Frontier worker based on Withdrawal Agreement

Last update: 19 March 2025

You want to apply for a frontier worker’s document and you fall under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. As a British frontier worker, you need this document to keep working in the Netherlands. Find out what the requirements are and how you can apply for a frontier worker’s document.

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 as 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 at least 6 months.
You used to work, but you are now unemployed by your own choice. You continue to be a frontier worker for the IND for at least 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 minus

A valid provisional residence permit (MVV) is needed for this application
Make sure you meet the requirements.
1. Check requirements open minus

Make sure you meet the requirements.
2. Collect documents open minus

The 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.
2. Collect documents open minus

The 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.
3. Apply open minus

You 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.
4. Pay for application open minus

The 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.
5. Wait for decision on application open minus

The IND will take a decision within 6 months.
Follow the application in My IND.
6. Decision on application open minus
You 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.
7. Collecting frontier worker’s document open minus

When 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)

Apply online

Written application forms

Download the form if you prefer to fill in the application in writing and send it by post.

Application for a ‘Residence document Withdrawal 6530 (PDF, 392.71 KB)

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
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With 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’).
Legal obligations
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You 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.
Validity of frontier worker’s document
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The frontier worker’s document is valid for 5 years.
Type of document
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The document is type Article 50 TEU, Frontier Worker.
Other applications
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Replacement 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.

Frontier worker based on Withdrawal Agreement

Requirements

Frontier worker and unemployed

Process and costs

These are the steps in the application process for 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

Working with the frontier worker’s document

Legal obligations

Validity of frontier worker’s document

Type of document

Other applications

Replacement of frontier worker’s document

Renewal of frontier worker’s document

See also