Country Guide

Netherlands

Travel to the Netherlands safely and compliantly

Planning a workation in Amsterdam? Or a business trip to Rotterdam or Utrecht? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in the Netherlands, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.

Capital city

Amsterdam

Telephone code

+31

Official language

Dutch

Currency

Euro

Time zone

CET (UTC+1)

Social security compliance

When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly.

As part of the European Union, the Netherlands follows regulations that coordinate social security among EU/EEA member states and Switzerland. One key regulation is Regulation (EC) No 883/2004, which ensures that social security systems operate smoothly across borders.

Additionally, the Netherlands has entered into numerous social security treaties with other countries to avoid dual contributions, available here.

To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid A1 certificate (if traveling from another EU country to the Netherlands) or a Certificate of Coverage (CoC) (if traveling from a country outside the EU).

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Tax compliance

As a member of the OECD, many of the Dutch tax treaties are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention. This framework provides guidelines for structuring tax treaties and covers various types of income, including dividends, interest, royalties, and employment income. In addition to these guidelines, the Netherlands has signed tax treaties with numerous countries, available here.

Despite the existence of many tax treaties and the adoption of the OECD Model Tax Convention, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in the Netherlands, whether for a workation or a business trip. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in the destination country, the employer may be required to register the company locally, allocate profits to the local business (branch), and file corporate taxes, leading to substantial administrative burdens.

To avoid this scenario, here are some key strategies:

If your employees are traveling for a workation, they should refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during the trip. Additionally, they should avoid visiting clients or any office, including the employer's local office in the destination country. Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risk for the employer related to permanent establishment.

If your employees travel for business, it may be impossible to refrain from the activities above. In this case, please make sure to inform your (tax) compliance department of this matter. If you and your organization are a WorkFlex user, this topic is covered through the WorkFlex platform.

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PWD notification obligations for business trips

Under European law, employers are generally required to register their employees’ postings with local labour authorities in the destination country, i.e. to submit a PWD notification. This notification serves several important purposes, including balancing worker mobility with the protection of their rights. PWD notification obligations apply in the Netherlands.

As a consequence, to stay compliant with the PWD obligations, employees traveling to the Netherlands must comply with several local working conditions, notably must receive at least the same pay as local employees in similar roles. Learn more about the posted worker notifications in the Netherlands here.

Visa

To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.

For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to the Netherlands, here’s a quick overview:

Short-Term Stay: If you’re a citizen or residence permit holder from a Schengen Zone country, you can enjoy a stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. If you're coming from a non-Schengen country, you’ll likely need a Schengen Visa (Type C) for short stays of up to 90 days.
Long-Term Stay: Planning to stay longer than 90 days? In that case, you’ll probably need to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa.

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For those planning business trips to the Netherlands, here’s what you need to know:

Short-Term Trip: If you’re a citizen or a residence permit holder of a Schengen country, you can enter the Netherlands for short business trips without needing a visa, and you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For travelers from non-Schengen countries, you’ll likely need a Schengen Business Visa. This visa allows you to move freely throughout the Schengen Area for your business activities.
Long-Stay Visa: If your business plans involve staying longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a specific long-stay visa. The requirements can vary based on the nature of your business activities, so it's a good idea to check the specifics in advance.

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Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.

Working hours

Most employees in the Netherlands work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 38 hours. The workday is typically running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break of 1 hour in between.

To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:

‍Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.‍
Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.‍
Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.

Public holidays

January 1: New Year's Day
Date varies: Good Friday
Date varies: Easter Sunday
Date varies: Easter Monday
April 27: King's Day (Koningsdag)
May 5: Liberation Day (observed every 5 years)
Date varies: Ascension Day
Date varies: Whit Sunday
Date varies: Whit Monday
August 15: Assumption Day*
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Second Day of Christmas

*Only observed in specific areas

To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.

Working activities

When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.

If you are traveling for a workation, please:

Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.

Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.

If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.

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Data protection

Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.

When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. In addition to adhering to your home country's regulations, it’s important to note that since the Netherlands is a member of the EU, the GDPR will be applicable during your trip.

For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:

Adhere to your company's internal data policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
Use secure network connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
Be aware of phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
Utilize strong passwords and multi-factor authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
Keep your devices in a secure location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
Lock your screen whenever applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.

Local emergency phone

112

Vaccination

Guidelines

Drinking potable water

Generally safe

Travel health insurance

When traveling to the Netherlands for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it’s essential to have adequate health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.

For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, responsibility can sometimes be less clear. Regardless of whether insurance is provided by the employer or purchased by the employee, international coverage is crucial for a safe and secure trip.

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For travelers using WorkFlex

If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.

For other travelers

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) grants access to public healthcare services within the Netherland’s national health system, covering essential services like doctor visits, hospital treatments, and prescription medications (urgent or necessary medical care to the same extent as for local residents). The EHIC is valid only at public healthcare facilities, so check your private health insurance policy to confirm whether additional coverage is provided for private healthcare services.
Citizens of other countries: Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.

Urgent safety information

For travelers using WorkFlex:‍

Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.

For other travelers:‍

Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:

Terrorism

The Netherlands has recently raised the terror alert level from three to four ("substantial") out of a possible five levels, indicating that the possibility of a terrorist attack is currently considered "real." In response, additional security measures have been implemented as necessary. This heightened threat level allows police, municipalities, and relevant ministries to take further actions to ensure public safety.

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Crime

In the Netherlands, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is particularly common in major cities. In the past, scammers in Amsterdam have approached tourists for financial assistance, claiming to need help covering travel costs after an alleged theft.

To help ensure your safety, consider the following tips:

Keep your money, identification, driver’s license, and other important documents secure. If possible, store electronic copies or photos to facilitate replacements in case of theft or loss.
Be especially vigilant in heavily trafficked tourist areas, as well as at airports, train stations, and on public transportation. Always keep an eye on your valuables.
Carry important documents, such as your flight ticket and passport, only in photocopy form, and store the originals in your hotel safe.
Due to the increasing drug issues, do not agree to transport anything for third parties.
Approach requests for help from strangers with skepticism; verify their credibility in person if possible, or contact the police if you have concerns.
Be cautious of unusual emails, phone calls, prize notifications, offers, and requests for assistance from supposed acquaintances.

The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cool winters.

Winter (December to February): Average temperatures range from 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F), with occasional snowfall.
Spring (March to May): Temperatures gradually increase, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with blooming flowers and longer days.
Summer (June to August): Average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it a popular time for outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November): Temperatures drop again, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), with increasing rainfall.

Airports

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Location: Amsterdam
When to use: The main international airport in the Netherlands, offering extensive connections to destinations worldwide. Ideal for travelers heading to Amsterdam and other major cities.

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Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)

Location: Rotterdam
When to use: Convenient for accessing Rotterdam and The Hague, with a smaller number of international flights.

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Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Location: Eindhoven
When to use: Primarily serves low-cost airlines, making it a good option for budget travelers flying to and from Europe.

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Train stations

Amsterdam Centraal Station

The main train station in Amsterdam, serving as a hub for domestic and international train services.

International connections: Belgium, Germany, France (Thalys)

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Rotterdam Centraal Station

A major train station that connects to domestic and international destinations.

International connections: Belgium, Germany

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Utrecht Central Station

One of the busiest train stations in the Netherlands, serving as a central hub for train travel.