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HIRED? Who to contact for emergencies?

As soon as you have your employment status set on HIRED, you can find an emergency phone number in the header of your profile.

What type of jobs do we offer?

We specialize in blue collar professions across different industries: construction, metallurgy, transport, automotive, logistics & production. We match your skills with the best job offers available on the market.

HIRED? Please check the following before your depature.

Did you receive a confirmation e-mail? Then check your consultant for the travel plan and address of your accommodation. If you did not receive a confirmation e-mail, please check your consultant to be sure that you get a confirmation. 

Are the TjobsEU services free of charge for candidates?

Yes. For job seekers, Tjobs.EU provides free services: job searching, job alerts and career consulting.

HIRED? What to bring with you?

If you don't know what your employer facilitates, please call your TjobsEU consultant for assistance about bedding, working clothes & shoes.

HIRED? What documents to bring with you?

If you start working in the Netherlands, please make sure you bring: your passport or ID; driving license (if needed); BSN (if already worked in the Netherlands); Other certificates or proof of your qualifications

HIRED? Arriving at your destination

If your accommodation is not as expected, please make sure you make a good description and take some photo's of the situation. You can inform your TjobsEU consultant about the problem by sending a good description together with your photos.

What is a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), and how do I get one?

The BSN (Citizen Service Number) is your unique personal number required for:
Employment and payroll
Health insurance
Banking and taxes

Do I need certifications like VCA or GPI?

Yes, depending on the industry: 
VCA (Veiligheid, Gezondheid en Milieu Checklist Aannemers) 
Required for jobs in construction, industry, and technical fields. 
It’s a basic safety certification valid for 10 years. 
GPI (Generieke Poortinstructie) 
Mandatory for accessing many Dutch construction sites. 
You complete a site-specific safety instruction and exam. 
Many employers offer to cover the cost or help you obtain these certificates if required. 

What support does TjobsEU provide to you?

TjobsEU offers support to candidates including assistance with: profile completeness, Getting HIRED, making your itinerary plan to travel, non-work-related issues such as finance and healthcare.

What documents do I need to start working?

Before you begin, make sure you have: 
A valid passport or ID card from an EU country 
BSN or you can get one in the Netherlands 
Any necessary certifications (VCA, GPI, etc.) 
Bank account in EURO (preferably prior to arriving in the Netherlands) 
Health insurance 
A signed contract 

What are the transport options?

Transport is usually arranged in one of three ways: 
Company car or van – often used for commuting between accommodation and the workplace. 
Bicycle – common for short distances. 
Public transport – reliable but less common for industrial or rural job sites. 
Fuel and insurance are usually covered if you're driving a company vehicle. You may need a valid EU driving licence.

How to get a BSN?

Your staffing agency will usually assist with this process. 
You must register with the municipality (gemeente) where you live.
Bring a valid passport/ID, employment contract, and proof of address.
You’ll receive your BSN immediately or by post within a few days.

I don’t speak Dutch. Can I still work?

Yes. Most blue-collar jobs only require basic English or German. However, speaking a little bit of Dutch is a plus and may help you get hired with priority.

How does payroll work through staffing agencies?

Staffing agencies in the Netherlands are responsible for your employment contract, salary payments, and tax deductions. Most of them work under NBBU or ABU collective labor agreements (CAOs), ensuring legal protections regarding: 

  • Minimum wage compliance
  • Holiday pay (usually 8% of gross annual salary)
  • Paid vacation days
  • Sick leave regulations
  • Your salary will be paid weekly or every 4 weeks or monthly depending on the agency, and you’ll receive payslips with tax and social contributions deducted.

If you have questions about your payslip, our service consultants are here to help you interpret the details and ensure transparency.

Is accommodation provided?

Yes, most staffing agencies offer shared housing, especially for international workers. Key points include: 
Typically 2–4 people per apartment or house. 
Rent is often deducted from your salary and follows SNF (Stichting Normering Flexwonen) standards for quality and safety. 
You'll have access to basic furnishings, internet, and kitchen facilities. 
Tip: Ask your agency whether utilities are included and whether the housing is close to your workplace.

Working shoes, clothes and tools needed for work

As a blue-collar worker, you may be required to wear specific working shoes and clothes for safety reasons. Typically, durable work boots, safety helmets, and reflective vests are recommended. Depending on your job role, you might also need specific tools, which will be communicated to you upon hiring. TjobsEU can help provide a list of necessary items based on your specific position.

What are Extraterritorial Costs (ET) and the 30% ruling?

Extraterritorial Costs (ET) are tax-free allowances provided to foreign workers to cover the extra expenses of working abroad. 
They can include: accommodation; travel expenses to/from your home country; legal paperwork (proof of residence in your country); 

In some cases, staffing agencies use a simplified version of the 30% ruling, allowing up to 30% of your gross salary to be paid tax-free. This must be officially registered with the Dutch tax authorities. Always check your payslip to see if ET applies. The agency must follow strict rules to apply this correctly. 

Do I need health insurance?

Yes. Dutch basic health insurance is mandatory if you’re working and living in the Netherlands. 
Some agencies arrange health insurance for you and deduct the cost from your salary. 
Others may require you to arrange your own insurance with approved providers. 
Not having valid insurance can result in fines or legal issues. 

Can I open a Dutch bank account?

Yes. Most banks allow EU citizens to open an account with: 
Your passport or ID 
BSN number 
Proof of residence 
Employment contract 
Your salary will usually be transferred to this account weekly. 

Who do I contact if I have problems?

You can contact your staffing agency coordinator. They can assist with issues related to pay, housing, transport, or work conditions. You can also contact your TjobsEU consultant for non-work related issues.

Other Important Info whilst working in the Netherlands

Holiday pay: You’re entitled to at least 8% of your annual salary. 
Vacation days: Minimum of 4x the number of days you work per week 
(e.g., 20 days if you work 5 days/week). 
Sick leave: Paid partially depending on CAO