I was working outside the Netherlands but lost my job. What should I do?

Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to unemployment benefit from the Netherlands or another country.

Learn more about unemployment benefit

1. Where are you insured?

If you want to know whether you qualify for unemployment benefit and which country you should apply for it in, you must first find out whether you have unemployment insurance coverage and, if so, in which country. This could be in the Netherlands or somewhere else.

Check where you are insured

2. What are you entitled to and where?

Find out in which country you can apply for unemployment benefit. This depends on the country you are insured in and your particular situation. Including, for example, the country you work/worked in and whether you will be staying abroad or returning to the Netherlands. To receive unemployment benefit you must meet certain conditions. Exact conditions vary by country.

Find out if you qualify for unemployment benefit

3. Applying for unemployment benefit

Exactly how to apply for unemployment benefit varies by country. You can apply for it from the benefits organisation in the relevant country. In the Netherlands that’s the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).

Find out how to apply for unemployment benefit

4. Unemployment benefit amount and duration

The amount and duration of unemployment benefit vary by country. How much unemployment benefit you receive, and for how long, is different in the Netherlands than in Belgium, for example.

Find out more about the amount and duration of unemployment benefit