Working in the Netherlands - Special Categories

The right to equal treatment is laid down in various acts and conventions. For example, Article 1 of the Constitution provides that 'discrimination on the grounds of religion, beliefs, political affiliation, race, sex or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted'.

At work, everyone must be treated equally. Here too, by law, no one may be treated unequally on account of his or her religion, beliefs, political affiliation, race, sex, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, term of employment (for example, only part-time work) or type of contract (for example, only temporary).

One of the most important functions of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is to promote employment. The policy of the Ministry is aimed particularly at economically vulnerable groups, such as the long-term unemployed, ethnic minorities and disabled persons. For example, wage cost subsidy schemes are designed to make it attractive for employers to take on long-term unemployed and disabled persons.

Training and job experience enhance the quality of the workforce. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is responsible for regulating and financing sheltered employment.

Participation of ethnic minorities

Ethnic minorities have also benefited from the strong growth in the economy in recent years. Nonetheless, they are still more likely to be unemployed than Dutch natives. The unemployment rate for some groups is actually three or four times as high. The government and employers' and employees' organisations wish to change this. Given the recent slowdown in the economy, efforts are being made to increase the participation of ethnic minorities by 0.75 percentage points a year to 54 percent in 2005.

Women returners

Women returners are women who have not worked for at least one year, are not entitled to receive benefit and wish to return to paid work. The government has made agreements with representatives of councils, the catering sector and SMEs to take on more women returners.

The elderly

The Dutch population is ageing. It is anticipated that by 2010, one in five Dutch people will be 65 or older. This figure will rise to one in four by 2050. This means that the state old-age pension will be generated by fewer and fewer working people. To continue financing old-age pensions in the longer term, the participation of the elderly in the labour market will have to be increased. The government is striving to increase the employment rate among the elderly (55-64 years of age), from 38.6 percent in 2003 to 40 percent in 2007.

Street artists

(In music, theatre, pantomime, circus, portrait drawing, etc.)

Am I allowed to engage in activities as a street artist in the Netherlands?

All citizens of the EU Member States have the same rights unless the national government has made a (temporary) exception within a specific area for the new EU Member States. In the Netherlands, the latter is the case for activities as an employed person but not for activities as a self-employed person. Since you are not active as an employed person as a street artist, you do not need a working permit to be active as a street artist.

Do I need a residence permit?

Most of the time, EU nationals do not need a residence permit for a short stay in the Netherlands. You are required to be able to support yourself. It is, however, recommended that you apply for a residence document (a so-called 'Proof of Legitimate Stay for EU Nationals'), for example because you will be asked for one when you want to open a bank account. You can apply for a residence permit at the Population Affairs Department (Burgerzaken) of the council of your chosen place of settlement. For the exact conditions, see the 'Residence Wizard' of the Ministry of Justice.

When is it worthwhile coming to the Netherlands as a street artist?

First of all you have to be able to do something. If your performance is interesting, you stand a better chance that onlookers will give money for it. If onlookers find your performance a nuisance, not only will you be given little money, but the police or other officials can end your performance. It is not easy to support yourself as a street artist in the Netherlands. Not only are your earnings often disappointing, but the cost of living can be much higher than in your country of birth.

What do I have to take with me and what do I have to arrange beforehand?

In the Netherlands you must be able to identify yourself. You therefore have to carry a valid EU passport, EU identity card or EU driving licence with you at all times.
You will need sufficient funds to be able to support yourself in the Netherlands. You also need to have medical and accident insurance.

If you need a permit or exemption to perform as a street artist in a municipality, you will have to apply for this in person (i.e. it cannot be arranged beforehand, for example on the Internet), and the council will need your address. You should make sure you have arranged for accommodation before you apply to the council.

Is a thorough command of the Dutch language a necessity?

Command of the Dutch language is not necessary, but it is important that you can make yourself understood in English. This is not only important for contact with your audience, but more so for contact with the local authorities. Throughout the Netherlands, you must follow the instructions of the police or other authorised officials immediately, so it is important that you speak either Dutch or English.

Should I first get in contact with the council where I would like to perform?

Yes. Most councils have included regulations with regard to working as a street artist in their General Police Regulations. Many councils are trying to regulate the 'supply' of street artists by putting limitations on the duration and location of your performance. The difference between councils can be great, but in all municipalities you are obliged to report to them in order to be informed of the local regulations. In most municipalities, you will have to apply for an exemption or even a permit before you can engage in a street activity. There are always costs (fees) attached to the issuing of a permit.

What are the most common regulations?

If the council has specific regulations for street artists and wishes to come to an agreement with you about these (through an exemption or a permit), then these could be:

1. No amplified music to be played.
2. Maintaining a certain distance from colleagues.
3. Not to perform at certain locations, such as churches or schools.
4. To perform within times set by the council.
5. No obstruction of traffic or a passageway.
6. Maximum duration of the performance.
7. Maximum number of people to be allowed to perform.
8. No active collection or asking people for money.
9. No causing destruction or leaving rubbish behind.
10. Reporting before the activity is started (to the council or the police).
11. Obligation to show identification and place of residence when asked by the police.

Much depends on the activity you engage in. Different regulations apply to music than to pantomime or portrait-drawing. For some activities, some councils have limitations with regard to the number of people per day, per week or per year being allowed to engage in street activities.

Am I allowed to sell products made beforehand?

Councils have special regulations on the street trading of products made beforehand. You will need a street-trader's licence (ventvergunning). Therefore, sales do not fall under the category of 'street artist'.

Am I liable to tax in the Netherlands for income obtained as a street artist?

Dutch street artists have to declare their income from street activities for income tax purposes. In connection with the harmonisation of legislation within the EU, citizens from the (new) EU Member States are also liable to pay tax on their income in the country in which they are officially resident.

Can I find more information on the regulations for street artists on the Internet?

Most councils provide information on the Internet. However, this information is published almost entirely in Dutch only.

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.