› Citizens of any EU / EEA country or Switzerland are eligible to work in the Netherlands without any permit, according to the "Freedom of movement" for workers.
› If you have Bulgarian or Romanian nationality, you are obliged to get a work permit even if you do not need a residence permit to live in the Netherlands. The employer needs to apply for a work permit at the Dutch employment authorities (CWI) and go through a quite complex procedure in order to get the green light for hiring a Bulgarian or Romanian expat.
However, if you have been working for one year in the Netherlands with a work permit or as a highly skilled immigrant, you are eligible for the same rights as EU citizens. As a result, you can work in the Netherlands without a work permit.
› Non-EU students, who wish to work in the Netherlands, are obliged to apply for a work permit. The work permit will be free of charge but according to the Dutch Law there are two employment options:
- full-time work during the summer period (June - August)
- part-time work (no more than 10 hours per week) for a whole year
› EU students do not have any working restrictions.
› Nationals of Canada, Australia and New Zealand between 18 and 30 years old can apply for the "Working Holiday Scheme" in their own country and thus, they will not need a work permit. The only requirement is to be able to financially support themselves by living and working in the Netherlands.
› If you are a highly skilled employee then you can get permission to work in the Netherlands, regardless your nationality. Partners and children of the highly skilled immigrants will also be allowed to work here. Learn about the requirements for highly skilled immigrants here.
