Working as a couple in the Netherlands? Here's how to work together!

Yes, absolutely! When you as a couple come to work in the Netherlands through ABflexkracht, we will do everything we can to ensure you live together. We understand that it’s nice to be together after working hours, especially in a foreign country. We almost always manage to accommodate you in the same housing. That way you can have a nice meal together and relax together.

We will find suitable accommodation for you. All ABflexkracht homes are clean, safe, and comfortably furnished, with all the basic amenities you need. They also meet strict Dutch requirements for space, privacy, safety, and hygiene. You can think of it as a furnished house where several colleagues live together, with either separate bedrooms or shared rooms.

Before you leave for the Netherlands, you will receive all the details about the property we have arranged for you. We will also let you know the weekly rental costs in advance. The rent is automatically deducted from your salary, so you don’t have to think about it separately.

When you arrive in the Netherlands, the key to your accommodation will already be waiting for you. Often, one of the housemates or an ABflexkracht employee will receive you. They will show you where everything is in the house and give you tips about the area. Additionally, our staff coordinator will be available to help you with anything you need. If something breaks in the house or you have questions about the thermostat, the house manager will help you.

Our goal is for you to feel at home from day one. A pleasant stay is important so you can focus on your work.

Here at ABflexkracht, we make sure that everything is well taken care of for couples too, from work to housing. Why are we the best choice for both of you? Here are the main reasons:

At ABflexkracht we have a wide range of vacancies in greenhouse horticulture, open cultivation, green space, logistics and other agricultural sectors. There is almost always suitable work available for both you and your partner. So you can both find a job that suits you, possibly even at the same company or in the same region.

You both get a market-based salary according to the collective bargaining agreement of the industry in which you work. Transparency is important to us: we tell you clearly in advance what you will earn. Every week we pay your salary promptly, usually on Thursday. If one of you (or both of you) becomes entitled to more pay, for example as a result of a collective bargaining agreement increase or certification? Then of course we apply it immediately. With ABflexkracht you are always assured of a fair income that fully complies with Dutch laws and regulations. Read more about the ABU collective labor agreement at ABflexkracht here.

As described above, we arrange comfortable housing for you in the Netherlands. You’ll live safely and in clean conditions, in a home that meets all Dutch quality requirements (our accommodations are certified according to the Stichting Normering Flexwonen (Foundation for Flexible Housing Standards)). Moreover, you will be close to your work, so there’s no need for long travel times. The house is fully equipped: from kitchen to washing machine, everything is there. So you can move in immediately, which is very convenient if you come from far away. And should anything break down, our own Technical Service Department will be there to repair it quickly.

At ABflexkracht, you will be assigned a permanent personnel coordinator. This person will accompany you from the first phone call to the last working day. Our coordinators come from abroad themselves and speak your language. We have colleagues who are fluent in Polish, Bulgarian, English and Dutch. So you can often ask questions or get help in your own language. This is helpful if you have questions or concerns. The contact person helps with everything from opening a bank account to making a doctor’s appointment.

Also read: Working in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch: is it possible?

We want you to be able to work without worries. That’s why we make sure that important insurance policies are taken care of. For example, we help you get Dutch health insurance, which is mandatory if you work here. You are also well insured while working, for example through accident insurance or employer liability insurance. In addition, we are affiliated with the ABU (Algemene Bond Uitzendondernemingen), which means that we adhere to all collective bargaining agreements and quality standards. Your safety and well-being come first with us.

Depending on where you will be working, we arrange transportation to and from work. We usually provide an ABflexkracht bicycle if the distance is not that great. After all, the Dutch like to cycle. If it’s a bit further away, we’ll provide a car. Sometimes a group of colleagues travel together in a car to the same workplace; both fun and efficient. Transport is pre-arranged and we also take care of maintenance (e.g. of the bikes). You only have to be ready to go on time.

As a couple, you can also continue to grow in your career at ABflexkracht. Do you want to learn new skills or advance to another position? You can! We offer various training courses. For example, a Dutch language course, useful if you plan to stay longer. Or a foreman/manager course if you aspire to more responsibility. There are also safety courses (VCA) and professional courses (e.g. crop care or machine operation). We encourage you to get the best out of yourself. Perhaps you start as production workers and one of you will grow into a team leader. Anything is possible, and we are happy to support that development.

→ As you can see, we do everything we can to make you comfortable together in the Netherlands. From looking for two jobs to arranging one house, we arrange it. All you have to do is pack your bags and come over here motivated!

Before you can actually start working in the Netherlands, a few formalities need to be arranged. We help arrange many of these as soon as you come to work through ABflexkracht. Nevertheless, we list here what you need to get started working in the Netherlands without problems:

Valid passports or ID cards: You must be able to identify yourselves, so make sure you have a valid national passport or identity card. Are you from an EU country? Then you don’t need a visa or work permit to work in the Netherlands. Within the EU, residents are free to work in other member states. That saves a lot of paperwork!

Burgerservicenummer (BSN): This is a personal number that everyone receives when registering with a Dutch municipality. A BSN is mandatory to be allowed to work; you need it for your employment contract, salary payments, paying taxes, etc. If you don’t have a BSN yet, that’s no problem: we guide you through obtaining a BSN as soon as you’re here. Usually we make an appointment at the municipality for registration directly after arrival. Within a few days that’s sorted and you’ll both have a BSN.

Health insurance: In the Netherlands, every employee must take out health insurance within a short time. This is to cover medical costs if you need to go to the doctor or hospital, for example. We understand that this may seem complicated when you’re new. That’s why we’re happy to help you take out good health insurance. We explain which insurers there are and which coverage is useful. Usually we arrange it through HollandZorg, a reliable insurer for EU temporary workers in the Netherlands. Until it’s arranged, we ensure that you’re at least temporarily insured through an emergency arrangement, so there’s no gap in coverage. Ultimately, it’s important that you’re well insured during your stay, as that gives peace of mind.

We understand that working in a new country is a big and perhaps exciting step. But remember: you’re doing it together, and ABflexkracht is behind you to make it a success. Many couples have gone before you and have had a wonderful time in the Netherlands. Some have even stayed here permanently and built their lives here.

At ABflexkracht we do everything we can to make it as comfortable and successful as possible for couples. From the first contact to the eventual return journey: we guide and take care of things wherever we can. Your adventure should be one to look back on with pleasure.

→ Are you ready to work in the Netherlands as a couple? Then quickly check out our open vacancies in the Netherlands and apply together for your new jobs. You can mention in your application that you’re coming as a couple, then we’ll take that into account. Before you know it, you’ll both be on Dutch soil, working in that beautiful greenhouse or that green field. Together. Don’t wait any longer and sign up. We warmly welcome you to the Netherlands and look forward to helping you succeed, together!

Curious about what jobs we have for you? View the vacancies in the Netherlands here or sign up directly through our website. Let us know that you want to come as a couple, then we’ll take care of the rest. See you soon in the Netherlands!