work permit

Citizens of the existing EU countries prior to May 2004 and EEA countries do not need a work permit in order to work in the Netherlands. Although the founding charter of the EU guarantees the free movement of labour within the Union, the Dutch government has decided to retain the work permit system for citizens of the eight Eastern and Central European nations joining. Citizens from Malta and Cyprus are exempt from the need to obtain a work permit.

Countries that do not need a work permit are: the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Greece, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Cyprus, Malta. All other nationalities with a Dutch or EU partner, living and working in the Netherlands can apply directly for a residence and work permit. Once you receive your permit check that it states arbeid is vrij toegestaan en een tewerkstellingsvergunning is niet vereist (working is permitted and a work permit is not required).

If you do not have a partner, then your future employer will have to apply for a work permit for you which can take some time as the employer seeking a work permit must show that unsuccessful attempts were made to find a suitable Dutch or EEA candidate for the position.

It is considerably more difficult for non EU citizens who want to work in the Netherlands. There are two ways of obtaining a work permit. Firstly, via a spouse of partner who is working and living in the Netherlands. A non-EU partner with a valid work permit may also shorten the process. Secondly, your future employer will have to apply for a work permit for you as above. The work permit is company related and is not automatically transferred if you move to another company.

Unfortunately, recruitment agencies such as Adams’ Multilingual Recruitment cannot apply for work permits.

This scheme gives young people between the ages of 18 – 30 who are from Canada, Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to live and work in The Netherlands for up to a year. Officially residence/work permits can be issued upon arrival in the Netherlands, however experience has shown that the process is made a lot easier by obtaining a MVV at the Dutch embassy in the country of origin. The visa is valid for 12 months and starts upon entry to the EU.

Contact the IND for further information. www.ind.nl