About The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country with incredible opportunities in farming and food technology, as well as the hospitality and bakery industry. These industries provide a unique and beneficial environment for international trainees seeking to develop skills and gain valuable hands-on experience, and workers looking for new career opportunities.
Participating in a traineeship in the Netherlands offers numerous benefits for international trainees. First and foremost, trainees gain exposure to cutting-edge practices and technologies, enabling them to acquire valuable skills that are highly sought after in the industry. The Netherlands’ reputation for innovation and excellence provides trainees with a competitive edge and enhances their employability prospects.
Furthermore, traineeships and job possibilities in the Netherlands offer a multicultural and diverse work environment, fostering cultural exchange and networking opportunities. Trainees and skilled workers have the chance to collaborate with professionals from different backgrounds, expanding their global perspective and building international connections.
Bixter, a trusted partner in facilitating traineeships and job positions, can help aspiring trainees find reputable hosts in the Netherlands. Our expertise and network enable us to match trainees and workers with suitable placements that align with your interests and goals. With Bixter’s support, trainees and skilled workers can embark on a rewarding journey in the Netherlands’ vibrant agricultural, hospitality, bakery and food technology industries.
If you are planning to come to the Netherlands for your traineeship or work, it is crucial to obtain the appropriate work and residence permission from your embassy. Rest assured that our dedicated team at Bixter will provide guidance and support throughout this process, helping you navigate the necessary paperwork and requirements.
Once you arrive in the Netherlands, one of the first steps is to register yourself. Registration plays an important role in ensuring that you have access to essential services and enjoy a smooth transition into your traineeship or work journey. Our team will be there to help you understand the registration process and complete it correctly.
BSN Number
To apply for your BSN, you will need to visit your local municipal office, also known as the gemeentehuis or town hall. The friendly staff at the municipal office will guide you through the registration process and assist you in obtaining your BSN. Make sure to bring your identification documents, such as your passport and any other relevant documents required for registration (as informed by the Bixter team upon your arrival).
During the registration process, you will be asked to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and nationality. Once your application is processed, you will receive your BSN, which is an important identification number for various administrative purposes, including opening a bank account, accessing healthcare services, and fulfilling your tax obligations.
Health Insurance
As a trainee or a worker in the Netherlands, it is important to have private health insurance to ensure you have access to medical care. The basic health insurance, called Zorgverzekeringswet (Zvw), covers common medical treatments and services.
All insurance companies in the Netherlands offer the same basic insurance package. However, if you require coverage for extensive dental treatments, physiotherapy, or other services that the government considers to be your own responsibility, you may need additional insurance. Different insurance companies compete in providing these additional coverage options.
If you are looking for global health insurance that covers you both in the Netherlands and internationally, there are several international insurance companies operating in the country. These include Allianz Care and Cigna Global, among others.
Applying for DigiD
Once you have successfully obtained your BSN (burgerservicenummer), next step is to apply for a DigiD. A DigiD is like a digital identity card that grants you access to a wide range of government websites and online services. Having a DigiD makes it convenient for you to schedule hospital appointments, submit your tax returns electronically, and utilize various online services offered by the government.
Applying for a DigiD is a straightforward process. You can visit the official DigiD website and follow the simple instructions to create your account. During the registration, you will be asked to provide certain personal details and verify your identity. Once your application is approved, you will receive a unique username and password that you can use to log in to the DigiD portal.
Bank account
The Netherlands has a diverse banking system with 96 national and international banks, as well as around 140 local cooperative banks. The country’s central bank, De Nederlandsche Bank, and the Dutch Authority for Financial Markets regulate the banking services.
Opening a bank account without a BSN (Tax Information Number) is possible, allowing you to sign up using your phone and ID and provide your BSN within 90 days. This step will ensure that you can receive your compensation or salary in time.
Taxes
It’s important to understand how taxes work in the Netherlands. As a rule, taxes will be deducted from your salary each month. However, it’s still beneficial to consider filing a tax return at the beginning of the year to see if you’re eligible for a tax refund.
The taxes are paid to the Tax and Customs Administration Board through your employer. Additionally, you may have local taxes that go towards your municipality and the water board. At Bixter, we can provide valuable guidance and support to ensure you meet your tax obligations. Feel free to reach out to us for assistance in navigating the Dutch tax system effectively.
During your traineeship or work in the Netherlands, you can expect around 40 working hours per week, which amounts to approximately 172 hours per month. Each day, you will typically work for about 8 hours, excluding any breaks that you pay for yourself.
It’s important to note that as a worker, you will also receive vacation money equivalent to 5 weeks’ worth per year. This allows you to enjoy some well-deserved time off during your contract period.
Upon your arrival in the Netherlands, your host-employer will come to meet you at the airport and provide transportation to the house or apartment they have prepared for you. They will assist you in settling down and getting comfortable.
Cell Phone
When it comes to cell phones, you have two options for longer stays in the Netherlands:
contract (Abonnementen) or prepaid card.
If you prefer a prepaid card, Lebara offers affordable choices. For contract options, the major providers are Vodafone or T-Mobile.
Transportation
The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy and comfortable to travel around the country. Whether you need to go by train, bus, tram, or ferry, you can conveniently reach your desired destinations. To use the train, you can opt for either a single-use chipcard or an OV-chipcard.
Shopping
For grocery shopping, there are several discount supermarkets to explore, such as Plus, Aldi, and Lidl. These supermarkets are compact but offer a wide range of commonly needed food items.
If you’re looking for more specialized products, the Netherlands also has specialty supermarkets to satisfy different preferences:
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