How to choose an ETT in The Netherlands

Taking the time to research and ask the right questions can make a big difference in your work experience in the Netherlands. Don’t settle for less than you deserve, and make sure all your concerns are addressed before accepting an offer. By being well-informed and prepared, you will be able to enjoy everything the Netherlands has to offer while working safely and comfortably.

Remember, your well-being and satisfaction are priorities.

Working in the Netherlands can be an enriching experience, but to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and productive as possible, it is crucial to choose the right Temporary Employment Agency (ETT). Here is a detailed guide with everything you need to know and ask before committing to an ETT in the Netherlands.

Job Location

Ask about the Job Location

It is essential to know the exact location of your workplace. Some ETTs may place you in remote areas or even near the borders of Belgium and Germany, which can complicate your daily commute.

Transportation and Associated Costs

Ask if the ETT facilitates transportation and if there is any cost involved. Depending on the distance from your home to work, a company car/driver may be provided, or if the distance is short, many companies provide bicycles, as this is very typical in the Netherlands. Make sure to know what option they can offer and how much it will cost, as this is usually considered an expense and will be deducted from your salary.

Accommodation Conditions

Verify the Accommodation Location

Make sure you know where you will be staying. Avoid accommodations in campsites unless they are easily accessible and not in the middle of nowhere. A central or well-connected accommodation will make daily life easier and provide access to basic services such as supermarkets and bus or train stops.

Roommates

Ask how many people will share the accommodation and specifically your room. Sharing with many people can affect your privacy and comfort.

Accommodation Equipment

Ensure that the accommodation is adequately equipped. Check if you will need to bring additional items such as bed linen or towels.

Accommodation Cost

We also recommend asking about the cost of accommodation and the payment method. Some employment agencies deduct the accommodation cost from your salary, while others require you to pay it yourself as if it were rent. There is no better or worse option; just make sure you know how the agency you will be working with operates.

Certifications

In the Netherlands, there are various associations that ensure temporary employment agencies meet basic standards. One of the most important is ABU (Algemene Bond Uitzendondernemingen). According to the official ABU website, “ABU members are committed to a fair, inclusive, and promising labor market.”

There are also other certifications such as SNF (Stichting Normering Flexwonen), which manages the registers of companies that meet housing standards for migrant workers and maintains these standards.

Administrative Procedures
BSN and Bank Account

Make sure that the ETT will handle your BSN (Burgerservicenummer), which is a citizen service number necessary to work in the Netherlands, and open your bank account if needed.

Payment and Contract Conditions

First Payment Date

Each company operates differently when it comes to payment.
In the Netherlands, many companies pay weekly.
Ask when you will receive your first payment to manage your money, as many ETTs pay after the second or third week of work.
Clarify if you will need to pay for accommodation during this period without receiving your salary.

Government Discount on Accommodation

Inquire about the government discount on your accommodation (ET or IT). This discount is a benefit the government offers to foreign workers and can vary based on your job, hours, salary, nationality, and age. Make sure the ETT applies this discount correctly.

Contract Conditions

This is the most important point; it’s not all about the highest salary. If they do not guarantee a minimum number of hours per week, you will not have a good salary in the end. Many employment agencies offer seasonal work or work that depends on the company’s workload. This translates into irregular work hours. You may work many extra hours, but the following week, you might not be called to work because there isn’t enough work.

We recommend, therefore, asking about the company, if the vacancy is long-term, the possibilities of advancement, and especially the minimum number of hours to be worked. Avoid zero-hour contracts; in the Netherlands, a full-time workweek starts at 36 hours per week.

Salary for Under-21s

If you are under 21, the Netherlands might not be the best place to work, as by law, the salary for those under 21 is lower in most companies. This decreases the younger you are, creating a difference of nearly six euros per hour between a 16-year-old and a 21-year-old. Keep in mind that accommodation and living costs are the same whether you are 21, 43, or 18 years old, but your salary will be lower. So, if you see an offer that does not specify the salary for those under 21, ask.

On the other hand, the Netherlands might be a good place to work if you are in the year you turn 21, as although you are still 20, you will have the salary of a 21-year-old and pay less tax for being younger.

Choosing the right ETT in the Netherlands is essential to ensuring a positive work experience. With this guide, you will be better prepared to ask the right questions and ensure your rights and needs are protected. Good luck in your new work adventure in the Netherlands!