Business Loans Netherlands – Find the Right Loan Today

Looking for the best business loans in the Netherlands? Whether you’re launching a startup in Amsterdam or expanding an SME in Rotterdam, access to the right financing is critical. But with dozens of banks, fintech lenders, and private funding platforms offering business loans, how do you find the best match?

We break down your options—fast, clear, and without hidden agendas. We help you compare interest rates, terms, and eligibility so you can make confident decisions and secure funding that drives real growth.

Who Can Apply for Business Loans in the Netherlands?

Business loans in the Netherlands are available to a wide range of entrepreneurs—not just large companies. Whether you’re a startup founder, freelancer, sole trader, or run an SME, there are financing solutions tailored to your situation. Lenders assess different criteria depending on business type, revenue history, and sector. Understanding which category you fit into will help you find the most relevant business lending options.

Below, we break down the main borrower types and what you need to qualify.

SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises)

SMEs are the backbone of the Dutch economy and typically have the broadest access to funding. They qualify for bank loans, term loans, credit lines, and government-backed SME business loans under programs like BMKB and GO. These loans are used to scale operations, hire staff, purchase equipment, or improve cash flow.

To be eligible, most lenders require 2+ years of trading history, a KvK registration, and minimum revenue around €50,000/year. SMEs with consistent income and a clear repayment capacity often secure longer loan terms and lower interest rates, making them highly attractive borrowers.

Startups

Startups in the Netherlands can also access funding, though traditional lenders tend to be more cautious. Startup business loans are typically smaller and may come with stricter conditions unless supported by innovation funds or investor backing. Financing is often used for MVP development, marketing, or early team building.

To qualify, startups usually need a detailed business plan, realistic projections, and in some cases personal guarantees. Government schemes and alternative lenders are more flexible, especially for tech and green startups.

Freelancers and ZZP’ers

Freelancers—referred to as ZZP’ers (Zelfstandigen Zonder Personeel)—can apply for small business loans or personal business credit to fund their self-employed activities. Loans are often used for equipment, software, or bridging cash flow gaps between contracts.

Lenders typically require at least 6–12 months of income history, KvK registration, and proof of invoice-based revenue. While loan amounts are smaller, often between €1,000 and €50,000, application processes are fast and usually don’t require collateral. This makes online business loans and fast credit NL options attractive for this group.

Learn more about ZZP loans for self employed.

Self-Employed Professionals and Sole Proprietors

Consultants, creatives, coaches, and other self-employed professionals also fall into the business loan ecosystem. These individuals often qualify for loans if they can prove stable earnings and long-term client contracts.

Lenders assess income consistency, industry stability, and financial planning. Professionals in sectors like healthcare, IT, or legal services may also access industry-specific financing products with more favorable terms. This group often uses loans for business expansion, training, or equipment upgrades.

Types of Business Loans in the Netherlands

There are several types of business loans available in the Netherlands, each tailored to different financing needs—whether it’s for growth, equipment, working capital, or stabilizing cash flow.

Understanding how each loan works helps you choose the right one based on your business model, urgency, and repayment ability. Below is a comparison followed by detailed explanations.

Loan Type	Best For	Amount Range	Typical Term	Security Required	Approval Speed
Term Loan	Expansion, hiring, equipment	€5,000 – €500,000+	1–10 years	Often secured	Moderate (2–7 days)
Business Line of Credit	Cash flow, short-term needs	€2,000 – €250,000	Revolving	Usually unsecured	Fast (same day possible)
Microloan	Freelancers, new or small businesses	€1,000 – €50,000	6–36 months	Unsecured	Fast (1–3 days)
Equipment Financing	Vehicles, machinery, tools	€10,000 – €1,000,000+	1–10 years	Secured by purchased asset	Moderate (3–5 days)
Invoice Financing	Late-paying B2B clients	Based on invoice value	30–90 days	Secured by invoice	Fast (24–48 hours)
Government-Backed Loans	SMEs and startups with limited assets	Up to €1.5 million	Up to 6 years	Partial government guarantee	Moderate (5–10 days)

Term Loan

A term loan is a fixed-amount loan with scheduled repayments over a defined period. It’s commonly used for expanding operations, buying inventory, or investing in staff and infrastructure. Offered by both banks and online lenders in the Netherlands, term loans remain the go-to option for SMEs with a solid financial history.

Collateral or personal guarantees are often required. Loan size, term, and interest rate depend on your credit profile, annual revenue, and loan purpose. Repayment terms typically range from 1 to 10 years.

Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit gives you flexible access to funds up to a pre-set limit. You draw what you need and only pay interest on the amount used. This is useful for handling seasonal dips, unexpected bills, or short-term opportunities.

Dutch lenders offer this to both SMEs and self-employed professionals. Many lines are unsecured, making approval faster, especially through online platforms. It’s a popular choice for businesses needing continuous, on-demand liquidity.

Microloan

A microloan is designed for small businesses, sole proprietors, and startups who don’t need large sums but still require working capital. These loans are easier to access than standard products and often come with shorter terms and quicker approval.

In the Netherlands, providers like Qredits offer loans up to €50,000, sometimes bundled with business coaching. Microloans help cover launch costs, software, marketing, or small equipment purchases.

Equipment Financing

This loan type is used to purchase physical assets like vehicles, machinery, or production tools. The equipment itself acts as collateral, which lowers the lender’s risk and can improve your loan conditions.

Ideal for logistics, agriculture, and construction sectors, these loans offer repayment terms that match the asset’s useful life. Some lenders also offer equipment leasing as an alternative.

Invoice Financing

If unpaid invoices are delaying your cash flow, invoice financing provides an advance on your outstanding receivables. You sell your invoices to a lender, who pays you 80–90% up front and collects the full amount from your client later.

This short-term funding method is popular with B2B companies. It’s not technically a loan since you’re using money already owed to you, making it a debt-free funding option that can be accessed quickly.

Government-Backed Loans (BMKB / GO)

To support small businesses with limited assets or high perceived risk, the Dutch government offers guarantee schemes like BMKB and GO. These programs allow businesses to access bank loans even if they don’t meet standard collateral requirements.

The state guarantees a portion of the loan, making it less risky for lenders. These loans are available through approved financial institutions and are often used for expansion, innovation, or recovery financing.

How to Apply for a Business Loan in the Netherlands

Applying for a business loan in the Netherlands requires planning, documentation, and knowing which loan fits your business needs. Whether you’re seeking a startup loan, SME financing, or a line of credit, understanding the process improves your approval odds and helps you avoid delays.

Here’s a quick overview of the main steps involved:

• Choose the right type of business loan
• Check eligibility requirements
• Gather required loan documents
• Compare business loan offers
• Submit application and wait for approval

Choose the Right Type of Business Loan

Before applying, clarify why you need financing. A term loan works best for large investments or expansion. A business line of credit suits ongoing expenses or fluctuating cash flow. For new businesses or sole proprietors, a microloan or government startup loan may be more suitable.

Selecting the wrong loan type can lead to rejection or unfavorable terms. Focus on what aligns with your repayment capacity and funding timeline.

Check Eligibility Requirements

Lenders in the Netherlands assess risk before offering business credit. Standard requirements include:

• Active business registered with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel)
• Operating history of 6–24 months (depending on lender)
• Minimum annual turnover, often starting at €30,000–€50,000
• Business bank account in the Netherlands
• Valid ID and Dutch business address

Some lenders may also conduct a credit check or request a personal guarantee, especially for unsecured or short-term business loans.

Gather Required Loan Documents

Having your paperwork ready improves both approval speed and credibility. Most lenders ask for:

• KvK company registration extract
• Recent business bank statements (3–12 months)
• Profit and loss statement or annual financial report
• Business plan (especially for new businesses)
• Valid photo ID and proof of address for the business owner

Online lenders often require fewer documents, but traditional banks may request detailed financials and tax filings.

Compare Business Loan Offers

Loan terms vary widely by provider. Always compare:

• Interest rates (fixed or variable)
• Total cost of borrowing (including fees)
• Repayment flexibility and early repayment conditions
• Approval time and customer support

Use comparison tools or broker platforms if needed. Dutch businesses can choose between bank loans, online loans, government-backed financing, or private lenders.

Submit Application and Wait for Approval

After choosing a lender, complete the application process. This may include uploading documents, answering business questions, and verifying your identity.

Approval times vary:

• Online business loans: as fast as 24 hours
• Bank loans: 3 to 10 business days
• Government SME loans: 1 to 2 weeks

Once approved, the loan is usually deposited directly into your Dutch business account. Keep in mind that fast loans in the Netherlands may come with higher rates or shorter terms.

Business Loan Interest Rates in the Netherlands

Business loan interest rates in the Netherlands vary depending on the loan type, lender, risk profile, and whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Banks tend to offer lower rates but stricter conditions, while online lenders provide faster access but often at higher cost. Government-backed loans may offer favorable terms for SMEs and startups.

Below is a detailed comparison of typical interest rates and cost factors across various business loan types in the Netherlands:

Loan Type	Interest Rate (Typical)	Rate Type	Secured?	Other Costs	Who It’s For
Term Loan (Bank)	3.5% – 7%	Fixed or variable	Often secured	Application fee, early repayment fee	Established SMEs with solid financials
Term Loan (Online)	6% – 14%	Fixed	Usually unsecured	Origination fee	Fast access for SMEs and freelancers
Business Line of Credit	7% – 15%	Variable (monthly)	Usually unsecured	Monthly service fee	Businesses with irregular cash flow
Microloan (e.g. Qredits)	6% – 9.75%	Fixed	Unsecured	Low admin fees, optional mentoring	Startups, freelancers, small businesses
Equipment Financing	4% – 8%	Fixed	Secured by asset	Setup fees, insurance sometimes required	Businesses purchasing vehicles/machinery
Invoice Financing	1% – 3% per 30 days	Variable (invoice-based)	Secured by invoice	Factoring fee (1–5% of invoice)	B2B businesses with long payment terms
Government-Backed Loans	2% – 6%	Fixed or variable	Partially guaranteed	Admin fee, bank assessment fee	Startups and SMEs lacking collateral

How Interest Rates Are Determined

Dutch lenders calculate business loan interest based on several key factors.

• Business age and revenue: Higher turnover and longer operation history reduce risk.
• Creditworthiness: Some lenders check business credit score or owner’s personal score.
• Loan term: Longer terms may carry lower monthly payments but higher total interest.
• Collateral: Secured loans offer better rates but require assets as security.
• Purpose of loan: Loans for assets or investments often get better terms than unsecured working capital.

Fixed vs Variable Interest Rates

• Fixed rates remain unchanged over the loan term. Ideal for budgeting and long-term stability.
• Variable rates can fluctuate based on market conditions or lender policies. Common for credit lines and invoice-based lending.

Effective APR and Hidden Costs

Always check the effective annual percentage rate (APR), which includes:

• Interest
• Origination or setup fees
• Monthly service charges
• Early repayment penalties (if applicable)

Some loans may appear low-cost but carry high total cost of borrowing, especially if repayment is spread over many months.

Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans

One of the most important distinctions in business financing is whether a loan is secured or unsecured. This affects not only your eligibility and approval speed, but also interest rates, loan amounts, and repayment terms. Understanding the difference helps you choose the most cost-effective and realistic loan for your situation.

What Is a Secured Business Loan?

A secured business loan requires the borrower to offer collateral—such as company assets, property, vehicles, or equipment. If the business fails to repay the loan, the lender can claim the asset to recover losses.

Typical features of secured loans in the Netherlands:

• Lower interest rates (3%–7%)
• Larger loan amounts (up to €1.5 million or more)
• Longer repayment periods (up to 10 years)
• Used for major investments like machinery, real estate, or large expansion

Secured loans are often issued by banks or under government-backed schemes like BMKB or GO. However, they involve a more extensive approval process, valuation of assets, and legal documentation.

What Is an Unsecured Business Loan?

An unsecured loan does not require collateral. Instead, approval is based on your credit profile, business revenue, and time in operation. Because the risk to the lender is higher, unsecured loans tend to have higher interest rates and shorter terms.

Typical features of unsecured loans in the Netherlands:

• Faster approval (often within 1–3 days)
• Loan amounts up to €250,000
• Higher rates (6%–15%) depending on the lender
• Suitable for cash flow gaps, inventory purchases, or marketing campaigns

Unsecured loans are commonly offered by online lenders and are popular with freelancers, ZZP’ers, and early-stage startups that don’t own significant assets.

Which Option Is Better?

Criteria	Secured Loan	Unsecured Loan
Collateral required	Yes	No
Interest rates	Lower (3%–7%)	Higher (6%–15%)
Loan amount	Higher (€100K–€1.5M+)	Lower (€1K–€250K)
Approval time	Slower (5–10 business days)	Faster (1–3 business days)
Best for	Expansion, equipment, long-term projects	Working capital, short-term cash needs
Risk to borrower	Asset may be repossessed if unpaid	Personal liability if defaulted

If you own valuable business assets and want better rates, a secured loan may be the smarter route. But if you need fast access to capital with minimal paperwork, an unsecured business loan offers speed and flexibility.

How Much Can You Borrow with a Business Loan in the Netherlands?

One of the most common questions for entrepreneurs is: how large a business loan can I get in the Netherlands? The answer depends on several factors, including your business type, revenue, loan purpose, and whether the loan is secured or unsecured.

Typical Loan Amounts by Loan Type

Loan Type	Typical Loan Range	Maximum Amount
Microloan	€1,000 – €50,000	€50,000
Unsecured Online Loan	€2,000 – €250,000	€250,000
Business Line of Credit	€5,000 – €150,000	€250,000
Secured Term Loan (Bank)	€25,000 – €500,000+	€1 million+
Equipment Financing	€10,000 – €1,000,000+	Based on asset value
Government-Backed Loan	€50,000 – €1.5 million	€1.5 million (GO program)
Invoice Financing	Based on invoice volume	No fixed max (case-by-case)

What Determines Your Borrowing Capacity?

Lenders evaluate your business based on:

• Revenue: Higher annual turnover allows for larger loan amounts.
• Profit margins: Strong net income shows you can repay the loan.
• Time in business: Lenders often require at least 6–24 months of operations.
• Collateral: Secured loans let you borrow more by reducing lender risk.
• Debt-to-income ratio: If you have existing loans, this may limit your capacity.
• Loan purpose: Strategic investments (e.g. equipment, hiring) can justify larger loans.

Realistic Expectations

• Freelancers and new businesses: Can expect approval in the range of €5,000 to €50,000, especially if applying without collateral.
• Established SMEs: May qualify for €100,000 to €500,000+ if financials are solid.
• Asset-heavy businesses: Can access €1 million or more through secured equipment loans or commercial property finance.

Keep in mind that asking for more than you can repay will either result in rejection or higher rates. It’s often better to borrow only what your cash flow can support—especially if you’re applying for short-term or fast business loans.

Tips for Choosing the Right Business Loan

Choosing the right business loan starts with a clear understanding of your needs. Ask yourself what the loan is for—equipment, payroll, marketing, working capital? The purpose should match the loan type. For example, use term loans for long-term investments and credit lines for short-term or recurring needs. Avoid using long-term loans to cover temporary cash gaps.

Next, compare offers not just on interest rates, but on total cost—including setup fees, service charges, and early repayment penalties. Look at the APR rather than the nominal rate to get a full picture. A slightly higher rate with flexible repayment terms can be a better deal than a lower rate with strict conditions.

Timing matters too. If you need fast funding, online lenders or invoice financing can provide approval in 1–3 days. Traditional banks and government-backed SME loans offer lower rates but take longer to process—often 1–2 weeks.

Be realistic about your eligibility. Applying for the wrong product wastes time and can hurt your credit standing. If you’re a startup or freelancer, look into microloans or unsecured online loans before approaching banks.

Finally, always match the loan term to the return period of your investment. Don’t fund short campaigns or one-off expenses with multi-year loans. That kind of mismatch can strain your cash flow and increase your repayment risk.