DHI Subsidy Scheme
Do you have an innovative SME with international ambitions? Do you want to invest in a foreign company or carry out a project abroad? Or do you want to convince possible customers of the potential of your technology? Then you can apply for the subsidy scheme for demonstration projects, feasibility studies and investment preparation projects (DHI).
Budget and duration
3 modules
The DHI scheme consists of 3 modules:
- Demonstration projects: presentation of technology, capital goods or service in one of the DHI countries.
- Feasibility studies: assessment of the profitability of a foreign investment in a product or service.
- Investment preparation projects: assessment of the technical and commercial profitability of an investment in a company in one of the DHI countries.
For whom?
DHI focuses on SMEs in the Kingdom of the Netherlands with international ambitions. The European Commission's SME self-assessment questionnaire tells you whether you are an SME entrepreneur.
Extra grant for 'green' DHI activities
Do you want to export or invest abroad? Does your technology contribute to one or more 'green' goals? If so, you can apply for an extra DHI subsidy. If your project meets our conditions, the subsidy can cover 70% of the eligible costs.
We require that your primary technology, at the centre of your DHI project, makes a considerable contribution to one or more of the following 'green' goals:
- limit the rate of climate change;
- adapt to the impact of climate change;
- sustainable usage and protection of water and marine natural resources;
- transition to a circular economy;
- waste prevention and reduction;
- protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems.
The Green Projects assessment Framework (Toetsingskader groene projecten) document below contains examples of activities and projects that can contribute to these 'green' goals.
DHI summary video
Countries
The DHI scheme is open to projects in all countries, with the exception of the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and possibly countries that are subject to international sanctions. Depending on where companies are located in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, they can apply for DHI-projects in other parts of the Kingdom:
- Companies located in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba can apply for DHI projects in Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and all countries outside the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They cannot apply for the European part of the Kingdom, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
- Companies located in Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten can apply for DHI projects in countries outside the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They cannot apply for the European part of the Kingdom, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten.
- Companies located in the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands can apply for DHI projects in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba, Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten and countries outside the Kingdom. They cannot apply for the European part of the Kingdom.
International sanctions
Some countries are subject to international sanctions. We review applications for DHI projects in these countries very carefully. When a country is subject to international sanctions, it is possible that projects cannot get DHI support.
Please contact us if you are not sure if this applies to your project.
Background
With the DHI scheme, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to increase and strengthen the number of Dutch companies successfully doing business in foreign markets.
DHI makes a positive contribution to sustainable local development in developing countries. The subsidy scheme also contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Project overview
Visit Aiddata.rvo.nl for a complete list of DHI projects. This portal offers an overview of all official development aid (ODA) projects and programmes executed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. You can refine your search by using filter options such as country, sector and programme.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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