Volunteering

Volunteering is a good way to meet people, practice Dutch, and get involved in your local community. In Northern Netherlands, you can find volunteer opportunities in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. Some positions require Dutch, while others may also be suitable for English speakers. Before you start volunteering, check which rules apply to your situation. The rules may depend on your residence permit, the type of organisation, and whether you receive any compensation.

What to check before you start

In general, volunteering should meet the following conditions:

The organisation must be a non-profit and have a volunteer permit (for refugees and asylum seekers).
The work benefits society or the local community.
The role does not replace paid work.
You are not paid a regular salary.
The organisation may need a volunteer declaration from UWV, depending on your situation.

If you have a residence permit, check the back of your permit card. If it says “TWV vereist”, you may need to check whether you are allowed to volunteer before you start. For some types of voluntary work, a volunteer declaration from UWV may be needed instead of a work permit. UWV states that asylum seekers and refugees can volunteer for non-profit organisations in the Netherlands if the work benefits society and is not paid as regular work.

If you receive compensation for volunteering, check the current tax-free volunteer compensation rules with the Belastingdienst. The maximum amount can change each year. Depending on your situation, receiving compensation may also affect whether you need Dutch basic health insurance.

Check official information from UWV, IND, the Belastingdienst, or your local municipality before you start. You can also contact the organisation offering the volunteer position. They may already know which rules apply and whether they need to arrange anything before you can start.

Where to find volunteer opportunities

You can find volunteer opportunities through national platforms and local organisations in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe:

All provinces:

Groningen:

Vrijwilligers Groningen
Link050
Make it in the North (Shares the vacancies form Link050 suitable for non-Dutch speakers)
Mamamini
IWCN Connect
Forum Groningen

Drenthe:

Friesland:

FAQ about volunteering

Can I receive compensation for volunteering?

Sometimes volunteers receive a small compensation, but this is not the same as a salary. Check the current tax-free volunteer compensation rules with the Belastingdienst, as the maximum amount can change each year.

Can I volunteer if I do not speak Dutch?

Yes, some volunteer roles are suitable for English speakers. Volunteering can also be a good way to practise Dutch and build confidence in everyday situations. However, some organisations may prefer basic Dutch, especially for roles that involve direct contact with residents, clients, children, or vulnerable groups.

Can internationals volunteer in the Netherlands?

Yes, many internationals can volunteer in the Netherlands. The rules depend on your nationality, residence status, and the type of volunteer work. If you have a residence permit, check the back of your permit card to see whether there are restrictions.

Do I need a work permit to volunteer?

This depends on your situation. If your residence permit says “TWV vereist”, check the official rules before you start volunteering. In some cases, the organisation may need a volunteer declaration from UWV instead of a work permit.