The Netherlands Film Production Incentive provides up to a 35% cash rebate on eligible production costs spent in the Netherlands to strengthen the national film industry. It supports feature films, documentaries, and animated films that contribute to Dutch creative, technical, and cultural growth. With subsidies of up to €3 million per production company per year, the program encourages high-quality filmmaking and international collaboration.

Netherlands Film Production Incentive

The Netherlands Film Production Incentive is a government-supported scheme that enhances the competitiveness and international appeal of the Dutch film sector. It provides financial rebates to encourage film productions to work in the Netherlands, collaborate with Dutch talent, and contribute to industry growth.

What the Incentive Is

The incentive is a cash rebate program that supports both majority and minority film productions. Its core purpose is to stimulate film activity, strengthen Dutch creative and technical capabilities, and attract international productions that benefit the national industry.

Key Objectives

• Increase the attractiveness of the Netherlands as a production destination

• Boost employment and activity for Dutch creative and technical film professionals

• Support film talent development and career growth

• Improve diversity, quality, and distribution of film productions

• Expand international collaboration and global exposure

• Encourage spending within the Dutch production ecosystem

Financial Benefits

• Up to 35% cash rebate on qualifying production expenses spent in the Netherlands

• A maximum subsidy of €3 million per production company per year

• Applicable to both Dutch and international productions

• Designed to improve financial viability and stimulate domestic industry activity

Eligible Project Types

The program supports:

• Feature films

• Feature-length documentaries

• Animated films

Projects must demonstrate clear value to the Dutch film sector and encourage collaboration with Dutch companies or partners from Switzerland.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a film producer with a proven track record

• Have completed at least one majority film production

• The past production must have had:

  • A minimum production budget of €500,000

  • A theatrical release in the Netherlands

• The proposed project must stimulate Dutch industry involvement

• The production must intend to spend qualifying costs within the Netherlands

Why This Incentive Matters

The incentive:

• Strengthens the Dutch film industry’s international position

• Creates more employment opportunities for local crew and companies

• Encourages high-quality productions to film within the country

• Supports talent development and skills growth

• Enhances cultural expression, diversity, and distribution reach

How the Incentive Works

1. Prepare an eligible film project (feature, documentary, or animation).

2. Demonstrate Dutch industry involvement, such as hiring Dutch talent, collaborating with local companies, or spending significantly within the country.

3. Ensure the producer meets track-record requirements (previous €500,000+ majority production with Dutch theatrical release).

4. Calculate qualifying production costs that will be spent in the Netherlands.

5. Submit the incentive application through the official Netherlands Film Fund process.

6. Await evaluation based on cultural, creative, and economic impact.

7. Receive approval and cash rebate based on the verified qualifying costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects with limited Dutch industry engagement

• Miscalculating or overstating qualifying production costs

• Incomplete documentation of the producer’s track record

• Proposing projects with unclear distribution or production plans

• Assuming the rebate applies automatically without demonstrating value to the Dutch sector

FAQ

1. What is the maximum rebate percentage?

The incentive offers up to 35% on qualifying production expenses spent in the Netherlands.

2. What types of projects qualify?

Feature films, feature-length documentaries, and animated films.

3. Can international producers apply?

Yes, but they must collaborate with a Dutch producer who meets eligibility requirements.

4. What is the annual funding cap?

Production companies can receive up to €3 million per year.

5. Does the project need a Dutch theatrical release?

The producer must have previously released a majority production theatrically in the Netherlands; the new project must contribute value to the Dutch sector.

6. Are minority co-productions eligible?

Yes, as long as they generate significant benefit for the Dutch industry.

7. Is Switzerland included as a collaboration partner?

Yes, collaborations with Swiss companies are explicitly supported.

Conclusion

The Netherlands Film Production Incentive is a powerful financial and strategic tool for strengthening the Dutch film ecosystem. With generous rebates, clear eligibility requirements, and strong emphasis on collaboration, it helps national and international producers develop high-quality films while boosting local industry activity. This program remains essential for ensuring that Dutch cinema grows in talent, diversity, reach, and global impact.