Frontier worker Brexit

Last update: 1 November 2023

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 and live legally in an EU country other than the Netherlands or the UK.
  • 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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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

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

The frontier worker’s document

Find out what else you need to know about the frontier worker’s document.

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