Job searching in the Netherlands for international students

This page provides information for international students who want to work in the Netherlands.

Regulations

If you are an European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) member, you can work in the Netherlands without restrictions. If you come from outside the EU/EEA, you need to have a work permit and sometimes you need additional insurance. The Student Service Centre can inform you about the specific regulations that apply to you.

Orientation year

If you are an international student (non-EU) and you want to look for work in the Netherlands after your graduation, doctorate or research, then you need an ‘orientation year’ residence permit.

Find out what the requirements are and how to apply for the residence permit via:

Recognised sponsors

View a list of recognised sponsors (employers that hire internationals with the residence purpose ‘Labour’).

Helpful websites

For reliable and up-to-date information about working in the Netherlands, visit:

Other helpful websites:

Working while studying

If you want to work alongside your studies while staying in the Netherlands, there are some things to keep in mind. Do you need a work permit when you are self-employed? How about when you do an internship? And how many hours are you allowed to work as an international student? In their flyer Working while studying in the Netherlands the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment answers these questions and more. 

Insurance during a paid internship or job

Please be informed that if you are employed in the Netherlands, you are required to take out a Dutch Basic Health insurance.

You can apply for a Dutch Basic Health insurance online through AON:

Learning the Dutch language

If you want to stay in the Netherlands, we advise you to learn the Dutch language, this increases your chances of finding a job. Here you can find some options for learning Dutch: