If you are going to work in the Netherlands, it is important to formalize your stay. A key issue is obtaining one of two identification numbers – Sofinummer or BSN. More details can be found below.
Upon arriving in the Netherlands, you must register with the municipality and obtain either the Sofinummer or the more commonly used BSN. This identifier is essential for communication with government authorities.
Sofinummer, also known as the social security number, is an individual identification number assigned in the Netherlands for identifying individuals within the social security system and tax administration.
Check minimum wages in Holland
Employment in the Netherlands – Sofinummer
A Sofinummer should be obtained when you plan to take legal employment in the Netherlands for a period shorter than 4 months. The Sofinummer is mainly used for tax-related matters. To obtain a Sofinummer, you need to visit one of the Belastingdienst offices (the equivalent of our tax office) with the following documents: an identification document, a certificate of residence in Poland and Holland, and optionally the address of your employer. The number is issued immediately and no fee is charged.
To make an appointment at the Belastingdienst, you can call the hotline – 0800-0543 (free within the Netherlands). For those calling from abroad, the number is +31 555 385 385. On the website www.belastingdienst.nl, you will find a lot of information and the option to ask questions via a contact form.
Belastingdienst offices are located in:
- Alkmaar
- Almelo
- Amsterdam
- Breda
- Den Haag
- Doetinchem
- Eindhoven
- Goes
- Groningen
- Heerlen
- Leiden
- Leeuwarden
- Nijmegen
- Rotterdam
- Utrecht
- Zwolle
Employment in the Netherlands – BSN, or Burger Service Nummer
BSN is an identification number used for administrative matters in virtually all Dutch government institutions. Individuals who wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months must obtain a BSN.
The BSN is automatically issued upon first registration with a Dutch municipality. When registering, you need to choose between two options: resident or temporarily residing – the difference between them is the planned duration of stay in the Holland. Individuals planning to stay longer than 4 months should register as residents.
The following documents are required for registration: an identification document, a rental or purchase agreement for accommodation in Holland. Upon receiving resident status, you are subject to tax obligations, which comes with a package of benefits such as:
- the right to work
- access to public services, such as education, healthcare, and social security
- the ability to purchase property and obtain mortgages
- benefits and support, such as unemployment benefits or social assistance.
Remember, if you are employed by a certified Dutch employment agency, make sure to check if your employer has already registered you with the tax office – in Holland, employers can request a BSN for their employees.
Employment in the Netherlands usually requires signing an employment contract, which specifies the terms of employment, such as salary, working hours, and other conditions. Once you obtain employment, you are required to purchase health insurance. This insurance is mandatory for all residents of the Netherlands.
Note! If you are not an EU citizen, a work permit may be required. It’s worth checking the requirements based on your country of origin.
