Guide to finding a job

How to find a job in Amsterdam

Whether you’ve moved for love or labour, finding a job in a foreign country is a challenge – but with the right help, it’s very doable. The unemployment rate in the Netherlands is one of the lowest in the EU. And the Amsterdam Area is home to a growing community of internationals, some 257,000 of whom have already set up professional camp in the city and surrounding region.

This guide will walk you through how to find a job in the Netherlands and, more specifically, the process of finding a job with employers in the Amsterdam Area. For information on other ways of working, head to our resources on freelancing, getting a special residence permit for essential start-up employees , launching a business or working in Amsterdam’s thriving startup ecosystem. 

Things to arrange before starting your job search

Migrants from the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not require a visa, residence permit or work permit to live and work in the Netherlands.

If you are from a country outside the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you may need a separate work permit as well as a residence permit. However, this depends on your personal circumstances – in some cases, a residence permit is sufficient as it includes the right to work. The conditions can vary depending on your reason of residence. For example, recent graduates can apply for an orientation-year permit that gives them time to find employment in the Netherlands.

If you are in the Netherlands on a partner residence permit, your permit will state whether you are permitted to work. Partners of Dutch citizens may work without restriction. In other cases, you usually have the same employment rights as the partner your permit is tied to. There can be exceptions to this. For example, the partners of those holding a combined residence and work permit might require a separate work permit from an employer.

There is also a special option for highly skilled employees from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland. The highly skilled migrant procedure is a means to apply for a residence permit prior to arriving or during the stay in the Netherlands. The application process is initiated by the employer. The employer must be recognised as a sponsor by the IND. IN Amsterdam helps individuals and companies organise the process to reduce the administrative burden.

Recruitment agencies in the Amsterdam Area

Recruitment agencies (uitzendbureaus) are located all around the region and include international organisations such as Kelly Services and Adecco. Agencies tend to specialise in either temporary jobs or permanent positions, so it’s always good to check if an agency matches your needs. Several agencies recruit for vacancies that do not require speaking Dutch, although learning the local language can help your career.

EURES: job orientation and career advice

EURES, an IN Amsterdam partner, also offers a host of services for English-speaking job-seekers. EURES is an EU agency set up specifically to help job seekers find work – and employers recruit – across Europe. In cooperation with IN Amsterdam, EURES offers help with orientation on the Dutch labour market through free workshops and one-on-one sessions. This is directed at spouses and partners of highly skilled migrants, researchers, self-employed people, startup-permit holders and all EU citizens. In addition, EURES provides free personal advice on how to find and apply for a job, as well as guidance on employment rights. 

Residents of the Amsterdam Area with valid residence permits or work permits (geldige tewerkstellingsvergunning voor Nederland) can book a free one-on-one appointment and apply for workshops.

Browse a full list of all IN Amsterdam partners here. 

UWV: Public Employment services

The public employment service, UWV WERKbedrijf, plays an important role in the Dutch labour market. There are branches located throughout the city with specialists on hand to offer advice and information to job seekers. Through an extensive network of partner sites and recruitment agencies, most vacancies registered with these partners are also registered in the UWV’s online job database. Drop by in person or search for vacancies online  (shown in several languages depending on your keyword search). The UWV also offers lots of English-language information on working in the Netherlands for EU citizens on its website.

Network to find a job

Strike up professional networks (and possibly make friends) by joining groups and clubs  – it’s often easier to find a job through contacts or word-of-mouth. Amsterdam's international community is tight-knit, making for many positive encounters and acquaintances.

Take the initiative

To apply for work at a particular company that currently has no vacancies, send an unsolicited application – employers often appreciate the initiative. First, find a contact person at the company of choice (e.g. in the HR department), so the application is addressed to a particular person.

Tailor your CV

When applying for a job, make sure your CV and cover letter (motivatiebrief) are tailored to the role. An extra pointer: employers in the Netherlands often like hearing about hobbies and additional interests, so don’t be afraid to include them.

Volunteering as a way into work

Volunteering can be a great way into paid employment in the Netherlands, as well as providing you with some valuable experience. You’ll make contacts and find out more about what Dutch employers are looking for. There are over 1,000 volunteering opportunities available for non-Dutch speakers through various initiatives such as the VCA (Vrijwilligerscentrale Amsterdam), which has several locations in Amsterdam.

Adjusting to a Dutch work environment

Moving to a new country without a job in place can feel like a daunting prospect. This is especially true if you have been enjoying a successful career in your own country and don't want to sacrifice your own goals or career prospects for the move. To get an idea of what to expect, watch our introduction video on the Dutch work environment.

Protect yourself from exploitation at the workplace

If you’re new to the Amsterdam Area, you may not be aware of the laws that are designed to keep you safe from workplace exploitation in the Netherlands. Start protecting yourself by researching your rights and obligations.

For personal information and assistance, we recommend reaching out to the IN Amsterdam partner ACCESS, a non-profit organisation committed to supporting internationals. Its free services are available online and at their help desk at the IN Amsterdam office.

If you have experienced employment exploitation, contact FairWork, an organisation providing confidential advice on Dutch labour laws and offering support to guide you through the appropriate actions.