We hope that you have found a safe home in our region and that you have been able to find some respite here.
Many of you have said that you want to work, and that is possible.
This website has been set up by the municipalities of the Greater Amsterdam Area. It includes information about working here, what you need to be aware of and what you need to do to ensure you can start work with peace of mind.
Refugees from Ukraine who fall under the ‘European temporary protection scheme’ can work in the Netherlands without a work permit (TWV). The exemption from the work permit applies to all work in paid employment. You need an employment contract with an employer for this. Thanks to the exemption, an employer does not have to apply for a work permit for you. This makes it easier for you to find a job if you want to. But please note: for refugees with a different nationality and a temporary residence permit in Ukraine, different rules will apply from 19 July onwards. See below at step 2.
If you do not have a place to stay, report to the Humanitarian Service Point at Amsterdam Central Station (east side).
If you already have a place to stay you can register with the municipality where you are staying (see step 2).
- If you have a Ukrainian passport or identity card, you can register at the municipality where you live (BRP).
- If you do not have any identity papers, contact the Ukrainian Embassy in The Hague.
- If you are a refugee recognised by Ukraine or have a valid Ukrainian residence permit, you can register with the municipality where you live (BRP).
- Please note: if you have a temporary residence permit in Ukraine and you have not registered in the Personal Records Database before July 19, 2022, you will no longer fall under the European Directive on Temporary Protection. That means you can’t live and work here. Read on Refugeehelp.nl what you can do.
- If you did register before 19 July 2022 and are already registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database of the municipality where you are staying, then nothing will change. You retain the right to live and work.
- If you do not have a valid Ukrainian residence permit or papers, contact the Ukrainian Embassy in The Hague.
Below is a list of the websites of the municipalities in the Greater Amsterdam work region. Check carefully what the visiting hours and rules about making appointments are in the municipality where you are staying. These can differ per municipality.
Municipality of Aalsmeer
Municipality of Amstelveen
City of Amsterdam
Municipality of De Ronde Venen (In Dutch only)
Municipality of Diemen (In Dutch only)
Municipality of Haarlemmermeer(In English only)
Municipality of Ouder-Amstel (In Dutch only)
Municipality of Uithoorn (In Dutch only)
For general information about BRP registration for refugees from Ukraine, please visit the website of the Dutch government.
To be able to work in the Netherlands, you need a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN). When you register with the municipality where you are staying (see step 2) you will receive a BSN.
- Please note: different rules apply if you have a temporary residence permit in Ukraine and you have not registered in the Personal Records Database before July 19, 2022, you will no longer fall under the European Directive on Temporary Protection. That means you can’t live and work here. Read on Refugeehelp.nl what you can do.
- If you registered before 19 July 2022 and are already registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database of the municipality where you are staying, then nothing will change. You retain the right to live and work.
Everyone who wants to work in the Netherlands must have health insurance. This also applies to refugees from Ukraine. You can find more information on Refugee help.
There are many ways to look for work. Through temporary employment agencies, through trusted job boards and other platforms on the internet, or directly with employers. A number of municipalities in our region also provide direct assistance in looking for work. It is important that your employer is trustworthy and offers legal work.
✔ Looking for work through temporary employment agencies:
Temporary employment agencies (uitzendbureaus) are a common way of finding work in the Netherlands. An employment agency connects people who are looking for work and companies that want to hire people. If you register with a temporary employment agency, the agency will look for suitable work for you. If the employment agency has found work for you, it will discuss this with you and with the employer who may then hire you through the employment agency.
If you and the company both agree, you are then employed by the employment agency:
- You work as a temporary employee for the employer through the employment agency
- As a temporary employee, you will be given a temporary employment contract (a type of employment agreement) with the agency.
- The agency also pays your salary.
✔ Largest employment agencies in the region:
- Refugee help (also in Ukrainian and Russian)
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service – Ukrainian refugees In Dutch and English only
- Government of the Netherlands – Registration in the Personal Records Database (BRP) for refugees from Ukraine In Dutch and English only
For questions about issues such as working hours, holidays, childcare, travel costs etc, please check Refugee help.
Refugees from Ukraine are not yet allowed to work as a self-employed person in the Netherlands. Click here for more information.
If you want to hire someone from Ukraine, check the Employers Service Point for Greater Amsterdam website for more information. They also offer advice on a range of work related issues.
For questions about workers’ rights, please visit:
- FairWork (information and support for Ukrainians with problems at work) or call +31621938864.
- City of Amsterdam
Many people want to help, including employers. Unfortunately, not everyone acts in good faith. Be careful not to end up in the wrong hands. Read more about this at Comensha, the coordination centre against human trafficking, which has information on their website in Dutch, Ukrainian, Russian and English.
Always report anything you are not sure about. You can contact Comensha at 033 448 1186 (available 09:00 – 17:00) or mail to info@comensha.nl.
If you have questions, you can:
- Call us on workdays (Monday-Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, English or Dutch) on 020 252 7029.
- Email us at: servicedesk@grootamsterdam.nl (also in Russian or Ukrainian)
- Stop by the Zuid city office, President Kennedylaan 923, Amsterdam (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 16:00), interpreter present.