How can I continue to receive unemployment benefit if I go abroad?
Only in exceptional cases can you continue to receive unemployment benefit from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) outside the Netherlands. Request a form from UWV for this before your departure. After you leave the Netherlands you’ll need to register with the relevant benefits organisation abroad.
Find out whether you can continue to receive your unemployment benefit abroad
In most cases you cannot continue to receive unemployment benefit from UWV if you go abroad. However, there are a few exceptions.
Find out if you can continue receiving unemployment benefit from UWV when you are abroad
Requesting a PD U2 form from UWV
If you can continue to receive your unemployment benefit abroad, request a PD U2 form before you leave by calling UWV. From inside the Netherlands call 088 898 9294. You can reach UWV on this number from Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 17.00 (Dutch time). Have your citizen service number (BSN) close at hand when you call.
Requesting the form in good time
Request the form in good time. That means no later than 1 week before your departure. That’s because it can take up to 1 week before you receive the form from UWV. If you do not request the form in good time, it is possible you may not be able to continue receiving your unemployment benefit.
After requesting a form
After you request the form it will be sent by post to your address in the Netherlands. Take the form with you when you go abroad.
Registering with a foreign benefits organisation
You must register with the relevant benefits organisation abroad within 7 days of leaving the Netherlands. Show your PD U2 form to the organisation when you register. You can find the relevant benefits organisation on Europa.eu.
Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.