Preparing for Seasonal Work in the Netherlands – Tips and Checklists

2026-11-01 - By Oliwia

Preparing for seasonal work in the Netherlands involves more than just packing your suitcase. You also need to check the recruitment agency, gather the necessary documents and plan your tax arrangements for after you return. Before leaving, make sure you understand the employment conditions, have some savings set aside and know how to deal with the most important formalities.

Formalities Before Departure – Poland vs the Netherlands: What Are the Differences?

Seasonal work in Poland and the Netherlands requires preparation, but the administrative procedures differ between the two countries.

In Poland:

You need a valid identity card and a signed employment contract.
Your employer registers you for the relevant social insurance schemes where required by law.
You can check a recruitment agency in the National Register of Employment Agencies (KRAZ).
You declare your income in accordance with Polish tax regulations.

In the Netherlands:

As a Polish citizen, you can enter the country with a valid national identity card or passport.
You need a BSN number for employment and tax purposes.
If you work in the Netherlands, you are generally required to have Dutch health insurance.
It is worth checking the agency’s certificates and membership in industry organisations.
After completing your job, you may need documents from the Netherlands to declare your income in Poland.

How to Check a Recruitment Agency – KRAZ, ABU/NBBU and the SNA Certificate

Checking the recruitment agency is one of the most important steps when preparing for your trip. Before signing a contract, find out who your employer will be and under what conditions you will be employed.

If you use a Polish recruitment agency, check whether it is registered with KRAZ on the website rejestr.praca.gov.pl. You should also verify the company’s details and the range of services it provides.

If an agency recruits workers for jobs in the Netherlands, check whether it holds an SNA certificate. This is a Dutch standard for assessing companies operating in the temporary employment and labour supply sector. It is also worth checking whether the agency belongs to ABU or NBBU, two Dutch industry organisations.

Read your contract carefully before leaving. It should clearly state the hourly wage, expected working hours, accommodation arrangements, deductions from your salary and the conditions for ending your employment. If your minimum wage depends on your age, make sure the correct rate has been applied. Never sign documents you do not understand.

Documents You Need Before Travelling to the Netherlands

Before your trip, prepare all the necessary documents and save copies on your phone or in cloud storage.

Document checklist:

A valid national identity card or passport.
A signed employment contract and copies of all relevant attachments.
Your accommodation address and the coordinator’s phone number.
Your bank account details for salary payments.
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), if you are eligible for one through your health insurance.
A driving licence, if required for your job or commute.
Contact details for the recruitment agency and employer.

You can obtain an EHIC free of charge from Poland’s National Health Fund (NFZ). It allows you to access medically necessary public healthcare during a temporary stay in EU countries, under the same conditions that apply to people insured in the country you are visiting. However, it does not replace Dutch health insurance. Ask your agency when your insurance policy will take effect and which costs you will have to cover yourself.

BSN and DigiD – Dutch Formalities Worth Knowing About

BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is a Dutch personal identification number required for matters related to employment, insurance and taxes, among other things. If you do not have one yet, ask your agency in advance where and when you can obtain it. Depending on your circumstances, registration takes place at the relevant municipality (gemeente) or at a registration office for non-residents.

DigiD is a digital identification system that allows you to access online services provided by Dutch government authorities. It can be useful for checking tax information and using public services online. Your eligibility for DigiD and the activation process depend on your circumstances, so check the procedure on the official website digid.nl. Do not leave this until you urgently need documents after returning home.

Seasonal Work in the Netherlands – Packing Checklist

Pack practically. Given the weather in the Netherlands, you will need clothes that protect you from rain as well as warm layers for chilly mornings.

Documents and money

National identity card or passport.
Employment contract and the coordinator’s contact details.
EHIC, if you are eligible for one.
Bank card and a small amount of cash in euros for the first few days.
Driving licence, if required.

Clothing and work equipment

Waterproof jacket and trousers.
Comfortable, sturdy work shoes that meet the requirements of your position.
T-shirts, sweatshirts and a warmer jacket.
Headwear suitable for the weather conditions.
Work gloves, if your employer does not provide them.

Everyday essentials

Basic toiletries and a towel – check what is provided at your accommodation beforehand.
Any regular medication and medical documentation, if necessary.
A small first-aid kit, plasters and sunscreen.
Phone, charger and power bank.

There is no need to bring large supplies of cleaning products, toiletries or food. You can buy most everyday essentials locally. You will not need a plug adapter either, as Poland and the Netherlands use compatible type C and F sockets and a standard voltage of 230 V.

Before leaving, ask whether your employer provides protective clothing and footwear. Do not buy expensive equipment until you know the specific requirements of your position.

Taxes After Returning Home – Jaaropgaaf and PIT/ZG

Finishing your seasonal job does not mean that all your formalities are complete. Keep your salary documents, as you may need them for tax purposes in the Netherlands and Poland.

Jaaropgaaf is an annual statement of income and tax withheld, prepared by your Dutch employer. Ask for it after the end of the tax year or check how your agency will provide it. Keep your payslips (loonstrookje), employment contract and proof of employment as well.

If you are a Polish tax resident, the way you declare foreign income depends, among other things, on the type of income and the rules set out in the double taxation agreement between Poland and the Netherlands. In certain cases, you may need to submit a Polish PIT-36 tax return with a PIT/ZG attachment. However, this does not mean that every type of income earned in the Netherlands must always be reported in the same way. Your individual tax situation and the applicable method of avoiding double taxation are important factors.

Do not assume that paying tax in the Netherlands automatically fulfils all your tax obligations in Poland. After returning home, check whether you need to file a tax return and keep all documents confirming your income.

You can find current seasonal job offers in the Netherlands on the europa.jobs portal. Before applying, compare hourly rates, accommodation conditions, contract types and any transport costs.

FAQ

1. Do you need an EHIC for seasonal work in the Netherlands, and what does it cover?

It is worth having an EHIC if you are eligible for one through your health insurance. It provides access to medically necessary public healthcare during a temporary stay abroad. However, it does not replace Dutch health insurance, which is generally compulsory for people working in the Netherlands.

2. What is jeugdloon, and does it apply to me?

Jeugdloon refers to minimum wage rates that depend on the worker’s age. In the Netherlands, the statutory minimum wage varies by age, and the full adult minimum wage applies to people aged 21 and over. Check the current regulations and the rate stated in your employment contract.

3. Do you need to bring a plug adapter to the Netherlands?

No. Poland and the Netherlands use compatible type C and F sockets, with a standard voltage of 230 V. Standard chargers used in Poland should work without an adapter.

4. Does seasonal work experience in the Netherlands count towards your employment record in Poland?

A period of employment abroad may be recognised when calculating employment seniority in Poland, depending on the purpose of the calculation and the applicable regulations. Keep your employment contract, certificate of employment and payroll documents as proof of the period you worked.

5. Do strong medications require special documents when travelling to the Netherlands?

Some medicines containing controlled substances, such as certain opioids or psychotropic medications, require a special certificate or permit. The requirements depend on the substance, the quantity and the length of your trip. Before travelling, consult your doctor or pharmacist and check the rules for your specific medication.