Gemeente Wassenaar - Working in the Netherlands

Working in the Netherlands

Any citizen of an EEA member country can work and live in the Netherlands, though certain conditions must be met and exceptions might apply. Though there are numerous ways to find jobs, the Internet is becoming the dominant medium. 'Short and businesslike' are the keywords for your CV and application letter. In addition, the candidate's motivation is one of the basic selection criteria for Dutch recruiters. Last but not least: make sure to check if your educational diploma's and degree's are valid in the Netherlands.

Who can apply for jobs in the Netherlands?

EEA nationals

In principle, the EU & European Economic Area (EEA) allow for the free movement of money, goods, services and persons. This means that its inhabitants are allowed to live and work in any other member state. This free movement of persons already exists between most of the member states of the EU/EEA. These are currently: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Poland, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Citizen Service Number (formerly Sofinumber)

In order to work in the Netherlands you need a Citizen Service Number (Burger Servicenummer or, in short, BSN) after January 1st, 2007. This number means you are registered in the tax and social security system. You can apply for a Citizen Service Number at the local office of the Tax and Customs Administration.

If you work in paid employment, your employer will deduct social security contributions and tax from your wage and pay these amounts to the concerned authorities. This payment occurs in advance of the income tax return, which you have to complete once a year. For more information and the addresses of tax offices visit www.belastingdienst.nl or phone 0800 0543 (from the Netherlands) or +31 555 38 53 85 (from abroad).

Finding a job in the Netherlands

Personal contacts

Finding a job through personal contacts is quite common. Making contacts can be done in an informal way. It is not considered appropiate or polite to ask people directly for a job. Instead, just ask them for information and job opportunities. Do not hesitate to inquire or present yourself by phone.

Public Employment Service

The public employment service, CWI-Centre for Work and Income, plays an important role on the Dutch labour market. They assist people with finding a job, give advice and information and other help. Through an extensive network of partner sites and (temporary) employment agencies, most vacancies registered with these partners are also registered in CWI's online job database.

Temporary employment agencies

Private sector temporary employment agencies (uitzendbureaus) are widespread. Almost all occupations are represented by temporary employment agencies in the Netherlands. Please see the Yellow Pages and links below for addresses.

Media advertisements

Jobseekers should primarily consult Dutch newspapers for vacancies. NRC Handelsblad, de Volkskrant, de Telegraaf and Algemeen Dagblad all carry job offers in their Saturday editions as well as the Internet editions. Regional papers also publish vacancies, mainly on Saturday's and you can find vacancies in the Metro and Spits newspapers, which are free of charge and can be found in public transport facilities on a daily basis.

Internet

Internet is a common and an excellent tool for job hunting. There are many interesting Dutch sites on the Internet. On several sites you can register your CV in a job database. Employers often check them in search of new recruits.The EURES website specializes in pan-European job vacancies and is available in all major European languages. Please see the list of links below.

Speculative applications

Speculative applications are very common and often successful in the Netherlands. Even if the company has no vacancies at the time, they might still keep your application on file.

Important links

Employment Services

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment agencies for Non-Dutch speakers

 

Newspapers & magazines

 

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