The unstable economic and political situation at home forces millions of citizens of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and other CIS countries to seek earnings abroad, leaving their usual habitat, loved ones and relatives. 80 percent of migrants, as a rule, choose European countries for employment: Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain or Bulgaria, but few people know that there is another economically successful country with favorable working conditions for foreigners, namely the Netherlands.
According to the latest statistics, as of 2021, more than 80,000 citizens from post-Soviet countries live and officially work in Holland, which corresponds to 0.6% of the country’s total population. The living conditions are also comfortable because the Netherlands ranks 6th in the EU in terms of quality and standard of living.
How to officially find a job in the Netherlands? Are permits needed? What vacancies are the most in demand? How much can you earn per season? Today we will try to answer your most common questions.
ᐈ What are the popular job vacancies in the Netherlands?
Qualified employees in the following industries are most in demand in the country:
- Medicine;
- Trade;
- IT industry;
- Construction;
- Agriculture.
The country also has a particularly developed tourism sector, a significant percentage of which are clients from post-Soviet countries. As a rule, the most popular vacancies in these areas are waiters, hostesses, administrators, laundresses and maids. Work experience and knowledge of foreign languages are welcome and are a mandatory requirement for high-paying offers.
Also, the local labor market always needs specialists such as:
- General workers;
- Cooks;
- Drivers;
- Nannies;
- Maids.
Offers for seasonal work - picking fruits and flowers - are regularly updated. Relevant for both women and married couples.
What is important to know about employment in the Netherlands?
According to official data, there are about 20,000 immigrants from the countries of the former USSR in the kingdom, among them about 5-7 thousand Ukrainians. The majority live in the eastern provinces (Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam), as well as in student cities (Leiden, Utrecht). Almost all local residents speak fluent English, but the official language is Dutch.
There is a shortage of low and high qualified specialists in the country. The employer will have to carry out a number of bureaucratic procedures in order to hire a foreigner to work in Holland. For Ukrainians, Russians, and Belarusians, employment is possible only in those positions that members of higher priority categories of the population refused to take. These are residents of European Union member states, as well as citizens of accession candidate countries. Therefore, to hire foreigners, the employer must collect a package of documents:
- Original company registration certificate.
- Confirmation that the vacancy was advertised no later than 6 weeks ago (this could be an advertisement in a newspaper).
- Certificate from the employment service about an unsuccessful search for Dutch employees.
- Reasons for refusal of previous applicants for the position.
A migrant should be prepared for the fact that at first his salary will be minimal. In 2021, this amount is 1,500 euros; the government regularly recalculates the figure taking into account inflation. In addition to the rate, overtime work is additionally paid, and once a year the so-called “thirteenth” salary is paid - a bonus to the employee.
ᐈ What is the salary and what does it depend on?
The level of wages in Holland is considered one of the highest in the EU - a qualified employee here can receive a salary of up to 5,000 euros per month, and a general worker - up to 3,000 euros. The salary depends on many factors: place of employment, work experience and level of knowledge of foreign languages. The more extensive and varied a candidate’s resume is, the more competitive he is.
The average salary level for the most popular specialties is:
- Pickers at factories - from 1,700 euros;
- Specialists in collecting seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers - from 1,500 euros;
- General workers - from 1700 euros;
- Drivers - from 2000 euros;
- Nannies and housekeepers in the family - from 3,000 euros.
Also, many employers provide comfortable working conditions, a social insurance package and guarantees.
Work and vacancies in Amsterdam
The most beautiful European city and the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is known throughout the world for its amazing canals, well-groomed parks and liberal laws, which attract millions of tourists every year.
A huge number of foreigners dream of finding work in Amsterdam and staying in this unusual place forever.
It is the cultural, financial and economic center of the country, which has one of the highest percentages of attracting qualified personnel from abroad among all cities in the European Union.
Work in Amsterdam for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and other foreigners in 2021 is available in completely different fields of activity - from information technology to agriculture.
In addition to employment, many entrepreneurs from Russia or Ukraine open successful businesses in Holland, and students study at prestigious Dutch universities. For example, the famous University of Amsterdam is especially popular among foreigners.
In general, the capital of the Netherlands is a real “window of opportunity” for migrant workers.
Specifics of labor migration to Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a multicultural city rich in history and tradition. One of the leading tourist destinations in the world. The population of Amsterdam in 2021 is about 814 thousand people . The largest city in the Netherlands.
By some estimates, at least half of Amsterdam's residents are of foreign origin. There are especially many immigrants from Turkey and Morocco. There are also enough Russians and Ukrainians. The overall ethnic composition is represented by citizens of about 180 nationalities.
The relatively small area makes the Kingdom of the Netherlands one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. The capital of the state is no exception.
To some extent, this creates problems when finding comfortable living conditions and increases real estate prices in Amsterdam. The city has many beautiful streets, famous museums and architectural monuments.
The vibrant nightlife needs no further introduction. This fact is known all over the world.
For foreigners from third countries, official work in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, requires the fulfillment of a number of preconditions. In particular:
- Search for a job in Amsterdam before moving.
- Signing an employment contract.
- Obtaining a work permit.
- Opening a work visa.
- Applying for a residence permit in the Netherlands.
Almost any issues related to legal relocation to Amsterdam for professional activities are supervised by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service - IND.
On the official website of the department you can find detailed information about all aspects of living on Dutch territory.
Note that in case of long-term employment (more than 90 days), a foreigner is issued a single document GVVA , which allows him to live and work in Amsterdam.
To a certain extent, a simplified and accelerated employment procedure in Amsterdam is provided for graduates of Dutch universities, EU Blue Card holders and highly qualified specialists whose skills are of particular value to local authorities and the country’s economy. To obtain a Blue Card, you must enter into a contract with a salary of at least 5 thousand euros per month. Permanent residence in Amsterdam for more than 5 years will allow you to obtain Dutch citizenship.
How to find a job in Amsterdam
Unemployment in the Netherlands remains at 4–5% in 2021 . This is a good indicator for the EU. True, the employment situation in the capital itself is a little more complicated. The abundant flow of labor migrants creates additional competition in the labor market and increases the unemployment rate.
To successfully search for a job in Amsterdam in 2021, it is important to have extensive experience and have a skill in short supply . After all, the Dutch and Europeans have a priority right to occupy a workplace. Pay special attention to learning English. Skills in Dutch and other languages (French, German) are a plus. Diploma recognition in Holland can be checked here.
Amsterdam's business districts are home to the head offices and branches of many large international and Dutch companies. For example, Philips, ABN Amro, Royal Dutch Shell, Canon, KPMG, Unilever and many others. This is where the largest number of foreign specialists work, including Russians and Ukrainians.
Take the trouble to write a competent, concise resume and cover letter in both English and Dutch. Include benefits, hobbies and interests. Send job offers to Dutch employers directly through official websites.
Be sure to travel to Amsterdam on a tourist visa. In addition to the unforgettable experience of being in this colorful city, this can be a good way to find a job. The city often hosts job fairs and special meetings for Russian-speaking immigrants.
Don't miss the opportunity to attend such events and establish business connections. Look for information about employment in Amsterdam on forums, groups on social networks and specialized websites with vacancies on the Internet.
Search for a job in Amsterdam
Dutch Public Employment Service – werk.nl
Professional social network – linkedin.com
Major Employers in Amsterdam – glassdoor.com
Jobs in Amsterdam for Russians – togetherabroad.nl
Popular job search sites in Amsterdam
jobsinamsterdam.com
nationalevacaturebank.nl
monsterboard.nl
Famous newspapers of Amsterdam
Dutch News.nl
De Telegraaf
De Volkskrant
As a rule, finding a job in Amsterdam without intermediaries is quite difficult. professional recruitment agencies throughout the city that can help foreigners find both temporary and permanent jobs.
True, such services are very rarely provided to applicants from third countries without a residence permit and with weak language skills. One of the most famous international recruitment agencies for finding vacancies in Holland and Amsterdam is adecco.nl.
Vacancies and salaries in Amsterdam in 2021
Amsterdam has a very strong, diverse economy and wages are comparable to large European cities in developed countries such as Germany and France. Of course, a lot depends on the profession and experience of the foreigner, as well as the employer himself.
Jobs are mainly offered in the following industries - tourism, agriculture, retail, financial services, transport, food and oil and gas industries.
Decent vacancies in Amsterdam for Russians and Ukrainians in 2018 are available to technical specialists, in particular, engineers and programmers are required.
If we consider the official level of monthly wages in Amsterdam in 2021, then according to information from Dutch departments, qualified workers on average receive about 2.8 thousand euros , and unskilled workers around 1.3 thousand euros .
Moreover, according to the law, qualified foreigners, depending on age, cannot have a monthly salary lower than 3.2 thousand euros (before 30 years) and 4.4 thousand euros (after 30 years).
The minimum wage in the Netherlands for people aged 22 and over in 2021 is set at €1,594.20 per month.
Particularly popular among foreigners, including Russians and Ukrainians, is unskilled work in Amsterdam.
This is due to the fact that the Dutch and Europeans are not eager to do hard physical labor, for example, harvesting crops (vegetables, fruits) on plantations or packing flowers in numerous factories.
Usually a contract is concluded for a period of up to six months with a salary of about 1.5–2 thousand euros per month.
In addition, women can work in Amsterdam as nurses, nannies, maids, housekeepers, cleaners and so on. Men find work as assistant cooks, drivers, loaders, waiters, bartenders, and laborers.
Regardless of gender, in professions that do not require high qualifications, foreigners receive no more than 1.3–1.5 thousand euros per month.
Holders of construction (labor) specialties - welders, electricians, masons, fitters, turners - can count on higher salaries (from 2 thousand euros) in Amsterdam.
Source: https://hochusvalit.com/rabota/rabota-v-amsterdame
ᐈ What are the stages of preparing documents to get a job?
A mandatory requirement for long-term labor migration to Holland (from 3 months) is a GVVA document, which includes both a residence permit and the right to work in the country. Issued by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service for a period of 1 year, subsequently extended. Students of local universities, seasonal workers or those with a contract lasting less than 3 months are exempt from receiving it.
For legal employment you need a work visa. Necessary documents to obtain it:
- Completed visa application form;
- Copies and original of a foreign document;
- Confirmation of qualifications and work experience;
- Medical insurance;
- A copy of the employment contract;
- Statement from the bank;
- Certificate of vaccination against tuberculosis.
A notarized translation of all documents is required. The average period for obtaining a visa is 1-2 months.
What do you need to get a visa?
In order for a migrant to receive a work visa to Holland, he must have:
- international passport;
- 2 passport size photographs;
- visa application form;
- a concluded contract with clear deadlines;
- sponsorship letter;
- medical insurance;
- confirmation of financial means to stay in the country.
If you have collected a list of documents and made copies of them, you must pay visa fees. The visa itself costs 861 euros, if you need to extend it, then prepare 380 euros. In case of refusal, the Consulate does not return the money.
ᐈ What are the prices and accommodation options?
The quality of housing is an important factor when finding employment abroad. In Holland, employers, as a rule, provide free accommodation in comfortable conditions (rooms for 4 people with a separate kitchen and bathroom), payment is taken only for utilities (according to the meter). Less commonly, accommodation is paid, from 3 euros per day.
Meals at the enterprise are usually paid - from 160 euros per month. Taking into account the high salary, related expenses are minimal, at the end of the contract it is possible to return home with a large amount of saved money in your pocket.
We recommend asking your employer about working and living conditions in advance - if there is a discrepancy between what you want and what you receive, it is better to look for an alternative to the proposed vacancy.
In which countries can you work on a Polish visa?
A Polish visa opens the door to the West for labor migrants, but the assertion that one document will be enough for employment is wrong. The Schengen zone, although it simplifies border crossing, does not cancel the following rule: a national visa gives permission to work directly in the country where it was issued.
The main differences between national and Schengen visas, the procedure and processing time are described in the article “Applying for a national visa D“.
Twenty years ago it would have been worth putting an end to this, but globalization has done its job. By joining the European Union, Poland welcomed into its country many transnational corporations already operating in Europe. They brought investment to the country and tied it with close labor relations with the EU.
Employment with Polish visa documents in Germany, Norway, the Czech Republic, Estonia and other EU countries is available to employees of companies with branches in other countries.
For example, a Russian is interested in working in Germany with a Polish work visa - he should look for a corporation operating in both Poland and Germany.
This algorithm was created primarily for the convenience of doing business - firms were able to send staff from one branch to another for several months without unnecessary paperwork.
This legal regulation also applies to enterprises linked by agreements. Labor migrants from the Russian Federation can also take advantage of the opportunity to move to a country with higher wages. You can get a job in another country using a Life Card, a work/voivodeship visa issued in Poland.
What is needed to obtain a Residence Card is discussed in the article “Residing in Poland: who and how can receive a Residence Card in 2021.”
ᐈ What are the advantages and disadvantages of working in Holland?
Undoubtedly, the Netherlands offers comfortable working conditions for labor migrants from the CIS countries. Many of our compatriots note the cleanliness and well-groomed streets, ease of use of public transport and, most importantly, high wages. It’s not for nothing that more than 70 percent of labor migrants apply for a residence permit in the country a year after living in Holland.
But there are also disadvantages that you need to be prepared for. The first is knowledge of foreign languages, at least English. Even an average level of proficiency will allow you to find a more competitive vacancy and the opportunity to grow professionally. Secondly, the cost of travel and food is on average 35% higher than in other EU countries. And lastly, as when applying for employment in any other country or home country, the employer must approach the search carefully. Due to the increase in fraud cases, we recommend that you carefully read all terms and conditions of employment and carefully consider all possible risks.
We wish you good luck and successful employment!
Jooble
Work in other countries on a Polish visa: where to go and how to get a job
Many companies that provide employment abroad offer Ukrainian citizens registration for well-paid work in Western European countries under a leasing scheme by obtaining a Polish work visa.
Leasing is a type of outsourcing that allows a company to recruit temporary staff with the help of an intermediary organization. More than 90% of companies in the US and Western Europe use temporary workers from time to time, and the size of the leasing services market is growing exponentially. However, is there a real opportunity for workers from the CIS countries to get a job in EU countries on a Polish visa? Why you can’t get a job on a visa from another country
Firstly, it should immediately be noted that it is illegal to apply for work in a certain EU state on a work visa from another country, even if it is a member of the European Union. Thus, when registering in Poland, the employee is issued a Polish work visa, with which you can visit other EU countries, but which does not give the right to official employment in other European countries. In addition, when trying to get a job illegally, a non-EU citizen may face significant obstacles, the main of which will be the employer’s reluctance to hire an illegal immigrant. After all, if during regular inspections of enterprises it is revealed that illegal labor is being used, the employer may face a fine of up to 50 thousand euros and even a prison term (Germany). In addition, the court may decide to suspend the company’s activities for 3 months, which promises huge losses due to downtime (France). It will also be quite difficult for an illegal immigrant to find a place to live.
Even if they get a job, an illegal worker risks paying a fine of about 1 thousand euros and being deported back to Poland, while receiving a ban on entry into EU countries for five years.
Among the disadvantages of finding a job abroad using leasing are the following:
– possible lack of guarantees of permanent employment (depending on the contract);
– lack of social guarantees and benefits;
– low level of legal protection for the employee (non-compliance with rights related to harmful working conditions, employee rights upon dismissal, etc.).
Exceptions to the rules
However, there are a number of exceptions. Thus, enterprises from one EU state have the right to delegate their workers to the territory of other countries due to production needs. This provision also applies to company employees from other countries. But such specialists must have permanent residence status in Poland and be employed by the company for at least a year.
Another opportunity to work on a Polish visa in European countries is to have your own registered business in Poland.
All other methods, except for short-term business trips (up to 3 months), are illegal.
Deception scheme
How are Ukrainian citizens who are offered to work in the European Union deceived? As a rule, everything is done according to the following scheme: a person applies to a company that promises employment in EU countries, for example, in Germany. For its services, the intermediary company requests an amount of 100 euros and more. As a rule, such agencies do not conclude an agreement, motivating the applicant that it will be concluded with the direct employer. Then the intermediary helps to obtain a Polish work visa or a local visitor visa, for which the embassy confirms only 10% of cases.
Often the agency promises to correctly fill out all the documents on the spot, but upon arrival in the country the person is confronted with the fact of illegal work or simply “plays out” time, promising to find work in the future, or even simply not answering calls. Naturally, no one returns the fee to the client.
How not to run into scammers
In order to exclude cooperation with fraudsters, it is necessary to carefully study the history of the intermediary company. Thus, a long time in the market speaks in favor of the company. You should not ignore sites with customer reviews about the company - this will immediately allow you to assess its reputation. You also need to check your business license - many scammers simply don’t have one, or it’s expired.
A reliable company will never offer work through a work visa from another country. In addition, it has all the necessary statutory documents and a valid license. All completed documentation must be notarized and have a “wet” seal. Copies must also be certified, otherwise they have no legal force. Under no circumstances should you give away your passport! In addition, you should be wary of the requirement to pay in advance an amount exceeding the cost of obtaining a visa.
It would also be useful to learn about the taxation system in the employer’s country, so as not to get into trouble when concluding an employment agreement.
If you follow these simple rules, you can calmly draw up documents and get a legal job, the main thing is to act according to the law and not fall for dubious offers.
