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1. Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

2. Legal framework

Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

Erasmus+ programme use for vocational opportunities in the Netherlands

The Erasmus+ programme provides a lot of vocational training opportunities to young people. It makes it possible for young people to follow a traineeship or education abroad. By participating in an Erasmus+ programme young people can also develop entrepreneurial skills. But Erasmus+ does not support business creation. Young people can however use their new skills in developing a business themselves. The business network Young Startup (only in Dutch) can help new starters to find working space.
 

Nuffic, focus on higher education

Another programme that stimulates cross-border mobility in vocational opportunities is Nuffic. They focus on higher education. Students can study abroad at another university. Nuffic also provides an overview of funds for young people from abroad. According to an employee of the Erasmus+ office guidance is available for young people who want to go abroad. Pre-departure training and a database of opportunities are also available.
Young entrepreneurs can get qualified for the programme Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. This programme is an initiative of the European Union and provides opportunities to gain experience and work for a maximum of six months in a small or medium sized enterprise.
 

Legal framework

Social security is available for (young) workers who are staying in the Netherlands. This is arranged by the Employee Insurance Agency

Rights and obligations concerning the entry and stay of young foreigners

For European citizens there is no specific work permit or work visa requirement. For non-European citizens the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatie Dienst IND) has an overview of the requirements to stay in the Netherlands for individuals, students and business representatives.

Supporting entrepreneurs

The Dutch government supports innovative start-ups and helps them to develop. The government supports innovative enterprise in a number of ways:

1. Increasing the scope for finance
   The government has various financial schemes for:
   - entrepreneurs wishing to expand their businesses quickly;
   - innovative entrepreneurs.

2. Promoting cooperation between researchers and the private sector
   The governement is working with the private sector.

3. Reducing the regulatory burden
   The government is taking steps to reduce the regulatory burden on entrepeneurs. These include granting permits more quickly - or even automatically - and making greater use of digital technology.

4. Developing IT tools
   Providing government services online reduces the regulatory burden on entrepeneurs. It also offers unlimited scope for new products or for making business processes more efficient.

5. Helping entrepreneurs access networks
   Good networks help businesses grow. The government is using the following tools to help entrepreneurs build solid networks:
   - Trade missions abroad. By conducting trade missions abroad, the Netherlands can access new foreign markets. The focus here is on emerging markets like Brazil and India.
   - Enterprise forum. This is the government’s one-stop shop for entrepreneurs, where they can access services from a range of agencies, including the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), the Tax and Customs Administration, the Road Transport Agency (RDW) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

6. Better links between education and the labour market
   The government also wants to establish better links between education and the labour market. It is important for young people who have finished their training to find a job quickly and that there are enough skilled workers for companies.

7. Better cooperation with the franchise sector
   The government and the franchise sector created a code of conduct. An independent disputes committee will also be established. These measures should improve cooperation in the sector and prevent issues like unfair distribution of income between the entrepreneur (franchisee) and the owner of the trading name (franchisor).

8. Retail Agenda
   Customer behaviour and preferences are changing. More and more purchases are being made online. The government’s 2015 Retail Agenda describes these and other developments in the retail sector. It also lists the 20 agreements reached between the government and the retail sector. These include new ideas on combined zoning for shops, cultural establishments and hospitality businesses, and additional training for shop workers.

Unfortunately, there is no information found on the existence of specific tax arrangements applying to young people from another EU country coming to work in the Netherlands.