Can an English lawyer work in the Netherlands?
Asked by: Reid Davis DVM | Last update: December 6, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (70 votes)
UK solicitors can practise in the Netherlands under their home country professional title. You do not need to register with the Dutch Bar.
Can I work in the Netherlands with only English?
You don't have to speak Dutch to be able to work in the Netherlands. In fact, English is the main business language in many companies. However, if you want to work for a smaller company it could increase your chances of landing that job if you speak a bit of Dutch.
Can a UK lawyer practice in the EU?
they can practise under their home-country professional title and provide legal services in their home-country law, European Union law and public international law; these rights are now protected under international law through the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
Are British citizens eligible to work in the Netherlands?
You may continue to live and work in the Netherlands. However, you must have a residence permit. This also applies to your family members if they are also British citizens.
Can you work abroad as a UK lawyer?
Many large commercial law firms have offices located throughout Europe, Asia and North America which deal with international matters crossing many jurisdictional borders. These firms provide opportunities for English law graduates and lawyers to work overseas.
How to immigrate to the Netherlands as a lawyer?
What countries accept the UK law degree?
- Canada: Canada is an attractive destination for UK law graduates due to its robust legal system and diverse opportunities. ...
- Australia: Australia offers UK law graduates a sunny climate, outdoor social lifestyle, and a familiar legal system. ...
- United States: ...
- Hong Kong:
Can a US lawyer work in another country?
American lawyers can be assigned to an overseas office of a particular firm or corporation, a foreign office of an international organization or a US consulate or embassy in a foreign country. There are many different opportunities to live overseas as a US lawyer, depending upon the practice focus.
Can I get a job in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch?
Yes, because The Netherlands hosts many multinational businesses, it is possible to find many jobs where speaking Dutch is not required. The top cities that would be recommended for an expat in search of an English-speaking job is Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.
What is the skills shortage in the Netherlands?
Existing shortages are likely to increase, in particular in three critical areas of work: skilled manual labor, digital and tech jobs, and health and social care. The Netherlands could face shortages in these areas of work of 100,000, 105,000, and 245,000 people, respectively.
Who can legally work in the Netherlands?
You may definitely work in the Netherlands if you come from another European Union (EU) country. If you don't, there are conditions. For example, you need a work permit. There are also special rules for certain groups, such as students, knowledge migrants and students.
Can foreign lawyers practice in the Netherlands?
Are you a qualified lawyer from an EEA country or Switzerland? Under the Lawyers' Establishment Directive you can work as a lawyer in the Netherlands using your original occupational title ('home title'). You must register with the Supervisory Council (in Dutch).
Where can you use a UK law degree?
- Barrister.
- Chartered legal executive.
- Conveyancer.
- Judicial assistant.
- Law costs lawyer.
- Legal cashier.
- Legal secretary.
- Paralegal.
Can English lawyers work in Germany?
UK nationals who are qualified/dual qualified as lawyers in an EU member state, EEA country or Switzerland can register as European lawyers in Germany under the law on the activities of European lawyers in Germany.
How English friendly is the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, the English language can be spoken by the vast majority of the population, with estimates of English proficiency reaching 90% to 93% of the Dutch population.
Is it hard to get a job in Amsterdam as an American?
Amsterdam is home to many international corporate headquarters. This often means that English-speaking expats might have a good chance of finding a job in Amsterdam. However, keep in mind that competition is fierce and knowing Dutch will work in your favor.
Which career is in demand in the Netherlands?
What Kinds of Jobs Are Available? In 2024, there will be lots of new jobs in the Netherlands. You can find work in technology, construction, hospitality, transportation, logistics, finance, healthcare, engineering, cleaning, and customer service.
Is it hard to get a job in Netherlands as a foreigner?
Whether you've moved for love or labour, finding a job in a foreign country is a challenge – but with the right help, it's very doable. The unemployment rate in the Netherlands is one of the lowest in the EU.
What is considered highly skilled in the Netherlands?
Highly skilled migrants
If you wish to stay in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, you will require a provisional residence permit (mvv) or/and a residence permit. In addition, guest lectures, scientific researchers and medical trainee specialists are regarded as highly skilled migrants.
Is it mandatory to learn Dutch to work in Netherlands?
Unless you need to have permanent residence, there is no legal requirement to know Dutch in order to work in the Netherlands.
Is Netherlands friendly to foreigners?
Most Dutch people are actually extremely humble, welcoming, and friendly towards foreigners. It's just that they value honesty and expect you to be straightforward and to the point as well.
How much money do you need to live in the Netherlands?
The cost of living in the Netherlands for a single person is around €1,500 to €2,500. What is the cost of living in the Netherlands for a family? The cost of living in the Netherlands for a family can range between €3,000 to €5,000 per month.
What skills are scarce in the Netherlands?
- Architects, planners, surveyors and designers.
- Science technicians.
- ICT professionals.
- Installers and repairers.
- Teachers.
- Other shortage occupations.
How to work in London as a US attorney?
England and Wales
A US lawyer must have a university degree or equivalent, pass both parts of the SQE exam, and complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
How do you become an international lawyer?
Becoming an international lawyer requires formal education and licensure. Specifically, you need to earn a Juris Doctor degree, and it's recommended to earn a Master of Laws degree for specializing in international business. You're required to pass your state's bar exam to practice law legally.
What does PQE mean?
Post-Qualified Experience (PQE) is the number of years a lawyer has been practicing after completing all required qualifications and being admitted to the bar. Represented in years, such as 1 PQE, 3 PQE, or 10 PQE, it indicates a lawyer's practical experience and expertise.