Starting a company in the Netherlands at 40+ means planning your income, your mortgage and any benefit route before you register. Every source below was re-checked on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules change, so check again before you act.
Register and get free advice#
- KVK and Ondernemersplein explain legal forms and how to write a business plan.
Benefits while starting: the Bbz#
- If you start from a benefit, your municipality decides on support through the Bbz, as long as the business is viable.
- The living allowance tops your income up to the social minimum as an interest-free loan: 6 months, possibly 6 more, then extendable by 1 to 2 years, up to 36 months in total. A preparation period of up to 1 year is possible.
- RVO: starters can borrow up to €48,060, and the Bbz loan interest is 8% a year.
Health insurance#
- Basic health insurance is compulsory for everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands, self-employed or not. Children under 18 pay no premium (Rijksoverheid).
Mortgage and income proof#
- For a mortgage with NHG you need an Inkomensverklaring Ondernemer, which you can request once you've been an entrepreneur for more than 12 months. The NHG limit is €470,000, or €498,200 with energy-saving measures.
- Tip: if you plan to move house, think about the timing before you leave your salaried job.
Grants#
- Innovatiekrediet and WBSO via RVO.
Still to research#
Pensions and disability insurance (AOV) for zzp'ers. Please share official links in the forum.