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Working in the Netherlands if you have a W-document for one year

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 for 1 year

Looking for work with a W-document for 1 year

Applying with a W-document for 1 year

Sign an employment contract with a W-document for 1 year

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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 for 1 year

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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Conditions for volunteering with a W-document for 1 year

You may volunteer if you have applied for asylum and have a W-document for 1 year. Read more about the conditions here.

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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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Conditions for volunteering with a W-document for 1 year

You may volunteer if you have applied for asylum and have a W-document for 1 year. Read more about the conditions here.

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