What is a work permit?

This is a permit that an employer must apply for to allow a foreign employee to work in the company. Doing an internship is also included in this. This permit is issued for a maximum of 24 weeks per year.

No work permit required

The employer does not need to apply for a work permit if:

• you are doing an internship for an MBO course (BOL) with an agreement from your school;
• you are doing an internship for an HBO or WO course with an internship agreement;
• your internship is a compulsory part of your study program for which you are not paid (with the exception of travel expenses).

When doing an internship it is important that:

• your internship activities are included in your study plan;
• that your school guides and assesses you.

A work permit is required

The employer must apply for a work permit if you are not following a course, but do want to do an internship to gain work experience. Have you found an internship? Then refer the employer to the website of work.nl. Here he can read how to apply for a work permit.

Young asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies

Do you not reside legally in the Netherlands? In principle, you are not allowed to do an internship. This is allowed if you started a vocational training pathway (BOL) before you turned 18. In that case, your employer does not need a work permit.

Additional information

On the website of the Dutch government you will find more information.