Travel question...working in Amsterdam.?

Question

I am finishing my education in counseling addicted individuals and have friends who live in Amsterdam, Netherlands. How would one go about seeking employment there and what are the requirements necessary to be in place in order to travel there and perhaps work and live there once employed? I have a valid U.S. passport.

Answer 1

For someone from the USA it is almost impossible to get working permits for most of Europe, including the Netherlands.

There are exceptions for a few highly demanded professions, but I am not sure your would qualify.

There is info on the website of the IND, the part of the Dutch government that deal with immigration:

http://www.ind.nl/EN/

Or you can contact your nearest consulate for the Netherlands. Their website should have info too.

In order to get any job you need visa and work permits (whatever they are called) and to get work permits you need a job.

So it is an impossible situation.

Most employers will not go through the trouble of getting you to the country as it costs a lot, time and money, so even when they are willing to hire a non European they mostly state that you need to have your paperwork sorted already.

Coming as a tourist is much easier.

You will just need to show up at the airport with your passport. You will get a stamp that allows you to travel in Europe for 90 days. (Unless they expect you to come to work, in that case you can be send back home without prior notice.)

Answer 2

As an alternative - get a job at an american company that has offices in The Netherlands as well.

Employee exchange programs are a bit easier - as you already have a job when you come in.

My employer does this, and we have people from all over the world working in Amstelveen (next to Amsterdam).

Some for 3 months, some for 6.. others for up to 3 years.