Working in the Netherlands: everything you need to know

Do you already live in the Netherlands or are you looking for work? Then you will need to sort out a number of practical matters, such as getting a BSN number, health insurance, working conditions and pay. Groene Hart Service helps you with everything you need, so you can start your new job with confidence.

When you work in the Netherlands, you are paid in line with your employment contract and the applicable collective labour agreement (CAO). Your salary is transferred to your bank account on a fixed day. You also receive holiday pay every year.

You need a bank account to receive your salary. Taxes and social security contributions are deducted from your salary automatically. You also build up pension rights. Your payslip (loonstrook) shows in detail what your salary consists of and which amounts have been deducted.

At the end of the year you will receive an annual statement (jaaropgave), which you will need to file your tax return.

Healthcare in the Netherlands is well organised, but the system works a little differently from what you may be used to. In most cases, the first person to contact about a health problem is your family doctor (huisarts).

Where can you get medical help?

Family doctor (huisarts)

If you are ill or have a health problem, contact your huisarts. The doctor will assess your condition, prescribe the necessary treatment or, if needed, refer you to a specialist or a hospital.

Out-of-hours GP service (huisartsenpost)

If you need urgent medical help in the evening, at night or at the weekend, when your huisarts is closed, call the huisartsenpost, the out-of-hours service of family doctors.

The number depends on where you live. You can find it on your huisarts’s website or by searching for “huisartsenpost + your city”. We recommend saving this number in your phone in advance.

Pharmacy (apotheek)

You can get medicines at a pharmacy. Some are available without a prescription; others only with a doctor’s prescription.

Dentist (tandarts)

For dental treatment, you need to make an appointment with a dentist yourself. Please note that dental care is not always covered by basic health insurance.

When should you call 112?

If there is an immediate threat to life or health, for example loss of consciousness, a serious injury or severe difficulty breathing, call 112 straight away.

In other cases, you usually contact your huisarts or huisartsenpost first. They will tell you what kind of medical help you need.

Useful tip: register with a family doctor where you live in advance and save the contact details of the nearest out-of-hours service. That way you will know where to go if you need medical help.

In the Netherlands, employment agencies are not allowed to charge candidates for finding or providing work.

All Groene Hart Service vacancies are free of charge. We do not charge for registration, interviews or placement.

We also provide our employees with the necessary workwear and protective equipment free of charge.

Be careful! If someone asks you for money in exchange for a job, it may be a scam.

Before you start, check the address, the start time of your shift and the contact details of the person in charge.

What to keep in mind: Arrive on time, preferably 10–15 minutes before your shift starts. Bring an identity document and your lunch. Follow the safety rules and your supervisor’s instructions.

If you are going to be late or cannot come to work, make sure to report this in advance. Any questions? Your contact person at Groene Hart Service can always tell you who to contact.