Foreign workers

The Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Dutch) provides that employers and private individuals can only allow people without free access to the Dutch labour market to work they have a valid work permit or a combined work and residence permit.

Rules for European workers

Anyone with a nationality of 1 of the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland may work in the Netherlands. Free movement of workers applies to these countries.

Please note that the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer part of the EEA since 1 January 2021 due to Brexit. More information about working with British workers can be found at rvo.nl (Dutch).

Rules for non-European workers

Workers with a nationality other than those listed above may work in the Netherlands only if:

• They have a valid residence document showing the endorsement ‘No employment restrictions. No work permit required.’ (Arbeid is vrij toegestaan. Tewerkstellingsvergunning (TWV) niet vereist.)
• They have a valid passport with an official sticker from the IND showing the endorsement ‘No employment restrictions. No work permit required.’
• The employer holds a valid work permit for this person.
• They hold a combined work and residence permit (single permit).

Please note that the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer part of the EEA since 1 January 2021 due to Brexit. More information about working with British workers can be found at rvo.nl (Dutch).

Identity check

Employers must check the identity of all their workers. This applies to both Dutch and foreign workers. More information can be found at identity check on this website.

Working during extension of asylum residence permit

A foreign national is allowed to work if they hold a valid temporary asylum residence permit. If the residence permit expires, the foreign national must apply for an extension to the IND in time. The IND then sends the foreign national a letter stating that the foreign national can still legally reside and work in the Netherlands while his application is being processed. No work permit will be required in that case.

The foreign national must also apply to the IND for a type W foreign national's identity document. The employer must include a copy of this document in their records.

Special situations

In the following situations, (private) employers are asked to pay special attention to the statutory rules:

• in case of work on or on board of a sea-going vessel (Dutch)
• in case of cross-border services
• if foreign staff are hired through temporary employment agencies, subcontractors or contracting firms
• if private individuals employ foreign workers
• if foreign self-employed professionals are hired
• if foreign students are hired
• if you employ asylum seekers
• if au pairs come to the Netherlands

Sanctions for violating the Wav

Employers who allow 1 or more foreign workers to work for them without the required work permit risk a fine (Dutch).

Workinnl.nl

The website workinnl.nl of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment provides mobile workers with an overview, informs them and makes them aware of their rights and obligations when working and living in the Netherlands. The website is available in Dutch, English, Polish and Romanian.