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Work path

Work in the Netherlands

Finding work here, whether you are in the Netherlands already or applying from abroad. It keeps apart two questions that are easy to mix up: finding a job, and whether you need an employer who can sponsor your permit.

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Your situation

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Showing all 25 steps.

  1. 1

    Know your route

    Settle what you are allowed to do before you spend time applying.

    1. Lost a sponsored job? Protect your residence first

      A highly skilled migrant permit is tied to your employer. When the job ends you have a limited period to find a new sponsor, so start here before general job hunting.

      In the system:Highly skilled migrant permit

    2. Check whether you can claim unemployment benefit

      Apply quickly: the benefit depends on how long you worked and when you register.

    3. Work out whether you need sponsorship

      EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and people on some residence permits can work for any employer. Others need an employer who can sponsor a work permit.

      In the system:Recognised sponsor

    4. Recent graduate? Look at the orientation year

      A one-year permit to look for work after graduating, with no restrictions on the work you may do while it runs.

      In the system:Orientation year

    5. Changing employer on a sponsored permit

      Your permit can continue if the conditions are still met. You and your new employer both notify the IND, so check the conditions before you resign.

      In the system:Highly skilled migrant permit

  2. 2

    Prepare

    Make your experience easy for a Dutch employer to read.

    1. Write a Dutch-style CV

      Short, factual and tailored to each role.

      In the system:Job search

    2. Get your diploma evaluated if employers ask

      A credential evaluation states which Dutch level your foreign diploma compares to.

      In the system:Diploma evaluation

  3. 3

    Find the right employers

    Search broadly, and target sponsors if you need one.

    1. Search for roles as an international

      Combine direct applications, referrals and recruiters rather than relying on job boards alone.

      In the system:Job search

    2. If you need sponsorship, target recognised sponsors

      Only employers on the IND's public register can sponsor a highly skilled migrant. Check an employer before you invest in an application.

      In the system:Recognised sponsor

    3. Get help from organisations that support internationals

      Career services, expat centres and networks that help with the search.

  4. 4

    Apply and interview

    Check the offer before you accept it.

    1. Check your employment contract before you sign

      What to look for in the contract, and what to ask about before you accept.

      In the system:Employment contract

    2. Check the offer meets the sponsored-permit salary

      A highly skilled migrant permit has a minimum salary, and the level depends on your age and situation.

      In the system:Highly skilled migrant permit

    3. Get a VOG if the employer asks for one

      Some roles need a certificate of conduct before you can start.

  5. 5

    Permit and transition

    The paperwork between accepting an offer and starting the job.

    1. Your employer applies for your permit

      As a recognised sponsor, your employer submits the highly skilled migrant application. You supply the documents.

      In the system:Highly skilled migrant permitRecognised sponsor

    2. If the role is not highly skilled, check the single permit

      Other sponsored jobs usually need a combined residence and work permit, the GVVA.

    3. Arrange your entry visa

      Many nationalities need a provisional residence permit (MVV) to travel here. Your employer can apply for it together with the residence permit.

    4. Take a TB test if your permit requires one

      Depending on your nationality, your permit may carry a tuberculosis test condition.

    5. Ask about the 30% ruling

      If you are recruited from abroad, your employer may be able to pay part of your salary without payroll tax. You apply together.

  6. 6

    Start and settle

    Your first weeks in the job, and in the country if you are new here.

    1. Register at your municipality and get a BSN

      Your employer needs your BSN to pay you.

      In the system:Municipality registrationBSN

    2. Plan your first 90 days

      Which registrations come first, and which can wait.

    3. Open a bank account

      Your salary is paid into it, so arrange it early.

      In the system:Bank account

    4. Get a DigiD

      Your login for government services, including the tax office.

      In the system:DigiD

    5. Take out Dutch health insurance

      Almost everyone who lives or works here must have Dutch basic health insurance.

      In the system:Health insurance

    6. Know your rights at work

      What you are entitled to as an employee, and where to go when something is wrong.

      In the system:Employment contract

    7. File your tax return

      Not everyone has to, but you must if the tax office asks, and filing can be worth it in the year you arrive.

      In the system:Tax return