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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

► Depending on the job requirements, you need to have good knowledge of the English or Dutch 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. Your asylum application must be pending for at least 6 months. You also need an established employment permit (a TWV in Dutch). Check the Dutch Government website for more information about the TWV. 

Depending on the job requirements, you need to speak English or Dutch. Being fluent in German could also be useful for some jobs. 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) and you have received a Dutch citizen service number (BSN)
  • 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
  • a work permit (TWV) via your employer, unless you are protected by the Temporary Protection Directive
go to the ind website

special permit for ukraine

Refugees from Ukraine can receive temporary protection in the Netherlands under the EU 'Temporary Protection Directive'. If you are protected by the EU Temporary Protection Directive, a sticker or card is proof of your residency. You are allowed to live and work in the Netherlands with your proof of residency. An employer is only obliged to report the refugee's work to the UWV, a specific work permit is unnecessary.

If you do not have Ukrainian nationality, but a temporary residence permit for Ukraine (third-country nationals), specific requirements apply. Visit the IND website to assess whether you fall under the protection of the EU Temporary Protection Directive.

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.

faq

  • 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. Anyone who can show a Ukrainian passport or identity card, who comes under the Temporary Protection Directive can work in the Netherlands without a work permit. 

  • 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. Anyone who can show a Ukrainian passport or identity card, who comes under the Temporary Protection Directive can work in the Netherlands without a work permit. Find more information on the IND website.

     

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

    To get a job as a refugee in the Netherlands, you need to speak English or Dutch. This has to do with safety protocol. 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 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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.