Do you need a work permit?
Whether you need a work permit depends on your nationality:
EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens
✅ You do NOT need a work permit. You can start working in the Netherlands immediately. This applies to: Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and all other EU countries + Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Non-EU citizens (Turkey, Ukraine, etc.)
- Your employer must apply for a TWV (work permit) for you at UWV
- You need an MVV (provisional residence permit) before coming to the Netherlands
- You will receive a residence permit after arrival
- Without these permits, working is ILLEGAL - you have no protection!
BSN number - Mandatory for everyone!
The Citizen Service Number (BSN) is the most important number you need in the Netherlands.
- Working (employer needs your BSN)
- Getting health insurance
- Paying taxes
- Applying for benefits (housing benefit, healthcare benefit)
- Opening a bank account
How to get a BSN?
- Step 1: Find work and a place to live in the Netherlands
- Step 2: Register with the municipality where you will live (within 5 days of arrival!)
- Step 3: Make an appointment at the town hall
- Step 4: Bring all documents (see below)
- Step 5: You'll get your BSN immediately (or within 1 week by mail)
Which documents do you need?
- Valid passport or ID card
- Proof of residence (rental contract, address declaration from employer)
- Employment contract (if you already have work)
- Municipality registration form (you'll get it on-site)
Health insurance - MANDATORY!
In the Netherlands, health insurance is LEGALLY REQUIRED for everyone who lives or works there. You have 4 months after arrival to get insurance.
Cost: About €130-€150 per month for basic insurance. You pay this yourself, not your employer.
💡 Note: If you earn little, you can get healthcare benefit (up to €150 per month back from the government).
⚠️ WARNING: No health insurance = fine of €130 per month + you still have to get insured!
Housing: What are your rights?
Many migrant workers rent through their employer or temp agency. BEWARE: there are rules!
✅ Maximum rent: Your employer may deduct a maximum of 25% of your gross minimum wage for housing. Anything above that is ILLEGAL.
Valkuilen:
- Employer deducts €600+ per month for 1 room → Too much!
- "No work = no housing" → ILLEGAL since October 2025
- Poor housing quality (mold, too cramped, unsafe) → Not allowed!
- No rental contract → ALWAYS demand a contract!
Je rechten:
- Housing must meet SNF standards (safe, clean, sufficient space)
- You cannot be evicted immediately if you lose your job
- Overpaid rent can be recovered through a lawyer
Taxes in the Netherlands
If you work in the Netherlands, you pay wage tax. Your employer automatically deducts this from your salary.
Wage tax: Your employer deducts about 30-40% tax from your gross salary. You see this on your payslip.
Tax return: Every year you must file a tax return (March-April). Often you get money back! Need help? Ask EWIN's AI assistant.
Toeslagen:
- Housing benefit: Up to €350 per month back if you pay rent and earn little
- Healthcare benefit: Up to €150 per month back for health insurance
- Childcare benefit: If you have children and they go to daycare
Your Labor Rights in the Netherlands
As a migrant worker you have the SAME rights as Dutch employees. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
💰 Minimum wage: €14.71 per hour (21+). Employer pays less? ILLEGAL! You have the right to back payment.
📄 Employment contract: You ALWAYS have the right to a written contract. No contract = no protection, but your employer is acting illegally.
⚖️ Dismissal: Your employer cannot just fire you. There are strict rules. Unjust dismissal? Right to compensation.
🏥 Illness: Your employer must pay at least 70% of wages during illness (up to 2 years). Dismissal during illness is PROHIBITED.
⚠️ MANY EMPLOYERS TRY TO EXPLOIT MIGRANT WORKERS. Know your rights and fight for them!
Where to get help?
You are not alone! These organizations help migrant workers for FREE:
EWIN (Fair Work In the Netherlands)
Free AI assistant + lawyer for labor rights. Chat in 14 languages.
Chat directly at ewinhelpt.nl
Inspectie SZW
Report exploitation, underpayment, illegal housing. Anonymous reporting possible.
Tel: 0800-5151 (free)
Juridisch Loket
Free legal advice for everyone in the Netherlands.
Tel: 0900-8020 (€0.10/min)
FNV (Trade Union)
Helps with labor conflicts. First advice free.
Tel: 088-8881000
Top 10 Pitfalls - Avoid These Mistakes!
Many migrant workers make these mistakes. Watch out:
- ❌ Not applying for BSN → Cannot work, get insured, receive benefits
- ❌ Not getting health insurance → Fine of €130/month
- ❌ Not registering with municipality → No BSN, no benefits, problems with police
- ❌ Accepting too low wages → €10-12/hour? ILLEGAL! Minimum wage is €14.71
- ❌ Not demanding employment contract → No protection, no rights
- ❌ Paying too much rent → Max 25% of salary, otherwise claim back
- ❌ Giving passport to employer → NEVER do this! This is a sign of exploitation
- ❌ Working without work permit (non-EU) → Illegal, no protection
- ❌ Not receiving payslip → Always demand payslip, otherwise employer can commit fraud
- ❌ Being afraid to complain → You MAY always complain about your rights, employer cannot fire you!
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