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An asylum residence permit allows you to work in the Netherlands. On this page, you will find information about finding work and the Dutch work culture.

Step-by-step plans (3)

Working in the Netherlands with an asylum residence permit

4 Steps

Do you have an asylum residence permit in the Netherlands and want to work? Then you may start working. You will find information here about looking for work and applying for it.

Conditions for working in the Netherlands with an asylum residence permit

Looking for work in the Netherlands if you have an asylum residence permit

Applying for a job if you have an asylum residence permit

Sign an employment contract if you have an asylum residence permit

Starting your own business in the Netherlands with an asylum residence permit

3 Steps

You can start your own business in the Netherlands with an asylum residence permit. This step-by-step guide describes how.

Conditions for starting a business with an asylum residence permit

You register with the Chamber of Commerce

Paying taxes if you are a business owner in the Netherlands

Filing tax returns in the Netherlands with an asylum residence permit

3 Steps

Most people in the Netherlands have to file a tax return every year. A tax return is the submission of your income and expenses to the Tax Administration so they can calculate how much tax you have to pay or get back. Read how it works and what information you need in this step-by-step guide.

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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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.

Volunteers plant a tree in a community garden.

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Volunteering with an asylum residence permit

If you have an asylum residence permit, you can do volunteer work in the Netherlands. Read more about it on this page.

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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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Applying for unemployment benefits if you have an asylum residence permit

If you become partially or fully unemployed, you can apply for unemployment benefits. In the Netherlands, this is called a 'WW-uitkering'. It is a temporary benefit to make up for the loss of income between your old job and a new job.

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.

Students throw their graduation hat in the air

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Diploma evaluation in the Netherlands with 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 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.

An elderly man sits on a bench reading the newspaper.

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This is how saving for your pension works in the Netherlands

If you live in the Netherlands, you are entitled to a basic pension. You can also save for extra pension. This is money you can get from a certain age when you stop working. Read here how pension saving works in the Netherlands.

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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.

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