The STAP (STimulering Arbeidsmarkt Position) program is designed to train or retrain people in the Netherlands so that they can do skilled work and earn more. Tuition is paid by government agencies. However, not all training courses are useful: for this reason, the government decided not to accept applications for STAP-budget in the January period (more on this decision here). The next application period starts on February 28, 2023: applications will be accepted, but the requirements for training courses and instructors will be tightened.
From February 28, 2023, the following restrictions come into force:
- One instructor will not be able to receive more than 300 government appropriations during the year.
- The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment will be able to remove programs and instructors from the STAP program if it detects abuse.
- Before disbursing public funds, instructors are required to review the requirements of the STAP program and formally declare that their training course complies with these requirements.
- Instructors who solicit trainees with gifts or travel must cease such activities or their courses will be removed from the STAP training register.
- After the end of each application period, details of the allocation of funds for specific training programs will be made public.
- The definition of “learning material” has been replaced in the regulations with “literature or resources”. Now you can get subsidies only for textbooks and safety manuals.
From May 1, 2023, an additional restriction is introduced: STAP-budget will be allocated only for classes according to an agreed program conducted by a specific teacher. Based on the results of training, the knowledge or skills acquired by the trainee should be checked. Lectures will no longer be funded through STAP-budget.
We remind you that from March 1, the period for filing tax returns for the last year begins! Order declaration or consultation from Nalog.nl specialists.
Publication Date: 22.02.2023
