Hiring foreign employees

When hiring foreign employees, there are a number of things employers have to consider. For instance, every (foreign) employee has to be in possession of a valid and original identification, where you can check the nationality and identity of the person in question.

Immigration Documents

If all goes well, the foreign employee has a valid residence note (sticker) in his or her immigration documents. This shows whether the person is actually allowed to work in the Netherlands. The back of the immigration document also states whether the person can or cannot work.

You need to add a copy of the ID to your payroll administration. You should keep this copy in your payroll administration at least five years after terminating the employment relationship.

You should notify the IRS of the new foreign employee. In some cases you also have to request a work permit. For further information about this, you can contact the UWV/CWI (Centre for Work and Income), Department of Legal Affairs.

Foreign employees outside the EU; work permit

Employees who come from countries outside the EU, and employees from Romania and Bulgaria, need a work permit to work in the Netherlands. As an employer you are responsible for applying for this permit.

Note:
When hiring foreign employees directly is not an option, but the employees do work for you, you are still regarded as an employer under the Aliens Employment Act.