The benefits of being a construction contractor in the Netherlands are many and varied, from an affordable cost of living and quality healthcare system, to low commute times and crime rates.

In fact, the Netherlands is consistently ranked in the top three in Numbeo´s global Quality Of Life Index. Add to that the OECD Better Life Index reporting comparatively high employment rates, whilst nearly 0% of employees work very long hours in paid work — well below the OECD average of 10%.

Workers with young families will be pleased to know that the Netherlands was ranked the ninth best country in the world for raising children, based on overall happiness and access to a quality education system.

It´s no surprise then that Data, Pharma, and Battery Tech Construction professionals in the UK and Europe are looking for opportunities in this part of the world.

In this article, we´ll answer some of the top questions asked by professionals looking to become contractors in the Netherlands.

Do I Need a Work Permit?

To understand how to get contracting work in the Netherlands, it pays to be familiar with the work permit requirements in the country. These will vary according to several factors, including your nationality:

British Citizens

British nationals who were already living and working in the Netherlands on 1 January 2021 are permitted to stay in the country as long as they were registered with the Basisregistratie Personen – BRP (Personal Records Database) as of 31 December 2020. This also applies to family members if they are British citizens.

However, all British citizens who plan to live in the Netherlands after this deadline are subject to a number of different regulations. In summary:

• If you will be working in the Netherlands for less than 90 days, your employer must apply for a tewerkstellingsvergunning – TWV (work permit)
• If you will be working in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, your employer must apply for a gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid – GVVA (combined residence and work permit) (in Dutch) for you from the IND. 

Based on this information, it´s best to secure a job in the Netherlands before moving there. We work with a number of Dutch and international companies based in the Netherlands, so we can help you find your next role before you leave the UK.

EU/EEA (including Switzerland) Members

As an EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland national, if you plan to stay for more than four months, you need to register with the local authority where you are living. You´ll need to bring a valid passport, prove you have sufficient means of support and a certificate of medical insurance.

As a contractor, you can either secure a role before arriving or demonstrate you have enough money in your bank account to live in the Netherlands while searching for your next opportunity.

Applying for Your BSN (burgerservicenummer)

The burgerservicenummer, or BSN, is a unique ‘citizen service number’ for each individual living in the Netherlands. You’ll need a BSN to start working, open a bank account and access the Dutch healthcare system.

To apply for a BSN, you will need documents such as your proof of identity (passport), residence permit, employment contract, and the registration with the municipality you’ll be living in. (Note: anyone staying in the Netherlands for more than four months is required to register with their local municipality within five days of arriving in the country.)

Opening a Bank Account

Having a Netherlands bank account will enable you to pay rent and earn income while in the country. To open an account, you’ll need to show proof of your identity, BSN, address and in some cases, your income.

This is where your work and residency permits will come in handy. Combine these with your passport and rental agreement when starting your application. You can apply for a bank account online or in-person, depending on which bank you’ve chosen.

Finding Accommodation

The most populous areas of the Netherlands, especially the Randstad (the area around Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht), and university cities have the most accommodation options but tend to be more expensive.

When renting, it´s important to know you must cover both your basic rent and service charges, such as petrol, water and lighting. A maximum rent is agreed upon for each property using a points system. Before you sign an agreement, ensure you understand whether your rent includes utilities and services or not.

If you’ve fallen in love with the Netherlands and want to buy a property in the country, we suggest contacting local banks or mortgage advisors to gain the most up to date information. Most mortgages are for a duration of 30 years and prices are higher in more popular, higher-demand areas.

Transport in the Netherlands

Life in the Netherlands is synonymous with cycling, with the number of bicycles outstripping the number of residents. This might sound impossible, but research shows the Netherlands has a population of 17 million and 23 million bicycles!

If cycling is not for you, the Netherlands offers an extensive public transport network that is efficient and affordable. Major cities are connected by the NS train network, and you´ll also be able to find buses to regional areas and smaller towns. Within the bigger cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, you can also travel around by tram.

All public transport can be accessed using the OV-chipkaart, the national smart-card payment system.

Personal Income Tax

Your tax situation in the Netherlands will vary according to your work and residence status. If you are working as a contractor engaged by an agency, the agency will manage payroll on your behalf.

Or, you may opt to sign up with an umbrella company to work as a contractor, which means the umbrella company will handle employment sponsorship and tax payments for you.

The other (least recommended) option is to work independently and manage your own tax payments. However, this is a tricky prospect for most contractors, as you’ll need an employer sponsor to obtain a necessary work permit. It’s more difficult to find sponsorship if you’re completely solo.

Get Expert Help

To maximise the benefits of being a construction contractor in the Netherlands, engaging the services of a recruitment agency with strong ties to the EU is your best bet! Here at Konstrukt, our specialities include hiring contractor professionals for a wide array of Data, Pharma, and Battery Tech Construction projects in Europe. Contact us today for expert help on starting a contracting role without the paperwork hassles.