How to hire a Ukrainian in the Netherlands?

Questions and answers for employers

If an employee from Ukraine is subject to the EU Temporary Protection Directive, you as an employer only need to inform the Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen, UWV) that this particular person will work for you.

• Under what conditions is an employer exempt from obtaining a work permit?

Employees from Ukraine do not need to issue a work permit if:

• The employee is subject to the EU Temporary Protection Directive

This directive concerns refugees from Ukraine. According to its provisions, Ukrainians have the right to work in the Netherlands. The exemption applies from 1 April 2022 and is retroactive to 4 March 2022.

• An employee has entered into an employment contract with you

After concluding an employment contract, you inform UWV about this employee through a special form. You must indicate, among other things, the duration and scope of work, position and salary.

• How do I know if an employee is eligible for temporary protection?

Refugees from Ukraine receive a document from the IND (De Immigratie-en Naturalisatiedienst) confirming that they are in the country under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. It also states that they are allowed to work. This way you will know if the worker is eligible for an exemption from obtaining a work permit.

However, not every refugee has yet received a document from the IND. Therefore, until May 30, 2022, the benefit applies to all Ukrainians if they can confirm their nationality with a document, for example, a passport.

• What are the terms and features of UWV notification about hiring an employee from Ukraine?

The transitional period, when the simplified procedure for notifying an employee from Ukraine, lasts until April 15, 2022. At that time:

• If you want to hire an employee from Ukraine, you must inform UWV about it.
• The employee can start work 2 working days after sending such a message.
• If an employee started working for you on March 4, 2022 or later, you can send a message after the fact until April 15, 2022 inclusive.
• If you applied for a work permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV) between March 4 and April 1, 2022, this will be treated as a notification.

• How is a message issued in UWV about hiring a Ukrainian?

To do this, you need to download, fill out and print the form. “Report on hiring an employee from Ukraine under temporary protection”: Ga naar het formulier 'Melden tewerkstelling van een tijdelijk beschermde werknemer uit Oekraïne'.

The completed form should be sent to:

UWV

Bureau TWV/AJD

P.O. Box 16140

2500 BC DEN HAAG

Note: after the transition period, you must report to UWV 2 business days before the employee starts work.

• Do I need to wait for a response from UWV before an employee can start working?

No. The employee can start work 2 working days after the message is sent. Upon receipt of the completed form, UWV will send you an appropriate acknowledgment of receipt. Further, if there is not enough information in the form, a request will come from UWV asking for the missing information.

• What to do if essential working conditions change?

In the event of a change in the duration and volume of work, position and salary, this must be reported to UWV. A special form will be available for this soon. "Notice of amendments in case of hiring an employee from Ukraine under temporary protection". In the meantime, you can report changes using the contact details that were specified in the confirmation of receipt of the form "Notice of hiring an employee from Ukraine under temporary protection."

• Where can I get more information on hiring Ukrainians for work?

We are ready to answer any of your questions regarding the employment of Ukrainians, as well as help with filling out forms Nalog.nl experts. Contact us in a convenient way to get the necessary advice!