The decision to travel abroad for work brings with it many challenges, especially if you are planning to travel to the Netherlands through an agency. Working in another country can open up new opportunities, but it pays to prepare well before you make your final decision. In this article, we'll cover the most important things to consider before you go, how to choose the right agency and how to handle all the paperwork.
Preparing documents before going to the Netherlands with an agency - what's worth knowing?
One of the most important steps to take before you leave is to prepare your documents properly. This is a key part of the whole process and will not only make it easier for you to work with the agency, but also ensure that you get started quickly on the ground.
First and foremost, it is worth making sure you have a valid ID card or passport, as without these you will not be able to travel to the Netherlands to work through the agency. It is also a good idea to prepare copies of these documents, which may be required by the agency or the employer. In addition, if you have a driving licence, a copy may be useful - many companies in the Netherlands offer accommodation further away from the workplace, and having a driving licence may increase your chances of getting a better job offer.
Depending on the requirements of the agency, it may also be useful to prepare your CV in English or Dutch. Although many agencies offer help with creating application documents, it pays to have a ready-made version which will certainly speed up the recruitment process.
Choosing an agency and checking its credibility - what to look for?
Before you decide to travel to the Netherlands through an agency, it is essential to choose the right intermediary company. There are many companies on the market offering work abroad, but not all of them operate legally and ethically. Therefore, it is important to check that the agency you choose is properly licensed and has a certificate confirming its legality before signing a contract.
If you want to find a good employment agency in the Netherlands, it is a good idea to use the reviews of other workers who have already used the services of the company. Checking reviews on the internet can be very useful, as well as searching for information on forums and community groups. It's worth paying attention to how the agency handles employee problems, especially when it comes to issues related to accommodation, payment of wages or working conditions.
Also remember to check whether the recruitment agency is registered with the National Register of Employment Agencies (KRAZ), which is one of the basic legal requirements for companies operating in the labour market. Registration with the KRAZ provides assurance that the agency operates in accordance with the law and is regularly inspected by the relevant authorities.
Organisation of formalities by the agency - what can we expect?
Going to the Netherlands through an agency entails a number of formalities that both you and the agency must fulfil. Fortunately, professional agency companies often offer comprehensive services that make the process of preparing for departure much easier.
Agencies will usually help you obtain the necessary documents, such as work permits, and take care of registering the employee with the relevant institutions in the Netherlands. In addition, employment agencies often arrange accommodation, transport to the workplace and take care of health insurance. However, you should bear in mind that not every agency offers the same services, so make sure you check before signing the contract which formalities will be your responsibility and which will be taken care of by the intermediary.
Getting a BSN - why is it so important?
When you arrive in the Netherlands, one of the first formal steps you need to take is to obtain a BSN (Burgerservicenummer). A BSN is similar to the Polish PESEL number and is necessary to work legally in the Netherlands. Without this number you will not be able to, for example, file taxes, open a bank account or use medical services.
Most recruitment agencies will help their employees obtain a BSN, but it is worth finding out how the process works beforehand. Getting a BSN usually requires an appointment at the Dutch municipality (Gemeente) where you live. This process can take several days, so it is advisable to start as soon as possible after you arrive in the Netherlands.
Accommodation, transport and insurance - will the agency take care of everything?
Arranging accommodation and transport are other important issues that need to be sorted out before departure. Many recruitment agencies offer accommodation for their employees, but conditions may vary from offer to offer. Before signing a contract, find out where you will be staying, what the accommodation conditions are and whether you will have to pay for it. Some agencies offer free accommodation, while others deduct fees from the employee's salary.
The agency may also provide transport to the workplace. It is worth finding out whether the agency provides transport to work or whether you will have to commute yourself. If you have a driver's licence, the agency may provide you with a company car, which will make your daily commute much easier.
Last but not least is health insurance. Anyone working legally in the Netherlands must have health insurance. Many employment agencies offer insurance as part of their services, but in some cases the employee has to take out the relevant insurance themselves. The cost of health insurance in the Netherlands is usually around €100-130 per month, but it is possible to apply for the so-called Zorgtoeslag, a subsidy for health insurance.
What kind of salary can I expect when working in the Netherlands through an agency?
One of the most important questions for people planning to go abroad to work is the question of salary. How much can you earn in the Netherlands by working through an agency? Earnings in the Netherlands depend on a number of factors such as the type of work performed, the industry, the location and the experience of the employee. Average rates for temporary workers range from €10 to €14 gross per hour, although some sectors, such as logistics or manufacturing, may offer higher rates. In addition, many agencies offer extra pay for overtime, weekend and night work, which significantly increases the monthly salary. However, it is important to note that net earnings may be reduced by the cost of accommodation, insurance or transport if the agency provides these services to its employees.
Going to the Netherlands through an agency is a complex process that requires careful preparation. Choosing the right agency, preparing documents, obtaining a BSN number and arranging accommodation and transport are just some of the key issues to consider. It is therefore advisable to read the agency's offer carefully, check its credibility and ensure that all formalities are completed in time before deciding to go. It is also important whether it offers support in settling Dutch taxes - in this respect, the help of the tax office or a special foreign settlement program is usually invaluable.
