FAQ - work permits

1. Do I need a work permit?
2. As a PhD student, I’m a student and not an employee, right?
3. How can I apply for a work permit?
4. Is it possible to apply for a work permit after arrival in the Netherlands?
5. I have accepted a job in the Netherlands. Can I start immediately after I have arrived?
6. I have been offered a job in the Netherlands. Can my partner also work in the Netherlands?
7. My scholarship is not enough. Can I take another job to earn some extra cash?

1. Do I need a work permit?

In principal this depends on two criteria: your nationality and whether your purpose of stay here is defined as ‘work’ according to the Aliens (Employment) Act. However, even if these two criteria lead you to the answer that your employer needs a work permit for you, there is a good chance that you are exempted from this rule when working in higher education. Read more…

2. As a PhD student, I’m a student and not an employee, right?

No! A PhD studentship is seen as ‘work’ under Dutch law. Read more… 

3. How can I apply for a work permit?

If a work permit is needed in your case, then it is not you, but your employer who needs to apply.  

4. Is it possible to apply for a work permit after arrival in the Netherlands?

If you need an entry visa for the Netherlands, this will be granted only after the work permit has been issued (only if required, of course). This goes for both provisional residence permits and Schengen visas. Read more... 

If you do not need an entry visa for the Netherlands, then you might want to read the following FAQ as well.

5. I have accepted a job in the Netherlands. Can I start immediately after I have arrived?

That depends. The answer is ‘yes’ if your employer is in possession of a work permit for you, or if you entered the country with an entry visa stating that no work permit is required.

However, strange as it may sound, the answer is ‘no’ if you are exempt from the work permit requirement (for instance, you are a highly skilled migrant) and you do not need a provisional residence permit to enter the Netherlands. Unless you voluntarily apply for a provisional residence permit…

Let us explain: if you do not apply for a provisional residence permit, the Dutch immigration service will only get to check whether you are indeed exempt from needing a work permit after you have applied for your residence permit (after your arrival). This means that you can start your job only after you have received your residence permit, which may take a few weeks.
We advise to discuss the possibilities with your host institution’s human resources officer. 

6. I have been offered a job in the Netherlands. Can my partner also work in the Netherlands?

The general rule is quite simple: as regards to work, your partner has the same rights as you. This means that if your residence permit allows you to work without a work permit, your partner does not need one either. Likewise, if you are only allowed to work with a work permit, your partner will need one too. Read more…  

7. My scholarship is not enough. Can I take another job to earn some extra cash?

This depends on the purpose of stay of your residence permit and whether you are required to have a work permit. Read more...