcare facilities, employees, employers, travel and public transport can be found on the official website of the Government of the Netherlands.

General business information on COVID-19

The Dutch government has launched a roadmap with up-to-date information on support measures for companies in the Netherlands. The roadmap also guides you to Dutch national organisations which you can turn to for more information and advice. Most common business questions are covered on a FAQ page.

On these pages, you find more information for example on what to do when your business in the Netherlands faces financial difficulties due to COVID-19. You also find more information on the measures that have been announced by the Dutch government to help entrepreneurs and businesses in the Netherlands, and the possibilities for reducing working hours when you have less work for your employees.

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)

Temporary emergency bridging measure for sustained employment

On 31 March, the Dutch government announced the NOW-arrangement (Noodfonds Overbrugging Werkgelegenheid), providing financial help for employers to pay their employees’ wages in regard to the COVID-19 crisis.

Businesses affected by COVID-19 can apply for the NOW-arrangement from Monday 6 April through to 31 May 2020. Starting from 6 April 2020, businesses that suffer from a loss of at least 20% turnover due to the COVID-19 crisis will be able to contact special desks to apply for a contribution towards labor costs at the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). The compensation for wages you can claim depends on the loss in turnover. Businesses that meet the conditions can expect an advance credit within two to four weeks.

Key workers and vital processes in light of COVID-19

Schools and childcare facilities in the Netherlands are currently closed. However, schools and childcare centres will be open for children of key workers to enable these parents to continue to work. Key workers are people who work in healthcare, public transport, the police and fire services and other crucial sectors. This childcare will be provided at no extra cost. To find out who is classified as a key worker, consult the list of professions in crucial sectors.

Note that families with only one parent working in a crucial sector are being asked to look after their children themselves. If this is not possible, these families can send their children to school and/or their childcare provider (day nursery, out-of-school care or childminder). It is not a hard requirement that both parents work in a crucial sector. For the Dutch government, it is more important that childcare is available for people working in crucial sectors so they can continue to work.

COVID-19 impact 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. Employees vital to the operation of these chains can go to work and are, at this stage, still entitled to day-care if needed. Our Invest in Holland partner Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC) provides a brief update on the current situation (25 March 2020) and is available for questions about the continued operations of Dutch ports, borders and logistics operations.

Tax options for business affected by COVID-19

Measures initiated by the Dutch government are:

You can apply for a payment extension for income tax, corporate tax, payroll tax, and turnover tax (VAT). The Dutch Tax Administration will put on hold any measures in place to collect payment immediately upon reception of your request.
You will not have to pay any fines for late payment. Also, it is not necessary to send in any proof straightaway. You will have more time for this.
The normal collection interest rate for paying after the payment term has passed will be decreased from 4% to nearly 0% temporarily. This applies to all tax debts. The tax interest rate will also temporarily be set to the lowest possible percentage for all entrepreneurs.

For more information, we would advise contacting 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

For the latest news on international from an to the Netherlands, please follow the travel advice from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and your local authorities. 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 are extremely busy and you may have to wait for some time before your call is answered)
Via Twitter at @24/7BZ

Source: Investinholland.nl