The Netherlands offers great income opportunities for both permanent and seasonal workers. Many people appreciate not only the high wages and large selection of offers, but also the friendly attitude of the Dutch towards Poles and the job security guaranteed by local laws. What formalities need to be completed to start working legally in the Netherlands?
Get a BSN number
Those who wish to take up legal employment in the Netherlands must obtain a BSN or Sofi number. These formalities must be completed regardless of whether you are interested in seasonal work abroad or want to take up employment for a longer period of time.
The BSN (Burger Service Nummer) is used to communicate with Dutch authorities and allows them to identify a person (it is used by local municipalities, tax offices, health facilities, among others).
This is the kind of number every Dutchman makes. For citizens of other EU countries, the BSN applies when they want to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months. To obtain a BSN, you must register with the municipality. It is necessary to provide a registered address (those renting a room should pay special attention to whether the landlord will agree to provide an address to the municipality).
Those who go to work through a certified agency often don’t have to complete the paperwork, as the intermediary takes care of registering the workers with the municipality.
When is Sofi’s number?
Poles who are interested in a typical seasonal job in the Netherlands right away and will not extend their stay to 4 months may choose not to make a BSN number. In their case, it is enough to obtain a Sofinummer number (Sofi for short), which allows you to fulfill your tax obligations. The Sofi number is issued by branches of the Belastingdienst. The meeting can be arranged by calling 0 800 0543.
Remember health insurance
When you plan to seek employment on your own (not through a Polish agency), you will need to purchase health insurance. This requirement applies not only to permanent residency, but also to temporary residency. Intermediaries confirm the purchase of such insurance in the ZUS A1 form.
