Working in the Netherlands
Working in the Netherlands, well arranged.
Starting work in the Netherlands through Teamly? Here you can read what to expect as a temporary worker: your rights, what you need to get started and the rules on working hours and safety.
Your rights
What you can expect as a temporary worker
Temporary workers in the Netherlands are covered by the collective agreement for temporary workers (2026–2028, agreed by ABU, NBBU and the LBV union) and Dutch employment law.
Equivalent pay
As a total package, your terms of employment are at least equivalent to those of permanent employees doing the same or similar work at the client company.
Minimum wage and holiday pay
You earn at least the statutory hourly minimum wage. On top of that you build up holiday pay: by law at least 8% of your gross wage.
Holiday hours
You build up holiday hours for the hours you work. By law this is at least four times your weekly working hours per year.
Pension
As a temporary worker you build up a pension through the pension scheme for the staffing sector. Teamly will tell you when this starts for you.
What do you need to get started?
- A valid passport or ID card
- A citizen service number (BSN)
- Registration with the municipality (BRP) or, for a short stay, in the RNI
- A bank account (IBAN) for your wages
- Dutch health insurance (basic insurance is mandatory when you work in the Netherlands)
Don't have a BSN or health insurance yet? Contact us and we will tell you which steps to take.
Working hours and safety
- A maximum of 12 hours per shift and 60 hours per week
- An average of no more than 48 hours per week over 16 weeks
- The right to breaks and rest between shifts
- You receive a payslip with every payment
- Safe work: you get an introduction to the workplace and the protective equipment you need
For employers
New rules for staffing agencies (Wtta)
From 1 January 2027, companies in the Netherlands that hire out staff must be admitted under a new licensing law (Wet toelating terbeschikkingstelling arbeidskrachten). From 1 January 2028, client companies may only work with admitted agencies. This gives temporary workers better protection and keeps rogue agencies out.
This information is general and meant as a first introduction. Amounts and rules may change. For current amounts, such as the minimum wage, see government.nl.
Ready to start in the Netherlands?
View our jobs or get in touch. We are happy to help you on your way.