• You must have a valid EU passport or ID card.
  • You must have enough money to support yourself.
  • You must take out health insurance in the Netherlands, even if you are already covered in your own country.
  • You must register with the local council (‘de gemeente’), and obtain a citizen service number (‘BSN’).

Whether you are planning to stay in the Netherlands for a long time or just a short period, the first thing you need to do is register with the local council so that you are included in the Personal Records Database (‘Basisregistratie Personen, BRP’).

  • If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, you must register as a resident with the local council within 5 days of your arrival.
  • If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for less than 4 months, find out how you can register as a non-resident.

A citizen service number is a unique number assigned to everyone who is registered in the Personal Records Database. This number is essential if you want to work, open a bank account, take out health insurance or apply for a benefit in the Netherlands.

You will need to apply for a DigiD account to verify your identity when accessing online government services and websites. You will need a citizen service number to create a DigiD account.

Please note: As an EU/EEA or Swiss national, you can also use a valid European electronic ID (‘Europees erkend inlogmiddel’) to access government services and websites.

If you plan to work in the Netherlands, you should start your job search before you move. Here are some tips to help you on your way:

  • create your CV on Europass and share your profile with EURES
  • register with the EURES Targeted Mobility Scheme for job search assistance
  • attend job-related events listed on the EURES website
  • contact an EURES adviser
  • follow EURES on social media for updates
  • register with job sites and employment agencies
  • build connections through personal contacts or via social media
  • send open job applications

Once you have arrived in the Netherlands and you have obtained a citizen service number and a DigiD account, register with werk.nl. This is a job platform set up by UWV and the local council. It offers job vacancies, information and resources for jobseekers in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands has strict laws to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. Collective agreements (‘CAO’) are negotiated between employers and trade unions, and provide for additional rights beyond the statutory minimum wage (‘wettelijk minimumloon’).

There are different types of employment contracts, each with specific legal requirements and implications for both the employer and employee:

  • fixed-term contract (‘tijdelijke arbeidsovereenkomst’)
  • permanent contract (‘vaste arbeidsovereenkomst’)
  • employment agency contract (‘uitzendovereenkomst’)

Foreign workers are often employed on a temporary basis, especially in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture and hospitality. These jobs are usually arranged through an employment agency (‘uitzendbureau’). When you work for an agency, there is a division of responsibility:

  • The agency is your official employer and is responsible for paying your wages.
  • The company you work for supervises and instructs you on your tasks.

Your rights while working for an employment agency

As an employment agency worker, you are entitled to the same treatment and pay as someone who is employed in a similar job in the same company. Your wage must be at least the statutory minimum wage, or the wage specified in the collective agreement for employment agency workers. Keep in mind the longer you work, the more rights you will gain.

For more information, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, visit the SNCU Foundation website. This foundation provides information on the collective agreement for employment agency workers and ensures that employment agencies comply with the rules.

UWV provides benefits to people who are starting a family, have become unemployed, are ill or have a disability and are unable to work. As a foreign national working in the Netherlands, you might be entitled to a benefit if you find yourself in one of these situations. We also help people find work and support individuals in their return-to-work process.