Legal work in the Netherlands: status, BSN, first steps

Status

• Temporary protection in the Netherlands extended until March 4, 2028 inclusive. Anyone who had protection until August 5, 2026 keeps it automatically.
• For new applicants from August 5, 2026, an additional condition regarding military service applies — details on the IND website.
• Protection in the Netherlands is granted only to those who have not received it in another EU country. If your protection was issued, for example, in Poland, check your status with the IND or UWV before leaving for work.

No work permit required

A separate permit (TWV) is not required with temporary protection. The employer notifies the UWV service about your employment — and after 2 working days you can work. For this, you need an employment contract, a BSN number, and a valid document. If you work through an agency (uitzendbureau), the agency submits the notification.

Registration and BSN number

• BSN is your personal number for work, taxes, banking, and healthcare. It is issued after registration at the municipality (BRP).
• If you plan to live in the country for more than 4 months, register at the municipality within 5 days of arrival.
• With a BSN, you can open a bank account and get DigiD — a digital signature for government services.

Healthcare

Ukrainians with temporary protection receive medical care under a separate state scheme (RMO). Check with the agency or employer if you need standard health insurance (zorgverzekering) for work: if you purchase your own insurance, you exit this scheme.

Official sources

Data verified on October 4, 2026. Rules and amounts change — check with the source before making important decisions.

• IND: temporary protection for Ukrainians
• IND: продовження захисту і нова умова
• UWV: як роботодавець реєструє українця
• RvIG: реєстрація українців у BRP
• Уряд Нідерландів: робота й дохід українців