Subsidy

Language-skilled employees make the difference. Discover how subsidies for Dutch as a second language courses can support your organization.

Disclaimer: De informatie over subsidiemogelijkheden is met zorg samengesteld en gebaseerd op de op dit moment beschikbare gegevens. Subsidievoorwaarden, regelingen en vereisten kunnen echter op elk moment wijzigen. Aan de verstrekte informatie kunnen geen rechten worden ontleend. Wij aanvaarden geen enkele aansprakelijkheid voor eventuele fouten, verouderde informatie of gevolgen van het gebruik van deze informatie. Wij adviseren altijd om bij de betreffende subsidieverstrekker de meest actuele voorwaarden en eisen te controleren.

What language subsidies are available for business language training in 2025?

We are regularly asked what subsidy options exist for business language training. Think of HR managers who would like to support their employees in their language development, but at the same time are looking for ways to keep the net costs manageable.

In 2025, various subsidies will again be available that can reimburse a (large) part of the training costs. These schemes make it more attractive for organizations to invest in language skills in the workplace - whether it concerns Dutch as a second language (NT2), communication skills or subject-specific language use.

Spreek je Nederlands?

Dutch Language Budget Subsidy via Doorzaam

Via Doorzaam, employment agencies can apply for the Dutch Language Budget: a financial contribution of up to €1,500 (excluding VAT) for language courses aimed at improving the Dutch language skills of temporary workers. Both individual training and group courses are eligible, as long as the aim is to improve language proficiency in the workplace.

This scheme is intended for training courses that are not normally offered as standard by the employment agency or client. It is therefore not permitted to use the budget for a course that was already provided for the temporary worker.

Employment agencies can apply for the budget for temporary workers who do not yet have sufficient command of the Dutch language. Asylum seekers in mediation – i.e. without an active working relationship – will also be eligible from 3 June 2023. In that case, submitting a pay slip with the declaration is not required. The condition is that there is a prospect of future placement in work.

The Dutch Language Budget may also be used for status holders who have not yet started their integration process, as long as it does not concern lessons aimed at the NT2 exam or the integration course itself. These components are financed from other regulations.

RAS subsidy: support for language development in the cleaning sector

For employers and employees in the cleaning sector, there is an attractive subsidy scheme via the RAS (Council for Labor Relations in the Cleaning and Window Cleaning Sector).

This scheme has been specifically set up to give employees the opportunity to improve their Dutch language and writing skills during working hours. The subsidy is based on agreements laid down in the 2019–2021 collective labor agreement, and has been made structurally available since January 1, 2021.

Employers can apply for a maximum compensation of €3,875 per employee for each completed language course. This compensation is intended to cover both training costs and lost hours. Please note: the employer remains responsible for organizing the training and facilitating the lessons during working hours.

Curious about how your organization can use this scheme? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to think along with you and support you with both the subsidy application and the set-up of an effective language course for your employees.

SLIM scheme – Subsidy for learning and development within MKB

The SLIM scheme (Stimuleringsregeling Leren en Ontwikkeling in MKB-bedrijven) is intended to stimulate learning and development within SMEs. The subsidy is available for individual SMEs, partnerships within SMEs and large companies in the agricultural, hospitality and recreational sectors.

Employers can also use this scheme again in 2025. Please note: an organisation may only submit one application per application period. The registration dates are as follows:

SME companies: applications possible in March and September
Partnerships in SMEs: applications possible in June and July
Large companies in agriculture, hospitality or recreational sectors: applications possible in June and July

The subsidy percentage is 60% of the eligible costs. For small companies (fewer than 50 employees) this percentage is even 80%.

Colland Labor Market – for the agricultural and green sectors

Employers in sectors such as Flower Bulb Wholesale, Forest and Nature, Animal Husbandry, Greenhouse Horticulture, Green Fodder Dryers, Gardeners and Cultivation can apply for subsidies for language training, among other things, via Colland Labor Market.

Up to 75% of the costs of a business language training are reimbursed. More information can be found on the Colland Labor Market website.

Handel Groeit – for fruit and vegetable trade

In the wholesale of fruit and vegetables, Handel Groeit offers a subsidy of 40% on the costs of language training. An annual allowance of up to €1,000 is available per employee.

This scheme is specifically aimed at improving language skills within the sector and strengthening communication on the work floor.

OOM – Metalworking Training and Development

For companies in the metalworking sector that are affiliated with OOM, there is the possibility to use various training subsidies, including a personal training allowance.

This compensation covers a maximum of 50% of the costs, with a maximum of €800 per employee. The exact conditions and application procedures can be found via OOM.