Work Permits in the Netherlands
Information on the legal requirements for working in the Netherlands...
Employment law in the Netherlands is strictly regulated, with laws tending to protect the worker.
Legal Requirements for Employment: EU/EEA citizens
European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens, except for the newly accepted EU countries, may work in the Netherlands without restrictions.
- EU/EEA countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Greece, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Cyprus, Malta, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia
- New EU countries (Bulgaria and Romania): As of November 2008, citizens of Bulgaria and Romania may not work in the Netherlands free of restrictions, although they are allowed to reside in the Netherlands
- Non EU-citizens: It is difficult for a non-EU citizen to obtain a work permit for the Netherlands. There are specific requirements and procedures accompanied by lengthy waiting periods.
Legal Requirements for Employment: Non-EU citizens
A non-EU citizen may work in the Netherlands under the following circumstances:
Spouse/Partnership: If the non-EU national has a spouse or partner who is a citizen of an EU country and is living and working in the Netherlands. The non-EU citizen must prove that they are in a relationship and that the EU partner accepts financial responsibility for them. If the relationship comes to an end, the work permit is withdrawn.
Direct application through a company: A non-EU citizen can obtain a work permit directly through a company if the company is willing to hire them. This process is difficult as the company must prove that it is in its best interests to hire the candidate above all other Dutch and EU candidates. The company must also prove that the job has been advertised for at least six weeks, Dutch and EU candidates have been interviewed, and that the non-EU candidate is the best candidate for the job. If a work permit is obtained through a company, this work permit is bound to the position and company. If the employee stops working for that company, the permit will no longer be valid.
Note: in this case you would be hired as a Knowledge Migrant.
Knowledge Migrant (Kennismigrant): A non-EU citizen may qualify as a highly skilled migrant coming to the Netherlands for the purpose of employment. They must receive a salary above a minimum requirement in order to qualify.
- A candidate under the age of 30 must earn a minimum gross salary of €36.801 per year (2010)
- A candidate over the age of 30 must earn a minimum gross salary of €50.183 per year (2010)
The income requirements do not apply if employment is with an educational or research institute, or for a postgraduate student or university lecturer under the age of 30.
A spouse or partner of a Knowledge Migrant is free to work in the Netherlands without restrictions.
Graduate: Graduates who completed their studies in the Netherlands can also obtain a work permit as a Knowledge Migrant within the first year of graduation. This is also based on salary; the minimum yearly wage must be at least €26.376 gross in order to qualify for this permit.
Working Holiday Scheme: The working holiday scheme enables Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to work in the Netherlands for up to one year.
A working holiday scheme can be arranged via the Dutch Embassy in the student's country. Those qualifying under the Working Holiday Scheme must register with the Foreign Police in the Netherlands within three days of arrival to certify the permit.
- For more information, see the website of the Dutch Naturalisation and Immigration Office: Click here
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