Volunteering

Volunteering in Rotterdam

Volunteering in Rotterdam is a practical way to meet people, improve your Dutch, gain local experience and become more involved in the city.

For people who have recently moved to the Netherlands, volunteering can also help build a local network while looking for work or settling into a new neighbourhood.

Volunteer work is normally unpaid, although some organisations may reimburse expenses or offer a limited volunteer allowance under certain conditions.

Why volunteer in Rotterdam?

Volunteering can be particularly useful if you are new to Rotterdam and do not yet have many local contacts.

It gives you opportunities to speak with Dutch people, understand how local organisations work and become more comfortable with everyday life in the Netherlands.

It can also be useful professionally. Volunteering shows that you are active and willing to contribute, and it can provide experience, references and contacts that may help when you later apply for paid work.

If improving your language is one of your main goals, combine volunteering with our guide to learning Dutch in Rotterdam.

Can volunteering help you find a job?

Volunteering is not a guaranteed route to paid employment, but it can improve your position in the labour market.

You can gain experience in a Dutch organisation, practise workplace communication and meet people who may know about vacancies or other opportunities.

It can also help explain periods without paid employment on your CV, particularly if you used that time to develop skills or contribute to a local organisation.

If employment is your main objective, also read our guides on finding a job in Rotterdam and employment agencies in Rotterdam.

Can you receive money for volunteering?

Volunteer work is normally unpaid, but an organisation may sometimes reimburse expenses or provide a small volunteer allowance.

A volunteer allowance is different from a normal salary. Tax rules and maximum amounts can change, so if you receive payments it is important to check whether they qualify as a tax-free volunteer allowance.

Always agree beforehand whether expenses such as travel, meals or other costs will be reimbursed.

Volunteering while receiving benefits

If you receive unemployment, social assistance or another government benefit, volunteering may still be possible, but rules depend on the type of benefit you receive.

For example, you may still be required to remain available for paid work or continue applying for jobs. In some situations, the organisation or volunteer activity may also need to meet specific conditions.

If you receive benefits, check with the organisation responsible for your benefit before starting regular volunteer work. This can help avoid problems later.

What kind of volunteering can you do?

Where to find volunteering opportunities in Rotterdam

There are many places to look for volunteer work in Rotterdam. Some specialise in matching volunteers with local organisations, while others recruit directly.

You can also check community centres, libraries, neighbourhood associations and cultural organisations near your home. Many smaller opportunities are advertised locally rather than on large job websites.

How to choose the right volunteer role

Think about what you want to get from the experience before applying.

Volunteering as part of settling in Rotterdam

Volunteering will not replace a job or solve every challenge of moving abroad, but it can make settling into Rotterdam easier.

You can practise Dutch, meet people outside the international community, discover local organisations and gain experience that may later help with work or everyday life.

If you are new to the city, it can be a useful addition to learning Dutch and actively searching for paid employment.

Things to arrange when moving to the Netherlands

Basic Dutch | BSN number | DigiD | Doctor | Finding a job | Job interview | Employment contract | Learning Dutch | Health insurance | Work agencies