Heat pump subsidy in the Netherlands 2026: ISDE guide

Heat pump subsidy in the Netherlands 2026: ISDE application guide

The Dutch government wants you to install a heat pump. They are willing to pay you 2,500 to 5,000 euros to do it. That is the ISDE subsidy -- the Investeringssubsidie Duurzame Energie en Energiebesparing -- and it is the single most valuable financial incentive for heat pump owners in the Netherlands.

But navigating the application process in Dutch bureaucracy can be daunting, especially if you are an expat. This guide walks you through everything: how much you can get, who qualifies, how to apply, and the mistakes that get thousands of applications rejected every year.

How much subsidy for a heat pump in 2026?

The ISDE works on a simple structure: a fixed base amount plus a bonus per kilowatt of installed capacity. The bonus differs by heat pump type.

Heat pump type	Base amount 2026	Per kW bonus	Typical total (6-10 kW)
Hybrid heat pump	2,500	150 - 200	2,500 - 3,500
Air-to-water heat pump	3,000	200 - 250	3,000 - 4,500
Ground source heat pump	3,500	250 - 300	4,000 - 5,000
Air-to-air heat pump	--	--	Not eligible

These are gross amounts paid directly to your bank account after approval by RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland -- the Dutch Enterprise Agency).

Energy label bonus: If you improve your home's energy label by two or more steps (say, from E to C) by combining the heat pump with insulation measures, you qualify for an additional bonus of 500-1,000 euros. This was expanded for 2026.

Hybrid heat pump subsidy

The hybrid heat pump must appear on the official ISDE equipment list maintained by RVO. The list includes hundreds of approved models from Daikin, Remeha, Quatt, Vaillant, Samsung, and others. A typical hybrid system with 4-6 kW capacity yields approximately 2,500-3,100 euros in subsidy.

Combined with a total installed cost of 4,000-8,000 euros, your net outlay is 1,500-5,000 euros. A full cost breakdown is available in our heat pump pricing guide.

All-electric heat pump subsidy

Air-to-water and ground source heat pumps receive higher subsidy amounts, reflecting their higher cost and greater environmental benefit. An air-to-water system at 8 kW capacity receives roughly 4,000 euros. A ground source system at 10 kW can reach 5,000 euros.

Air-to-air: no subsidy

Split-unit air conditioning systems that also heat are not eligible for ISDE. The government does not consider them a full replacement for gas heating. If you install one, you will not receive any subsidy through this programme.

Who qualifies? Eligibility requirements

Not everyone can claim the ISDE. RVO has specific requirements for your home, the equipment, and the installation.

Home requirements:

• Your home must be an existing owner-occupied property (not new construction). Homes with a building permit issued after 2018 are excluded.
• The home must have a valid energy label or energy performance assessment.
• You must be the owner-occupier or a VvE (homeowners' association). Tenants cannot apply for ISDE.

Equipment requirements:

• The heat pump must appear on the RVO ISDE equipment list. Check this before purchasing. Not every model qualifies, even from major brands.
• The heat pump must be new (not second-hand or refurbished).
• For hybrid heat pumps, the system must work with an HR boiler (minimum 107% efficiency).

Installation requirements:

• Installation must be performed by a certified installer with F-gas certification (legally required for refrigerant handling) and preferably InstallQ recognition.
• You need an invoice and proof of payment -- not just a quote.
• The heat pump must be operational.

Important for expats: You need a DigiD (digital identity) to log in to Mijn RVO and submit your application. If you do not have one yet, apply early -- it takes 1-3 weeks to receive.

Step-by-step: how to apply for ISDE

The process is straightforward if you have your documents ready. Here is exactly what to do.

Step 1: Verify your home's eligibility

Confirm your home is an existing owner-occupied property with a valid energy label. No energy label? Have one created. It costs 100-300 euros but is required for the application. You can find registered energy advisors through EP-Online.nl.

Step 2: Choose an ISDE-listed heat pump

Go to the ISDE equipment list on rvo.nl and search by type and brand. Note the exact model number -- you will need it for your application. Discuss this with your installer. Good installers know exactly which models are on the list.

If you need help choosing an installer, our installer guide covers what certifications to look for and what questions to ask.

Step 3: Have the heat pump installed by a certified installer

This is critical: you install first, then apply for subsidy. Not the other way around. You cannot apply for a heat pump that has not been installed yet.

Make sure your installer:

• Has F-gas certification (legally required)
• Preferably holds InstallQ recognition
• Provides a detailed invoice with the model number, capacity, labour costs, and VAT
• Issues a commissioning certificate

Step 4: Gather your documents

For the application you need:

• The installer's invoice (with their VAT number, heat pump model number, installation date)
• Proof of payment (bank statement showing the transaction)
• Photo of the heat pump's type plate (as installed)
• Copy of your energy label (or the label's registration code)
• Your DigiD login credentials

Step 5: Submit via Mijn RVO

Go to mijn.rvo.nl and log in with DigiD. Navigate to the ISDE subsidy section. Fill in the application form and upload your documents. The form asks for the type of measure, model number, installation date, invoice details, and property information.

Allow 20-30 minutes if you have everything prepared.

Step 6: Wait for assessment

RVO reviews your application. Average processing time in 2026 is 8-13 weeks. During peak periods (September-December) it can take up to 16 weeks. You will not receive status updates in between. Patience is required.

Step 7: Receive your subsidy

After approval, the subsidy is deposited into your bank account within 4-6 weeks. You receive a formal decision letter via Mijn RVO.

Total timeline from installation to payment: approximately 12-20 weeks.

Municipal subsidies: extra money on top of ISDE

Many Dutch municipalities offer their own heat pump subsidies in addition to the national ISDE. These vary significantly and change frequently.

Examples in 2026:

• Amsterdam: The Amsterdams Warmtefonds offers additional funding for lower-income households, up to 2,500 euros.
• Utrecht: The Utrechtse Energiesubsidie: up to 1,000 euros extra when combining a heat pump with insulation.
• Rotterdam: The Rotterdams Energietransitiefonds: contributions up to 1,500 euros for households in designated neighbourhoods.
• Groningen: Extra allowance for homes with earthquake damage transitioning to heat pumps.

These municipal subsidies can be stacked with the ISDE. In Amsterdam, you could theoretically receive 2,500 (municipal) + 3,500 (ISDE) = 6,000 euros for a hybrid heat pump.

Always check your municipality's website or call their sustainability desk (duurzaamheidsloket). Programmes change throughout the year.

Common mistakes that get applications rejected

Thousands of ISDE applications are rejected every year. Most rejections are avoidable.

Mistake 1: Applying before installation. The most common error. You can only apply after the heat pump is installed and paid for. An order confirmation or quote is not sufficient.

Mistake 2: Model not on the equipment list. Not every heat pump qualifies. Check the exact model number (not just the brand name) on the RVO list before purchasing. A Daikin Altherma 3 R in 5 kW might be listed while the 4 kW variant is not.

Mistake 3: Incomplete invoice. The invoice must include the installer's VAT number, the exact model number, the installation date, and a breakdown of material and labour costs. Missing any of these? Rejection.

Mistake 4: Applying too late. You have 24 months after installation to apply. Sounds generous, but people miss this deadline more often than you would think. Do not postpone.

Mistake 5: New construction. Homes with a building permit issued after 1 January 2018 do not qualify. Even if you are replacing a previously installed system.

Mistake 6: Installation by a non-certified installer. RVO checks whether the installer holds the required certifications. A handyman who "also does heat pumps" does not qualify. Choose an installer with at minimum F-gas certification. Browse certified installers in our directory.

Combining with other financial schemes

The ISDE does not stand alone. You can combine it with other programmes.

Nationaal Warmtefonds (National Heat Fund): Not a subsidy but a low-interest loan (3.5-4.5%) for sustainable home improvements. Maximum 25,000 euros. Useful if you cannot pay the full investment upfront.

Municipal SPUK funding: Some municipalities receive national funds through the SPUK mechanism to accelerate the heat transition. This results in local subsidies stackable with ISDE.

Energy label improvement bonus: Combine the heat pump with insulation (roof, wall, floor, glazing) and jump two or more energy label steps for an additional ISDE bonus.

Net metering (salderingsregeling): If you have solar panels, the net metering scheme still applies fully in 2026, though it will be phased out in subsequent years. Combined with a heat pump, solar panels make the electricity cost of running the heat pump close to zero. More details in our solar panel guide.

Budget availability: will the money run out?

The ISDE has an annual budget set by the government. In 2025, the total ISDE budget was approximately 500 million euros. For 2026, the budget has been increased as part of the Klimaatakkoord (Climate Agreement).

To date, the budget has never been exhausted before year-end. But demand for heat pumps is growing. The advice: do not wait until December. The sooner you install and apply, the more certain your subsidy.

Key takeaways

• ISDE subsidy for 2026: 2,500-5,000 euros depending on heat pump type and capacity.
• Apply after installation via Mijn RVO using DigiD.
• The heat pump must be on the ISDE equipment list and installed by a certified professional.
• Municipal subsidies are stackable -- check your local options.
• Common pitfalls: applying too early, incomplete invoices, unlisted models.
• Timeline from application to payment: 12-20 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How much ISDE subsidy do I get for a hybrid heat pump?

A base amount of 2,500 euros plus a per-kW bonus. In practice, this works out to 2,500-3,500 euros for a typical hybrid heat pump, depending on its capacity.

Do I apply for the subsidy before or after installation?

After installation. The ISDE is a reimbursement scheme: the heat pump must be installed, operational, and paid for before you submit your application. You have 24 months after installation to apply.

How long does it take to receive my ISDE subsidy?

On average 12-20 weeks from application to payment. RVO assessment takes 8-13 weeks, followed by payment within 4-6 weeks after approval.

Can I get ISDE subsidy for an air conditioning unit?

No. Air-to-air heat pumps (split-unit airco systems) are not eligible for ISDE subsidy. Only hybrid, air-to-water, and ground source heat pumps qualify.

Do I need to speak Dutch to apply?

The Mijn RVO portal is primarily in Dutch. While some pages have English translations, the ISDE application form itself is in Dutch. If you are not comfortable with Dutch, ask your installer for help -- many are accustomed to assisting expat customers -- or have a Dutch-speaking friend assist you.

Can I stack municipal and national subsidies?

Yes, these are generally stackable. Some municipalities have specific conditions, so always verify with your local gemeente before assuming.

What if my application is rejected?

You can file an objection (bezwaar) with RVO within 6 weeks of the rejection notice. Often the issue is missing documentation that can be supplemented. Check the rejection reason carefully and resubmit if possible.

Can I get subsidy for a second heat pump at the same address?

Per property, you can claim ISDE for one heat pump. If you have already received ISDE for a heat pump at the same address, you generally cannot claim again -- unless the new installation is a different type (for example, switching from hybrid to all-electric when going fully gas-free).

Ready to start your application?

The first step is choosing the right heat pump with the right installer. On warmtepompkiezen.nl, you can compare 623 certified installers across the Netherlands. Many of them assist with the ISDE paperwork as part of their service.

Find an installer near you

Related articles

• What does a heat pump cost in the Netherlands in 2026?
• Finding a certified heat pump installer in the Netherlands
• Hybrid vs all-electric heat pump: how to choose