Working and living in Holland for expats or other citizens is a great opportunity for British people who choose for new chances in life: not noticing Brexit effects, more freedom, great job opportunities, a better future for your children and nice weather. Dutch citizenship deserves more recognition for people who go for opportunities and better living!
After the Brexit referendum in June 2017 a percentage of 51 percent choose for leaving the UK. A part of them began the preparations and the process of going Dutch. In 2017 85.000 brits already lived in the Netherlands, an amount that will increase very soon because of the results before and after the Brexit. Here we give you some need to knows!
Working in Holland
In the Netherlands nearly everybody speaks English at an average level, which eases working in Holland. Sectors like medical care, ICT, technique and education are begging for applicants and job seekers. In this country the law and employers are very employee minded.
Work permit
Everyone is allowed to work in any country in the European Economic Area (EEA) without a work permit if you’re a UK citizen. After the Brexit you will need a work permit.
It’s easy to find a job in the Netherlands
There have never been so many vacant jobs in the Netherlands since 2018. Also there are enormous job sites like Indeed.nl or Monsterboard.nl.
Work permit information for the Netherlands
It is possible to get a work permit soon if you are highly educated or a specialist in a certain field. You will have equal rights compared with the Dutch when it comes to working conditions, social security, taxes and income.
Employment permits for foreign nationals
When you are a citizen from outside the EU you may work if you have a valid residency permit stating in al legally form in this country. Otherwise your employer has to apply for your work permit.
Work hours
Holland is known as the country with the shortest work week in the world. A fulltime job means 36 – 40 hours a week, part time stands for generally 74% of this. The Dutch law has legal limits to working hours and also for working overtime. There is a maximum of twelve hours in one shift. The maximum working time is 60 hours, only in a short time frame. For some legally reasons working in flexible hours is negotiable and prohibited.
Dutch employers
Dutch employers are generally known as the best an employee can get. There are many laws and rules which protect an employee in terms of income or work to be done.
Finding a job
Finding a job is mostly easy, even if you don’t speak Dutch. It generally depends on which sector you are working in. Jobs are in particular found on the internet, on job sites or corporate sites.
Working part time
To tailor your working hours the Dutch government once entered a system for working times such as 20, 24 or 28 hours. This way of working is much executed by people with children or in case of working while studying.
Residence permit
When you want to stay or to live in Holland for more than 90 days, a residence permit (“verblijfsvergunning”) must be applied. The kind of residence permit suitable for you depends on your nationality, your moving reasons and your possibilities in study or work.
The EC Treaty stands for free living and working within the EU, otherwise you have to register yourself at the IND and the local municipality. Some have to apply for a residence permit and a provisional residence permit at your Dutch embassy or consulate.
Social security system
The Netherlands have the most humanly organized social security system in the world. Since World War II the government helps several kinds of people in a oppressive financial situation. Many people with a permanently of short time insufficient income due to disease, pension or not having a job, can possibly receive a monthly payment. This financial support is based on solidarity, all Dutch citizens collectively support this system.
Speaking Dutch
In Holland you’ll find many Dutch language courses for quickly learning Dutch. Although many people speak English, it is appreciated that after a longer stay you can speak and write Dutch on an acceptable level.
Pros and cons of living in Amsterdam
Pros of living in Amsterdam: many people from abroad wish to live in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s greatest and impressive cities. It has great shopping, cultural and tourist opportunities. Schiphol Amsterdam an excellent airport where a flight from Schiphol to Heathrow takes you about 60 minutes.
Cons of living in Amsterdam: many parts of the city are very crowded. Bars and restaurants can be expensive, the same as buying or renting a house. Amsterdam does not completely equal this country, you will find several kinds of opportunities and atmospheres in others regions or cities.
Living in The Hague
The Hague is the third city in Holland. People often choose for living in The Hague because of the great amount of job opportunities, especially in civil services. It’s nearby the beach and has a lot to offer, regardless of what you’re looking for.
How about moving to the Netherlands without a job
Without work it can be difficult to locate in the Netherlands. An authority like the UWV will invite you to find out what to do. They can also impose restrictions in finding a job or not to get qualified for a monthly payment from the social security system. Without a job in Holland, go search for it, make your own professional development plan and approach employers to present your skills and availability.
What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?
The average monthly gross income in the Netherlands is 2.114,00 euros. In many cases, especially by renting or buying a house, the western part and the greater cities give you a higher cost of living than the rest of Holland. The Cheapest cities or regions to live in the Netherlands are:
- Regions in the North, especially the north-east
- Provinces like Drenthe and Zeeland
- The region Twente and De Achterhoek, both in the eastern part
Health insurance
The system of Dutch health insurance is known as one the best in the world. Everyone in the Netherlands under age 18 is insured for free. Above 18, all adults are obligated to take out this form of insurance. A health insurance in the Netherlands for expats must be arranged within four months after receiving the residence permit.
