Frontier worker based on Withdrawal Agreement
Requirements
- You meet the general requirements that apply to everyone.
- You are a UK national. You live in the UK, or you are a legal resident in an EU country other than the Netherlands.
- You were working arequs a frontier worker before 1 January 2021 and are still working as a frontier worker in the Netherlands. One of these situations applies to you.
- You are an employee and have a contract with an employer. Your employer is in the Netherlands.
- You are self-employed and your company is registered in the Netherlands.
- You carry out genuine and effective work as an employee or self-employed person. This is certainly the case in one of these situations.
- The level of your income is at least 50% of the social welfare level. On the Government of the Netherlands website, you can find out the level of Social welfare benefits in the Netherlands. This link is only available in Dutch.
- You work at least 40% of the full working week.
- You do not pose a danger to public order.
Are you a frontier worker and do you provide temporary services in the Netherlands on secondment? Then you do not fall under the rules of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Frontier worker and unemployed
You used to work as a frontier worker in the Netherlands but are unemployed now. In these situations you continue to be a frontier worker according to the Withdrawal Agreement.
- You are temporarily unfit to work because of illness or an accident.
- You worked more than 1 year, are now unemployed, and this is not your fault. And you are registered with the Dutch government as someone seeking a job.
- You worked less than 1 year, are now unemployed, and this is not your fault. And you are registered with the Dutch government as someone seeking a job. You continue to be a frontier worker for the IND for 6 months. This period starts on the first day you become unemployed.
- You used to work, but you are now unemployed by your own choice. You continue to be a frontier worker for the IND for 6 months. This period starts on the first day you become unemployed.
- You start professional training after becoming unemployed. Did you become unemployed by your own choice? Then the IND will only see you as a frontier worker if your training is related to your last job.
Process and costs
These are the steps in the application process for Frontier worker’s document:
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1. Check requirements open minusA valid provisional residence permit (MVV) is needed for this application
Make sure you meet the requirements.
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1. Check requirements open minusMake sure you meet the requirements.
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2. Collect documents open minusThe written application form lists which documents you need. Collect all documents before you apply. You can upload the documents in the online application.
Have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.
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2. Collect documents open minusThe written application form lists which documents you need. Collect all documents before you apply. You can upload the documents in the online application.
Have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.
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3. Apply open minusYou can submit this application online or in writing by post.
The drop-down menu of the online application form does not list the United Kingdom. Choose Great Britain.
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4. Pay for application open minusThe application costs € 81,00. For all fees and exceptions, visit our web page Fees: application costs.
After your online or written application, you will receive a letter which explains how you can pay.
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5. Wait for decision on application open minusThe IND will take a decision within 6 months.
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6. Decision on application open minusYou will receive the decision in a letter. The decision will be positive or negative.
- Positive decision: you will get a frontier worker’s document.
- Negative decision: you will not get a frontier worker’s document. You can object against this decision.
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7. Collecting frontier worker’s document open minusWhen the frontier worker’s document is ready at an IND desk, you will receive a letter. You must make an appointment to collect it. Make an appointment to collect your frontier worker’s document.
Application forms
You can submit this application online. You do need a Citizen Service Number (in Dutch: Burgerservicenummer or BSN).
Online application for frontier workers WA (Brexit)
Written application forms
The frontier worker’s document
Find out what else you need to know about the frontier worker’s document.
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Working with the frontier worker’s document
open minusWith the frontier worker’s document, you are free to work in the Netherlands. Your employer does not need a work permit (in Dutch: tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV). On the back of the frontier worker’s document it says ‘Free to work. Work permit not required’ (in Dutch: ‘Arbeid vrij toegestaan, TWV niet vereist’).
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Legal obligations
open minusYou have an obligation to provide information. This means you must inform the IND of any changes in your situation. Read more about the obligation to provide information.
The IND checks whether you meet your obligations. If you do not, you may get an administrative fine.
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Validity of frontier worker’s document
open minusThe frontier worker’s document is valid for 5 years.
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Type of document
open minusThe document is type Article 50 TEU, Frontier Worker.
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Other applications
open minusReplacement of frontier worker’s document
Has the frontier worker’s document been damaged, lost or stolen? Then have the residence document replaced. Visit the web page residence permit damaged or change of personal details or residence permit lost or stolen.
Renewal of frontier worker’s document
Does your frontier worker’s document expire? You can apply for a new document from 3 months before the expiry date of your document.