Short answer
Working at Schiphol is possible without a diploma or experience, in terminal and aircraft cleaning, catering or logistics. You do need a Schiphol pass. For this, the employer requests a security screening. If it is positive, you get a declaration of no objection (VGB). The employer pays for the screening, which takes up to 8 weeks in principle.
Working at Schiphol without experience
Working at Schiphol is a logical step for many people in Amsterdam West and Nieuw-West. The airport is close and open day and night, so there is always work, also for starters. For many jobs you do not need a diploma. You learn the work on the job. What you do need:
- a valid passport or ID card and the right to work in the Netherlands;
- a positive security screening: the declaration of no objection (VGB);
- a Schiphol pass, requested by your employer;
- a passed online safety training (the Safety & Security e-learning with a test);
- willingness to work in shifts, also early in the morning and at weekends.
What we see at Praktica: the work is easy to learn, but people get stuck on the paperwork more often. A gap in your address history or a long stay abroad can delay the screening. That is why we explain it step by step below.
Which jobs at Schiphol can you do?
Through Praktica you mainly work at Schiphol in three types of jobs.
Terminal and aircraft cleaning
In the terminal you clean departure halls, toilets, gates and offices. On an aircraft you work on board between two flights: seats, seat belts, seat pockets, toilets and the galley must be ready fast. Read more in our guide to cleaning jobs in Amsterdam.
Catering at Schiphol
You work in restaurants, bars and coffee places. You help travellers, clear tables and restock. Prefer a hotel? See hotel jobs in Amsterdam.
Logistics at Schiphol
You work with baggage, cargo or goods for shops and restaurants. You sort, load, unload and scan. Some jobs need a driving licence or a forklift certificate.
Pay and language
Your wage depends on the job and the collective agreement of the client company. You always get at least the statutory minimum wage: from 1 July 2026 this is € 14.99 gross per hour if you are 21 or older. Early, late or night shifts can give extra pay. The exact wage is in each vacancy.
At Schiphol you need at least basic Dutch or English. You must understand safety rules and pass the safety test. English is often the shared language in teams.
The Schiphol pass: how it works
The Schiphol pass is not something you apply for yourself. Your employer does this. Only companies registered at Schiphol can request a pass for their staff.
Steps to your Schiphol pass
- Your employer registers you for the security screening. You fill in a form with your personal details, addresses and work history.
- The security screening is done by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the security screening unit of the AIVD.
- You receive a letter with the result. If it is positive, you have a declaration of no objection (VGB).
- You do the Safety & Security e-learning and pass the test. Without this training you do not get a pass.
- You collect your pass at the Badge Centre at Schiphol, by appointment. Bring your valid ID and everything listed in your appointment confirmation.
Rules for your Schiphol pass
- The pass is valid for up to 5 years and never longer than your contract.
- You may only use the pass for work, not to pick up or drop off family.
- If you do not use it for more than 2 months, it can be blocked automatically.
- Every year you do a short refresher training.
- Lost or stolen? Report it at once to the Badge Centre. A new pass costs an administration fee.
Declaration of no objection (VGB) for Schiphol
The declaration of no objection (VGB, verklaring van geen bezwaar) proves that your security screening was completed positively. It is required for work in the secure areas of Schiphol, based on European aviation rules.
Cost
The employer pays for the screening, not you. The costs of the Schiphol pass are also charged to the employer.
How long does it take?
By law, a screening takes up to 8 weeks in principle. If extra information is needed, for example from abroad, the time limit is paused. It can then take longer.
How long is a VGB valid?
A VGB stays valid as long as you work for the same employer in the same job. In aviation a new screening is needed every 5 years. If you move to another employer at Schiphol, the new employer must request a new VGB.
Living abroad
The screening looks back over several years, in principle 8, at criminal records and where you lived. If you lived abroad for 6 months or longer in that period, the services try to get information from that country. If that is not possible, there is a "missing period" and the VGB can be refused because there is too little information. Keep papers from your time abroad, such as a rental contract or employer statement.
VGB refused?
The letter explains why and how to object, usually within 6 weeks. If Schiphol is not possible, you can still work: much cleaning and hotel work in Amsterdam needs no VGB. See jobs in Amsterdam without Dutch.
Working at Schiphol through Praktica: step by step
Working at Schiphol through Praktica goes in a few clear steps. Our office is at Jan Evertsenstraat 119 in Amsterdam West.
- Apply. Apply in 2 minutes with our English form. Our vacancies are in Dutch, but you can apply in English.
- We call you within 2 working days. We talk about the work you want and your availability.
- Interview at our office. Bring your valid passport or ID card, your residence document if you have one, your bank card and your driving licence if you have one.
- Screening and pass. The security screening and pass request start. Fill in the form completely and honestly to avoid delays.
- Start working with your VGB, training and pass.
You work under the NBBU collective agreement for temporary workers and build up pension with StiPP. Our guide uitzendwerk uitgelegd explains this (in Dutch).
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Schiphol screening take?
By law, the aviation security screening takes up to 8 weeks in principle. If extra information is needed, for example because you lived abroad, the time limit is paused and it can take longer. Fill in the form completely, with all addresses and employers.
Who pays for the VGB and the Schiphol pass?
The employer. The screening costs are charged to the employer who requests it, and Schiphol charges the pass to the company. You only pay an administration fee if you lose your pass or it is stolen or damaged.
Do I need to speak Dutch to work at Schiphol?
You need at least basic Dutch or English. You must understand safety instructions and pass the Safety & Security test. English is often the shared language in teams at the airport.
What is the difference between a VOG and a VGB?
A VOG (certificate of conduct) comes from Justis and mainly checks criminal records. A VGB follows from a wider security screening by the AIVD and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, which also looks at where you lived, including abroad. For the secure areas of Schiphol you need a VGB; a VOG is not enough.
How long is a VGB valid?
As long as you work for the same employer in the same job. In aviation a new screening is required every 5 years, so your Schiphol pass is valid for up to 5 years and never longer than your contract.
Can I work at Schiphol without experience?
Yes. Many cleaning, catering and logistics jobs need no experience. You learn the work in a team. What you do need is the right to work in the Netherlands, a positive screening, a Schiphol pass and the passed safety training. Apply in 2 minutes to start.
About Praktica Uitzendgroep
Praktica is an employment agency on Jan Evertsenstraat in Amsterdam West. We place people in cleaning, hospitality, logistics, construction and traffic control, in Amsterdam and around Schiphol. We are NEN 4400-1 certified, a member of the NBBU and follow the collective agreement for agency workers.
More about us