Netherlands : Help and advice abroad

Public employment services

The Dutch public employment service, CWI - Centre for Work and Income (Centrum voor Werk en Inkomen) , is responsible for providing advice and information to jobseekers in the Netherlands. If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), you are entitled to make use of any CWI services free of charge.

Counsellors can provide advice on the application procedures to get your work permit, based on your nationality and planned length of stay. The CWI also offers possibilities for further education or special skills training. Most of the programmes are subsidised and are either free or cost very little. If you require Dutch lessons, consult your CWI counsellor about the chance of having your class fees covered. Once you get a job, the CWI can also advise you on your rights as an employee in the Netherlands.

ACCESS is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the international community in the Netherlands. The organisation provides advice and information for people wanting to settle and work in the Netherlands.

You can also get contact details for the European Employment Services advisers (Euro-advisers) in the Netherlands through EURES - European Job Mobility Portal . Euro-advisers are trained specialists who provide information and guidance to jobseekers interested in working in the Netherlands.

Higher education careers support

Higher education careers services in the Netherlands are very similar to those in the UK, providing guidance and information, workshops and career planning programmes. They are also the main interface with employers.

Help in an emergency

The British Embassy Netherlands will be able to help with a wide variety of emergencies. The ‘Help for British Nationals’ section of the website gives further details of what help you can expect.

Healthcare treatment is usually free for UK nationals. You should make sure and obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Dutch insurance card if you are living in the Netherlands. It is important to be treated by a state healthcare provider, as private healthcare is not covered.

The emergency police and ambulance number is 112.