Before Working in the Netherlands: Freedom of Movement

The freedom of movement scheme does not apply to workers from countries out with the EEA, EU or Switzerland. Before working in the Netherlands, you will only be permitted to work within Dutch borders if your Dutch employer has a work permit in your name. You will also require a residence permit. If you are from Bulgaria or Romania then a residence permit is not required – but you will still need a work permit before working in the Netherlands.

Secondly, if you are to work in the Netherlands and therefore pay tax, you will necessitate registering for a Citizen Service Number before working in the Netherlands legally (also referred to as a BSN or ‘Burgerservicenummer’). This is a unique identity number for when you have to contact the state in relation to tax matters. Once registered with a Dutch municipality you will receive your citizen service number, advisable to obtain before working in the Netherlands.

When going to work, give your employer your BSN/Citizen Service Number; your employer will then organize a few things on your behalf, such as arranging your pension fund and dealing with the tax authorities.

If unable to register with a municipality in the Netherlands and a BSN number is unobtainable then you can use a social-fiscal number, referred to as a ‘Sofi number’. You can obtain this number from the Tax and Customs Administration before working in the Netherlands.

Before Working in the Netherlands: Dutch Medical Care

Thirdly, you must ensure yourself for the costs of medical care before working in the Netherlands. Even if you are not going to live within the Netherlands, should you work and pay tax within Dutch borders then you are obliged to arrange heath insurance cover before the start date for working in the Netherlands. Regardless of whether you have this cover in your home country or not, this is a vital must have before starting work within Dutch territory.

Finally, before working in the Netherlands you must register with a municipality and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The rules from these offices vary according to the length of your employment visit. If you are staying longer than three months in the Netherlands then you must register your stay with the IND, this is to ensure that you are indeed registered for your time there before working in the Netherlands and prevents the authorities hunting you down. Registration is compulsory. If you avoid registering then nothing can shield you from the wrath of the Dutch authorities and you will be deported. This would also mean that you have no right to any social assistance or benefits and you may not apply for a study loan.

Before Working in the Netherlands: Further Points

It is also essential that you register with the municipality for the district you are living in. It is advisable to contact their office to ask about registration procedures and enquire about the documentation needed.

If staying for less than three months then you don’t have to register with the municipality or the IND. However, it is useful to have a registration certificate as other bodies, such as the Tax and Customs Administration or the central banks, can ask for this document. It can also be used to open a bank account in the Netherlands, for example.

Before working in the Netherlands it should be noted that you can only register with the IND if you are registered previously with the GBA, Municipal Personal Records Database, or the municipality where you are living or moving to.