Current status
The 2026 application period ran from 8 June 2026 to 30 September 2026 inclusive and is closed. New application periods will also open in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Grant for employers of asylum residence permit holders
SOWIS grant
SOWIS supports employers who employ asylum residence permit holders on a lasting basis. The grant is intended for additional workplace support, including job-specific Dutch, organisational culture and an induction or buddy programme.
Wondering whether you can benefit from this grant?
€3,000 per asylum residence permit holder
In 2026, the grant is €3,000 per asylum residence permit holder employed.
Up to €24,000
A maximum of €24,000 applies per application.
First application + €3,000
First-time SOWIS applicants receive a one-off additional €3,000 for development costs.
2026 closed
The round from 8 June to 30 September 2026 inclusive is closed; new application periods will follow in 2027–2029.
What financial support can SOWIS provide?
The grant amount is intended for the entire additional support plan. It therefore does not automatically provide €3,000 solely for language training.
1 asylum residence permit holder
€3,000 grant.
A first application includes a one-off additional €3,000 development contribution.
2 asylum residence permit holders
€6,000 grant.
For a first application, the total may be €9,000.
5 asylum residence permit holders
€15,000 grant.
For a first application, the total may be €18,000.
Maximum
€24,000 per application. Because of the cap, a first-time applicant receiving the extra €3,000 can include a maximum of 7 asylum residence permit holders at the full rate.
Who can use SOWIS?
The scheme is intended for employers who directly employ asylum residence permit holders on a lasting basis.
For the asylum residence permit holder
- a temporary or permanent asylum residence permit
- an employment contract for at least 20 hours per week
- an employment contract for at least 1 year
- employed for no more than 6 months at the time of application, or not previously employed in paid work by the employer
For the employer
- the asylum residence permit holder actually works for the employer’s own organisation
- no payroll employment arrangement or assignment to another employer
- an activity plan covering support, culture and job-specific language
- a de minimis declaration
- activities completed within a maximum of 2 years after the grant is awarded
How to prepare a SOWIS application
1
Check the target group
Check residence status, contract duration, working hours and how long the asylum residence permit holder has been employed.
2
Develop the support plan
Describe job-specific language, organisational culture, induction, a buddy and a designated contact person.
3
Develop the language component
TTC can provide learning objectives, course format, hours, price and content for the language component.
4
Submit through UVB
Use the official templates, de minimis declaration and grant portal during an open application period.