Careers for internationals

Are you new to the Dutch labor market, wondering where to start and which opportunities there are? Below, you will find some information and guidance to get acquainted with the Dutch labor market.

General information about working in the Netherlands

In the International Student Guide you can find, among others, tips and information about working in the Netherlands. Jobs | Holland Expat Center South is a site where you can navigate to all the English jobs and internships available in a region in the Netherlands. You are able to search through vacancies that are being added daily.

Other interesting sites

Working while studying in the Netherlands

Are you from outside the EU? If you want to work in combination with your studies, there are some things to keep in mind. Do you want more general information on rules, regulations and points of attention if you want to work in combination with your study program in the Netherlands? Check the website Working while studying.

My advice? Learn Dutch, so you can at least have a social talk in Dutch
Tilburg University alumnus working in the Netherlands

Working after studying in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Point of Entry (part of the RVO, Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland) offers information about various residence permits and the possibilities within the Netherlands after graduation. In addition, they are the point of contact about the various (visa) regulations.

Orientation year/ Search year visa

If you have graduated from a higher educational institution, obtained a PhD or performed scientific research you are allowed to spend a period of one year in the Netherlands to look for and carry out work here as a highly educated person. During this ‘Orientation Year’ (also known as search year), you can move freely on the Dutch labor market without an extra work permit and see what opportunities there are for you. You can apply for the orientation year visa within three years of obtaining your degree and you can apply multiple times, if you complete a second study or research, you are eligible again. However, the study or research must be in a different field than the first time.
You may accept any (temporary) job, including internships (paid or unpaid), during the orientation year. You may also work as a freelancer or start your own business. You have free access to the Dutch labor market, without restrictions.
Apply for an orientation year while your study permit is still running, this will prevent a residence gap. You can quickly and easily apply online using your DigiD, but you can contact Tilburg University's Immigration Office to help you.
Not only do graduates benefit from the orientation year, it is also of interest to employers. Recent graduates are motivated, highly educated workers who bring a fresh frame of reference into an organization. A company benefits from that. Moreover, it is financially attractive to hire someone with a orientation year visa: while the salary an organization offers must be appropriate, the salary requirement is lower than that for knowledge migrants. However, an organization must be admitted to the IND's knowledge migrant scheme; as many as 7,000 companies in the Netherlands already are. Check the IND website for more information.

On the website of the Netherlands Point of Entry you also find more information about:

Useful institutions

If you are an international student or recent graduate and you start looking for an internship or job in the Netherlands, there are a few things to bear in mind before applying and starting to work.

IND

The IND assesses applications of everyone who would like to live in the Netherlands. If you have questions about your residence permit, visa or the orientation year, contact the IND.

Zorgverzekeringslijn (health insurance)

If you have questions about the Dutch health insurance system and whether you are required to have a basic Dutch health insurance, you can contact the Zorgverzekeringslijn. They are easily contactable and you can ask all your questions. Check their website for FAQ.

UWV (Employee Insurance Agency in the Netherlands)

The UWV provides (international) jobseekers in the Netherlands with information and advice. On their website, you will find useful information (in English) about what needs to be arranged in order to intern or work in the Netherlands, which requirements you have to fulfil, and how you can best prepare yourself.

Nuffic

Nuffic is the Dutch organization for internationalization in education. On their website you can find useful information about for example studying in the Netherlands as an international student.