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Working in the Netherlands

Refugees from Ukraine are permitted to work in the Netherlands provided they are employed by an employer. No work permit (known as an ‘employment permit’) is required for this. However, there are a number of matters you will need to arrange.

Register with the BRP

To work in the Netherlands, you must register in the BRP (Basic Register of Persons) of the municipality of Apeldoorn. Once you have registered, you will be issued with a Citizen Service Number (BSN).

Applying for a DigiD

You can use your BSN number to apply for a DigiD (digital identity). You will need this to carry out administrative tasks online in the Netherlands.

Open a bank account

Bank accounts are not arranged by the local authority. You can open a bank account at any bank in the Netherlands. If you need to have documents from Ukraine legalised for use in the Netherlands in order to open a bank account, please visit the following website for further information: The Netherlands Worldwide.

Benefits and allowances

If you are in work, there are parental benefits available in the Netherlands. These are the same benefits to which Dutch nationals with children are entitled.

Living expenses, allowances and income from work

Your living allowance, as well as that of your partner and children, may be withdrawn if one of you starts working. Travel expenses and any training costs are not reimbursed by the local authority. You must always declare your income using the income declaration form. If your income is lower than your living allowance, please report this via leefgeld@apeldoorn.nl. The local authority will then assess whether you are eligible for a supplementary payment.

Declare your income using the income form:

Personal contribution towards accommodation

From 1 October 2024, residents of the municipal accommodation centres in Apeldoorn will pay a monthly personal contribution towards their stay. This applies to adults (aged 18 and over) who have an income, for example because they are in work or receive benefits.

Duty to provide information

It is compulsory to notify the local authority of any information or changes relating to your employment and family circumstances.

Lost your job?

If you become fully or partially unemployed, you may be entitled to unemployment benefit. You can apply for this benefit using your DigiD at the UWV.

If you would like to know whether you are entitled to supplementary living expenses in addition to your unemployment benefit, you must:

  1. Proof of your application for unemployment benefit, together with the application form for living allowance send to: leefgeld@apeldoorn.nl
  2. As soon as you receive a letter from the UWV regarding the amount and duration of your benefit, please also forward that letter to: leefgeld@apeldoorn.nl
  3. Once this information has been received, a decision will be made as to whether you are entitled to additional living allowance and, if so, how much.

Placement through Lucrato Work-based Learning Centre

Due to the language barrier and regulations that differ from those in your own country, it can be quite difficult to find work and sort everything out. Lucrato, a work-based learning organisation, can help you find paid work. They will also explain what is required for you to be allowed to work and what rights you have. Lacrato has an interpreter who can provide you with information in your own language about job opportunities in the local area.

Help with filling in forms

The staff at Samen055 are happy to look over things with you, offer advice and help you fill in forms. You can drop in without an appointment. There is no interpreter available at Samen055. You can find the locations and opening hours of the consultation sessions at Together055

Further information