{"id":21657,"date":"2026-08-18T10:58:42","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T08:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlieworks.eu\/working-in-the-netherlands-everything-you-need-to-know-about-taxes-health-insurance-and-daily-commuting\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T11:07:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T09:07:19","slug":"working-in-the-netherlands-everything-you-need-to-know-about-taxes-health-insurance-and-daily-commuting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charlieworks.eu\/en\/working-in-the-netherlands-everything-you-need-to-know-about-taxes-health-insurance-and-daily-commuting\/","title":{"rendered":"Working in the Netherlands: everything about taxes, health insurance, and daily travel"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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If you are coming to the Netherlands from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, or Romania to work, you will soon encounter a few things that are arranged slightly differently than at home. Tax is automatically deducted from your wages, health insurance is mandatory, and commuting often happens by bicycle, bus, or train. It is useful to know this before you start. <\/p>

This guide helps you on your way when working in the Netherlands<\/strong>. You will read about how the tax system works, why health insurance is not a choice but a duty, and how to get to your workplace quickly and affordably. This way, you know what to expect before your first day begins. <\/p>

The information is primarily intended for international workers starting out in logistics, production, and horticulture. These are exactly the sectors where there is a high demand for good personnel. <\/p>

Taxes when working in the Netherlands: how does it work?<\/h2>

When you sign an employment contract in the Netherlands, your employer automatically deducts payroll tax from your salary. You do not have to do anything for this yourself. On your payslip, you can see exactly what has been deducted and what remains as net income. This is pleasant for many international workers because it saves on paperwork. <\/p>

To be able to work, you need a BSN, the Dutch citizen service number. Without that number, your employer cannot pay out your salary and you cannot take out health insurance. You apply for the BSN at the municipality where you register. <\/p>

The tax when working in the Netherlands<\/strong> depends on your income. The more you earn, the higher the percentage. There are also tax credits that lower your tax burden. At the end of the year, you can often get a portion back via a tax return. Many international workers only discover later that they were entitled to a refund, so it pays to look into this properly or ask for help. <\/p>

The 30% ruling: does it apply to you?<\/h3>

The 30% ruling is a tax advantage for employees with specific expertise who come to the Netherlands from abroad. This ruling usually does not apply to work in logistics, production, or horticulture. Therefore, do not automatically assume that you can make use of this. <\/p>

Health insurance when working in the Netherlands<\/h2>

Everyone who works and lives in the Netherlands is required to take out basic health insurance. This rule also applies to international workers. You must arrange this within four months of your arrival. If you do not, you risk a fine from the CAK. <\/p>

The basic insurance covers visits to the GP, hospital care, and prescription medicines. Dental care and physiotherapy are usually not included in the basic package. You can take out supplementary insurance for those, but it is not mandatory. <\/p>

A health insurance when working in the Netherlands<\/strong> costs a fixed amount per month. Do you have a low income? Then you can apply for a healthcare allowance from the Tax and Customs Administration. This is a contribution that partially compensates for the premium. Many international workers are entitled to this but do not apply because they do not know it exists. <\/p>

If you want to know more about exactly how the healthcare system works, you can read about it in our article: How does the Dutch healthcare system work for foreign workers?<\/em><\/a><\/p>

Traveling to your work in the Netherlands<\/h2>

The Netherlands is a small country with good public transport. Nevertheless, the bicycle is often the fastest and cheapest option for short distances. Many companies are located on industrial estates that are easily accessible by bike. If you live further away, there are buses and trains that will take you to your workplace. <\/p>

Some employers arrange transport for their staff. This could be a shuttle bus that picks you up at your residence and takes you to the factory or distribution center. Charlie works provides housing located close to the workplace, so that traveling to work in the Netherlands<\/strong> takes as little time as possible. This saves not only money but also energy after a long shift. <\/p>

Did you bring your own car? Then take into account the costs of petrol, insurance, and parking. In many cases, the bicycle or transport via your employer is more economical. <\/p>

Practical tips for your first weeks<\/h2>

The first weeks are busy. You have to register with the municipality, apply for a BSN, open a bank account, and take out health insurance. Arrange this as quickly as possible, because without these basic matters, you will not get very far. <\/p>

A few points of attention that can help you:<\/p>