🇳🇱 Netherlands - Employment

The information on this page was collected from public resources.

What documents do I need to work in this country?

As per 1 April 2022, new rules apply for refugees from Ukraine who want to work in the Netherlands. Ukrainian refugees now no longer need to obtain a work permit before working in the Netherlands. These rules derive from the Temporary Protection Directive.

In order to obtain a compliant employment contract, refugees from Ukraine must show a document from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to their employer to prove that they are covered by the Temporary Protection Directive. Not every refugee has a document from the INS yet. Therefore, an exemption applies until 1 September 2022 (the transition period) for all Ukrainians who can prove their nationality with, for example, a passport. It is possible that the transition period will be extended.

The exemption as mentioned above applies to the following persons:

Persons with the Ukrainian nationality who:

resided in Ukraine on 23 February 2022;
fled Ukraine on or after 27 November 2021 due to increased tensions or were on the territory of the European Union on or after 27 November 2021 (e.g. for holiday or work);
are able to demonstrate that in the period prior to 27 November 2021 they already resided in the Netherlands, for example, because of a previously submitted asylum application that was terminated on the basis of a regular residence permit or a residence permit.

Stateless persons or non-European Union nationals with a nationality other than Ukrainian who:

were granted international protection or equivalent national protection in Ukraine on 23 February 2022;
had a (different) valid Ukrainian residence permit on 23 February 2022.

Family members of the above-named persons:

married or unmarried partner with whom a lasting relationship is maintained;
minor unmarried children (born in or out of wedlock or adopted);
other close relatives who lived with the family and who are wholly or mainly dependent.

Note that when refugees from Ukraine start working, they must have health insurance for the time being. If they are not granted health insurance, a fine may follow.

Where can I search for a job?

As a refugee, you can get a job via the regular private routes (e.g. via employment agencies). From 1 July 2022, refugees with the Ukrainian nationality can also be assisted by the UWV and municipalities in finding a job. Also, if you want to know if you are entitled to a benefit, to apply for it or if you have questions about illness during employment you can contact this government institution . At this moment refugees without the Ukrainian nationality cannot be assisted by the UWV.

On this website provides information and advice on working in the Netherlands. You can go there with all your questions about finding a job, or if you want to know whether you are entitled to unemployment benefits.

Refugee Start Force is a community and recruitment network that helps job seeking refugees to get in touch with employers.

The Refugee Talent Hub brings together employers and job seekers with a refugee background. Together with employers, they organize activities that increase your chances on the labour market.

Stagemarkt.nl shows which companies in the area have room for an intern or apprentice. Website is only available in Dutch.

NewBees guides newcomers (refugees) to find their place in the Netherlands. They do this by offering e.g., traineeships and workshops.

Duizend1 is an employment agency for refugees.

UA talents matches refugees who are looking for a job with employers.

Heroyam is an employment agency that aims to help refugees from Ukraine find their place in society by offering them employment.

Many universities and academic institutions are doing their best to create jobs for refugees from Ukraine. Here are a few websites where you can find an overview of the options:

Factcards lists a number of options for jobs, including local initiatives.
At Euraxess you will find many options, from teaching to researching.
On Scienceforukraine you can select the Netherlands and find vacancies.

On the website Meesterbaan you can find all vacancies in education for refugees from Ukraine. You can sort by function and location among other things. Keep in mind that some vacancies ask for a teaching qualification and knowledge of the Dutch language.

Are there any services available to help me find a job?