DHI

Do you want to carry out a project abroad, invest in a company or conquer the international market? Then you may be eligible for a grant from the DHI grant scheme. The DHI scheme is for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and focuses on promoting exports and investments by Dutch companies.

The grant can be used for three types of projects:

• Demonstration projects: This involves demonstrating technologies, capital goods or services in a foreign market, in order to demonstrate their technical and commercial feasibility.
  • Grants of 50% of the costs available, up to € 200,000.
    (From 2024, the grant will be increased to 70% for greening projects.)
• Feasibility studies: These are studies that investigate the feasibility of a foreign investment in a product or service. This may involve market research, analyzing local laws and regulations or drawing up a business plan.
  • 50% of the costs are eligible, with a ceiling of € 100,000.
• Investment preparation studies: These studies are intended to elaborate the technical and financial details of a planned investment abroad.
  • For projects in fragile states or focus countries, 60% of the costs can be subsidized.

You can apply for a DHI grant if you are an SME entrepreneur and want to do business in developed countries, developing countries and emerging markets. Companies from the Caribbean part of the Netherlands can also submit an application.

The question is often whether it is better to submit a Demonstration, Feasibility or Investment Project, we also help you make that choice. You can apply for the DHI grant from the RVO.

• The project has potential for Dutch export or investment.
• The project contributes to sustainable local development in the country where it is implemented.
• The project is focused on one of the DHI target countries, often emerging markets and developing countries.
• The project has a strong business case and is financially feasible.

In 2025, a grant can be applied for from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thanks to our 25 years of experience, we can optimize your grant process and take it almost completely off your hands.

What to think about in terms of work?

• Assess whether your internationalization project related to Demonstration, Feasibility or a foreign Investment is eligible for the DHI grant.
• Preparing, drawing up and submitting a quick scan of the project, so that RVO can substantively assess the framework of the project.
• If RVO provides a positive response to the quick scan after a few weeks, you will receive support in writing and submitting the project plan, the budget and the mandatory appendices.
• Submitting the grant application on time and in accordance with the latest grant legislation and terms to the grant provider.
• Act as a contact person for the grant provider and provide support in answering any questions.
• If desired, setting up the project administration and providing support in maintaining the grant administration;
• If desired, support in determining the DHI grant after the end of the project period.
• Identify additional grant options and/or map out the follow-up of the project.