Apply now: Netherlands Film Production Incentive

Deadline: 26-Oct-2026

The Netherlands Film Production Incentive provides financial support to Dutch and international film productions that contribute to the Dutch film sector and generate qualifying production expenditure in the Netherlands. The scheme offers a cash rebate of up to 35% on qualifying production costs that are demonstrably spent in the Netherlands. Eligible production companies can receive up to €3 million per year per applicant production company. The incentive supports feature films, long documentaries, and feature-length animated films that contribute value to the Dutch film sector, stimulate production activity, support talent development, promote diversity and quality, and encourage cooperation with Dutch companies. Eligible applicants must generally be independent production companies established for at least two years in the Netherlands, another EU or EEA member state, or Switzerland, and must have an established track record in producing and exploiting films and audiovisual productions. Projects must also meet minimum production and qualifying-cost thresholds, have sufficient third-party financing committed, involve at least two unaffiliated financiers, and meet theatrical release requirements. Applications are assessed through a points-based system and require a minimum of 75 points.

About the Netherlands Film Production Incentive

The Netherlands Film Production Incentive is designed to stimulate film production activity and strengthen the Dutch film industry. The scheme provides financial support for qualifying production expenditure incurred in the Netherlands. By reducing eligible production costs, the incentive encourages Dutch and international producers to undertake film production activities in the country and cooperate with Dutch film-sector companies and professionals. The programme also aims to contribute to: - Production activity in the Netherlands. - Development of film talent. - Diversity within film production. - Quality of film productions. - Wider distribution of films. - Cooperation between international productions and Dutch companies. - Growth and development of the Dutch film sector. How Much Funding Is Available? The Netherlands Film Production Incentive provides a financial benefit of up to 35% of qualifying production costs. The support is provided as a cash rebate, based on qualifying costs that are demonstrably spent in the Netherlands.

The maximum available support is:

- Up to 35% of qualifying production costs - Maximum €3 million per year per applicant production company The final rebate depends on the qualifying expenditure and the applicable programme requirements. What Types of Films Are Eligible? The incentive is available to qualifying productions that contribute value to the Dutch film sector.

Eligible project categories include:

- Feature films. - Long documentaries. - Feature-length animated films. Projects should demonstrate meaningful benefits for the Dutch film sector and encourage cooperation with Dutch companies. Minimum Production Cost Requirements Projects must meet specific minimum production-cost and qualifying-cost thresholds. Feature Films and Feature-Length Animated Films

These projects must have:

- Minimum total production costs of €1,000,000. - Minimum qualifying production costs of €150,000. Feature-Length Documentaries Feature-length documentary projects must have: - Minimum total production costs of €250,000. - Minimum qualifying production costs of €100,000. Applicants should carefully distinguish between total production costs and qualifying production costs when preparing their budgets. Who Can Apply? Applications may be submitted by eligible independent production companies that meet the programme’s organisational and experience requirements. The applicant must be a legal entity and cannot be: - A sole proprietorship. - A general partnership. The production company must have been established for at least two years in one of the eligible locations.

Eligible establishment locations include:

- The Netherlands. - Bonaire. - Sint-Eustatius. - Saba. - A member state of the European Union. - A member state of the European Economic Area. - Switzerland. Production Company Track Record Applicants must have a demonstrated track record in producing and exploiting films and audiovisual productions. The producer must have been primarily responsible for at least one majority film production that meets the required criteria.

That previous production must have:

- Had a budget of at least €500,000. - Received a theatrical release in the Netherlands. - Been released within the seven years preceding the application. This requirement ensures that applicants have demonstrated professional experience in film production and exploitation. Financing Requirements Projects must have substantial financing secured before applying. At least 50% of the production budget must be unconditionally committed by third parties at the time of application. In addition, the project must have contributions from at least two unaffiliated financiers. Applicants should therefore have a well-developed financing structure before submitting an application. The financing arrangements should clearly demonstrate that the project has credible third-party financial support and is capable of progressing toward production. Theatrical Release Requirement Eligible projects must guarantee a theatrical release. For qualifying productions, the project must guarantee: - A theatrical release in the Netherlands; or - For minority co-productions, a theatrical release in the country of origin. Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate a credible distribution and theatrical-release strategy as part of their project planning. Qualifying Production Costs The rebate applies to qualifying production costs that are demonstrably spent in the Netherlands. This means applicants should maintain clear financial records and documentation demonstrating where qualifying expend