The Netherlands is an appealing location for many contractors to work. There are lots of opportunities for expats to work, with a wide range of international and multinational companies. Dutch international companies include ING Group, Shell Group, Unilever, Philips and Heineken, plus plenty of recruitment companies aimed at placing foreign workers in jobs in the Netherlands. However lots needs to be arranged for those who want to work in The Netherlands. Here are the most important thing you need to know.
Dutch Work Permit
Citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA – EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland do not need residence permits or work permits. Those from newer EU member Croatia need a Dutch work permit for their first year. Some foreign nationals – such as highly skilled workers, Blue Card holders, the self-employed, recently graduated students on an orientation year, or those coming to the Netherlands to join a relative who has permission to work. Everybody else who wants to come and work in the Netherlands will need a separate TWV work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning) in their name, in addition to a Dutch residence permit. See the types of Dutch residence and work permits below.
Health Insurance in the Netherlands
Expats that are living and working in The Netherlands are usually required to take out basic health insurance. This covers the costs of unexpected medical care, such as consulting a General Practitioner (GP), medication and hospital treatment. Basic Dutch health insurance is available for approximately 105 Euros per month.
Taxes
Whether you are a Dutch citizen or an expat, you are required to pay taxes if you earn money while living/working in The Netherlands. The Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office) collects taxes through a variety of streams. If you are employed by a company then your income tax will be withheld from your salary by your employer, this is known as wage tax (which is contained within payroll tax). If you are self-employed in The Netherlands then you must calculate and pay your income tax via the annual tax return.
Living in The Netherlands
The Netherlands is known as the Gateway to Europe as a result of the waterway network, which links Belgium, France and Germany. The Netherlands is a popular location for expats and the majority are able to adjust easily to the Dutch way of life. As one of the world’s most densely populated countries, living in an apartment is commonplace. Expats can either rent or buy apartments and Dutch accommodation in generally of a high standard. Most apartments feel spacious with large windows and high ceilings.
Culture and Language
Dutch is the official language of The Netherlands and is spoken by around 90% of the population. Around 350,000 people, or 2.2% of the population speak Frisian as their first language. This is mainly in the northern province of Friesland, where it is recognised as an official language. The Netherlands is a democracy with a tolerant, open society. Everyday life is structured down to the smallest detail. Private life and work are carefully planned and nothing is left to the unexpected.
How TCP can help
With all of the above in mind, figuring out all the rules surrounding working in the Netherlands can be difficult. This is where TCP Solutions can help.
We make it easy for contractors working in the Netherlands and advise you on the most suitable solution. Whether you’re a Highly Skilled Migrant, a self-employed/freelancer or prefer a local compliant payroll construction, we can help. For employers and agencies we can also help. For over 20 years we have been working with temporary staff and staff on contracts to businesses across Europe. W
e will fully indemnify everyone – individuals, agencies, employers. We are G Account Holders, with NEN4400-1 and VCU verification, and we employ over 1,000 contract and temporary staff on behalf of our clients in the Netherlands alone.
TCP not only operates in The Netherlands but also in 10 other European countries. We fully indemnify all parties (client and employee) against any risk or liability that can arise should anything go wrong with the payroll or should the employment not be set up correctly. Would you like to know more? Please contact a member of our sales team on +44 (0) 208 996 0883 or send us a message via our contact page.
