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You may quickly want to get to work in the Netherlands – to earn money for your family and yourself. Or you may want to do volunteer work or a work placement – to keep busy and gain experience. Read here about what you need to know about work if you have applied for asylum and have a W-document.

Step-by-step plans (2)

Working in the Netherlands if you have a W-document

4 Steps

Do you have a W-document for 1 year in the Netherlands? Then you are allowed to work under certain conditions. You can find information about conditions, job search and applying for a job here.

Conditions for working if you have a W-document

Looking for work with a W-document

Applying for a job with a W-document

Signing an employment contract with a W-document

Filing tax returns if you are an asylum seeker

3 Steps

Most people in the Netherlands have to file annual tax returns. You report your income and expenses to the tax authorities, so they can calculate what you have to pay or get back. This step-by-step plan tells you how this works and what information you need.

This is how you file your tax return in the Netherlands

You need these documents to file a tax return

File your tax return with your DigiD

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A man and woman stand together with paperwork under their arms

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Conditions for working if you have a W-document

If your asylum application is pending in the Netherlands for 6 months or more, you may perform paid work under conditions.

Two people at work in a vegetable garden

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Volunteering with a W-document

You may volunteer if you have applied for asylum and have a W-document for 1 year. Read more about the conditions, where you can volunteer and how to find volunteer work here.

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You can look for work through an employment agency

If you are allowed to work in the Netherlands, you can apply directly with an employer or look for work through an employment agency. An employment agency will help you find a suitable job. This article tells you more about looking for work through an employment agency.

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This is how you get a personal number (BSN) to handle your affairs in the Netherlands

If you are in the Netherlands for more than 6 months, you will get a personal number: a citizen service number (BSN). You need this number to arrange your personal affairs in the Netherlands. Read here how to get such a number.

A picture of a letter containing details for applying for a DigiD.

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Apply for a DigiD to log in to Dutch government websites

In the Netherlands, you arrange many personal matters online. For example, with the Dutch government. Or for your health insurance or pension. For this you need DigiD. This article explains what DigiD is and how to apply for it.

Students throw their graduation hat in the air

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Diploma evaulation in the Netherlands without a residence permit

If you have earned a diploma outside the Netherlands and want to work or study in a profession that fits with your diploma, you can have your diploma evaluated. This will tell you at what level you can study or work in the Netherlands. You can have 1 diploma evaluated free of charge.

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This is what you need to know about working safely in the Netherlands

An employer may treat you badly. For example, if you don't get money or have to work too much. This is called exploitation and is punishable in the Netherlands. If you are working while this is not allowed, you have labour rights and can report exploitation.

People meet at a table and work on their tablets

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The Dutch work culture

If you are going to work in the Netherlands, you will be introduced to Dutch work culture. This may be different from what you are used to. Read more about it on this page.

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You are not entitled to a pension in the Netherlands during your asylum procedure

Are you an asylum seeker and will soon turn 67? Or are you already 67 or older? Then you are at the age where people in the Netherlands get a pension. But because you have just arrived in the Netherlands, you are not entitled to a pension. You do get living allowance.

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Your rights if you have a job and get sick

If you have a job and have fallen ill, you have various rights and obligations. You may not be able to work for a longer period of time, for example, due to an accident or burnout. Then you will make a plan for reintegration with a company doctor.

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