I am planning on going back to Holland for three months this summer and was wondering if it is possible for an American to get summer work there. And, if it is possible, what kind of work and where?
Netherlands - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
No, it is impossible unless you are having two nationalities, one of them European, and even then it will be hard. All people from the European Union and a few more European countries are allowed to work in the Netherlands when they have their paperwork sorted, but that means that there is no work left for people from outside the area. In theory you can apply and if the employer can proof that he could not get anyone for the job, he can get a work permit for you. In fact this is almost never the case, with a high unemployment in all European countries, in some areas as high as 30%, no single job will be without suitable worker when advertised. And on top of that, applying for a work permit is costly, in money as well as in time, and will take a long time to get sorted. So no employer will do that for a temporary job. People from some countries can get a working holiday visa, or whatever it is called now, but people from the USA can not, because the USA does not allow people from other nations to work there and these things have to work both ways. If you are European, as second nationality, you can work in Europe, but in the Netherlands you need to apply for your social security number, and it can take up to 6 weeks after applying and you can only apply when you have an official address in the Netherlands. There might be a fast track, but I have never heard about that. And you will still have to compeed with all Dutch and many other Europeans for a limited amount of jobs, and not being here will make it much harder. Your '90 days in the Schengen zone' stamp in your passport is for tourists only, you are not allowed to work while in the Schengen zone. And the Netherlands are part of that zone, never doubt that.
2 :
Not legally. Jobs are hard to find right now for even European citizens. US citizens need a work permit, not easy to get. I am an American going through immigration process in Hungary. I am almost sorry I even started the paperwork. Very Expensive and so much red tape. Spent another $200. this week just on getting my marriage liecense translated from English to Hungarian. Only costs $15. for neighboring countires to get translations, everyone gives us US citizens a harder time of it all. Better just go and have some fun and forget working while on holiday. Actually there is a new thing where the US is taking workers from Hungary without having to have a special visa. Maybe someday it will be easier for us too.
3 :
No, it isn't. Any work going, even low-paid temporary work, goes to EU or local nationals first.
4 :
Try Canal street, just have a smile on your face..
