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working in the netherlands as a refugee.

It’s heartbreaking to leave your home in times of war. In the beginning you probably don’t even want to think about work at all, but after a while it might help to find some distraction and meet new people. Randstad helps refugees to find work in the Netherlands. Learn more about working as a refugee on this page.
find a job

► To qualify for a job, it is required to have good knowledge of the English, Dutch or German language. 

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who are we?

We are a Dutch recruitment agency. Our job is to find jobs for people. Due to our large network, we find work that fits your talent, passion and education. If you get a job via Randstad, you'll be working for a client, but you'll be employed by us. You can also be placed directly with a client through our recruitment and selection department. 

working in the netherlands: what requirements are needed?

As an asylum seeker in the Netherlands, you are allowed to work for 24 weeks a year. Your asylum application must be pending for at least 6 weeks. You also need an established employment permit (a TWV in Dutch). Check the Dutch Government website for more information about the TVW. 

Furthermore, you need to speak English, German or Dutch. The main reason for this requirement is safety: you must be able to understand the work instructions. Randstad offers a bunch of language courses, which help you improve your language skills faster.

Are you fluent in English in combination with German, Frensh, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish? Check Randstad Multilingual.

what do you need to work as a refugee in the netherlands?

  • you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP)
  • you have a document showing that you may be in the Netherlands
  • proof of your nationality. For example, a passport or a statement from the Ukranian embassy
  • mandatory health insurance
  • a bank account
go to the ind website

special permit for ukraine

The EU has activated a 'Temporary Protection Directive' for Ukraine. This includes that every Ukrainian refugee receives a document from the IND, stating that they will receive a residence permit, housing and a work permit. These permits are valid until at least April 2023. 

Not every Ukrainian refugee has yet received this document. Therefore, until the 30th of May 2022, Ukrainian refugees don’t need an employment permit to work in the Netherlands. This applies to anyone who can show a Ukrainian passport or identity card. 

Unfortunately, this doesn’t apply to so-called third country nationals. After the 30th of May, every new Ukrainian refugee must possess the IND-document to apply for a job. For all the requirements, visit the IND website.

working in the netherlands

Are you looking for a job in the Netherlands? Or do you have other questions we can help you with? You can contact us and we will discuss the possibilities.

► To qualify for a job, it is required to have good knowledge of the English, Dutch or German language. 

The contact information depends on the area of the Netherlands you're looking for a job in:

 

dutch language courses

Do you want to learn the Dutch language? We offer a couple of language courses, all free of charge. Choose one of the courses from our “All You Can Learn” programme and start right away. You can choose between the following courses:

  • e-learning - Dutch for non natives: this course helps you make your first steps in learning Dutch. Expand your vocabulary and learn to make simple phrases. Are you interested? The e-learning is facilitated by Online Academy, and can be requested by visiting our portal.

  • self study programme - Dutch for non natives: educational institutions LOI and NTI offer a Dutch language programme which you can follow in your own time.

  • intensive (virtual) classroom programme: via our portal, STE languages and NTI offer intensive Dutch programmes for non-native speakers. You can choose to follow these courses in a classroom with others, in virtual small groups or one-on-one with an online trainer. The latter is very suitable for higher educated people.

training courses in english

  • every Goodhabitz course can also be followed in English or Polish. Goodhabitz offers training courses in Microsoft Excel, sleeping well, mindfulness, dealing with stress and much more!

  • besides, we offer multiple Online Academy training courses in English. By example: getting ready for your job interview, preparing for a pitch, computer programming, big data and Lean and Prince.

frequently asked questions

  • can refugees work in the netherlands?

    Yes, but you have to request a work permit. There are some requirements you have to meet in order to get this permit. Click here for more information about these requirements. Are you a Ukrainian refugee? Then you don’t need a work permit if you entered the country before the 30th of May 2022. If you enter the country after that date, you’ll receive a special IND-permit. Read more about this special permit here.

  • do you need an employment permit to work in the netherlands?

    All nationalities, except for Ukraine, need a work permit to get a job in the Netherlands. Ukrainian refugees can work without a permit until the 30th of May 2022. After that date, every Ukrainian refugee receives a document from the IND, stating that they will receive a residence permit, housing and a work permit. Learn more about this special permit.

  • what do you need to work as a refugee in the netherlands?

    To get a job as a refugee in the Netherlands, you have to speak the English, German or Dutch language. This has to do with safety protocol. You also have to have a BSN number. Besides that, you have to meet some more conditions. Read more about these conditions here.

  • will a ukrainian refugee lose their living allowance if they start working?

    Yes, you will lose your living allowance if you start working as a refugee. You have to report this to the municipality. After that, your living allowance will expire a month later. Do you want more information about working in the Netherlands as a refugee? Read more about this here.

  • can ukrainian freelancers work without an employment permit?

    No, the exemption of work permits only applies to Ukrainian refugees who are also salaried employees. As a freelancer, you have to request a TWV-permit to work in the Netherlands. Want to learn more about working in the Netherlands as a Ukrainian refugee? Read everything about it here.

  • is a ukrainian driver’s license valid in the netherlands?

    In the Netherlands, only Driver’s licenses from the EU are valid. Since Ukraine is not a member of the EU, your driver’s license will expire in 185 days. As a trucker, you need to possess an EU-established C/CE driver’s including a code 95 certificate. A Ukrainian driver's license does not meet this requirement. It is also not exchangeable for a Dutch driving license. For more information about working in the Netherlands as a Ukrainian refugee, read this.

  • I need refugee help in the netherlands

    You have just arrived in the Netherlands as a refugee. A very overwhelming moment and you need help. Where to start? We are an employment agency offering you all the help you need in finding a job in the Netherlands.