Working in the Netherlands
Employment Contract in the Netherlands
You can work for a Dutch employer with whom you have entered into an (temporary) employment contract. The employment contract in the Netherlands includes conditions of the work you will be doing, your salary, the number of working hours, holiday allowance, and the number of leave days you are entitled to. Also other conditions in the Netherlands can be agreed upon such as: expense allowances for moving and commuting, pension provisions, etcetera. If you work for a Dutch employer in the Netherlands, you will in most cases be subject to Dutch taxation and Dutch social security regulations for employees such as unemployment, illness, and disability (provided you meet the requirements for these social insurances). It is not necessary to have a signed employment contract in the Netherlands to be employed.
Nevertheless, we advise you to insist on an employment contract in the Netherlands in writing (preferably in a language you can understand). Your employer needs to check your identity document (passport, personal identity card, or residence permit) and keep a copy in his/her administration. A driving license is not a valid identity document for this purpose because it does not indicate your nationality and provides no information about your residence status.
The employer in the Netherlands must also check if your residence status allows you to work and if a work permit is required. You can also be working through a Dutch temporary employment agency and work for one or several companies. In that case, you will have an employment contract with the agent who is seconding you to the client where you will actually work.
Employment Conditions in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, many companies and branches have a so-called Collective Labour Agreement (Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst, CAO). A CAO contains supplementary rules for all employees on wages, working hours, supplementary pension, payment during illness, etc. A CAO is concluded by one or more employers, one or more employers' organisations, and one or more employees' organisations (mainly trade unions). For more information about CAOs check the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (only available in Dutch).
Seconded Employees in the Netherlands
Maybe you are working in the Netherlands because your employer in your home country has seconded you to the Netherlands. If so, the terms and conditions must comply with the legal rules in your home country but because you work in the Netherlands, also some Dutch rules will apply to your employment. For example, if you work in the Netherlands, you must be paid at least the Dutch minimum wage and holiday allowance, and you must comply with the working hours regulations and rest times. Your home country’s social security might still be applicable if you have a so-called E101 declaration from the Social Security board in your home country (if you are seconded from an EEA country or treaty country). Check for more information the website of the SVB.
Self-Employed in the Netherlands
If you are a self-employed worker in the Netherlands without employees (Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel, ZZP’er) and you accept an assignment, you can ask the Dutch Tax Administration for a so-called independent contractor status (Verklaring Arbeidsrelatie VAR). With this statement, your client/employer knows he can regard you as an independent entrepreneur and that he is not held responsible for withholding taxes and social security contributions on your remuneration. As a self-employed worker in the Netherlands, you are free to determine your own employment terms. If you are based in your home country, you must be able to prove that you are. This can be done through the Chamber of Commerce register in your country of origin.
How to start your own business in the Netherlands ?
When you are starting your own business in the Netherlands, lots of questions will come up. For detailed information about how to start your own business, please visit the website of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel).
Working in the Netherlands
Source WTC/ Expat Centre Twente
Working in the Netherlands
For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.
Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager
Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.
A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer
Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.
Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands
S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant