Working in Amsterdam

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Many people plan to move to Amsterdam for a year to relax before "settling down". This plan often falls apart at the job phase. Many people will find it difficult to get a suitable job, if they do not speak Dutch. However, hostels and hotels in Amsterdam may need bar staff, night porters etc, who speak English and other languages. There are also specialist websites for English and non-Dutch speakers looking to work in Amsterdam and they are a often a good place to start; Blue Lynx - Employment by Language www.bluelynx.com, Undutchables www.undutchables.nl, Unique www.unique.nl and Xpat Jobs www.xpatjobs.com are all useful resources.

Immigration matters are dealt with by the Immigration Service IND www.ind.nl/EN/index.asp. Registration is done by both police and municipalities. Immigration policy is restrictive and deliberately bureaucratic. That is especially true for non-EU citizens.

European Union citizens do not require a work permit. Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians are afforded a one year working-holiday visa. In general the employer must apply for work permits. Immigration is easier for "knowledge migrants" earning a gross annual salary of over € 45 000 (over € 33 000 for those under 30).

There are many flexible office solution in Amsterdam that enable you to rent office space for a short term. See for example

Regus www.regus.com or the Ph120 flexible office solutions at Prins Hendrikkade 120 www.prinshendrikkade120.nl

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