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Am i a frontier worker?

Do you live in one member state of the European Union (EU) and work in another? And do you return to your country of residence at least once a week? In that case you are a frontier worker. You are usually covered under the social security system in the country where you work. But if you are only working abroad temporarily, you can remain insured in the Netherlands. You usually do not build up any Dutch state old age pension (AOW) rights if you live in the Netherlands and work abroad.

Frontier work and social security

If you are a frontier worker, legislation in other countries will affect you. You are usually covered under the social security system of the country where you work.

If you work for the same employer in two countries, and a significant part of your work is in the Netherlands, the Dutch system applies to you. A significant part of your work means 25% or more of your working hours or your salary.

If you work alternately or simultaneously for two employers in different EU member states, the Dutch system applies to you too. The countries where you work can be your country of residence and another country, or two EU member states outside the Netherlands.

Temporary work abroad

If you are working abroad temporarily you can submit an A1 form (formerly the E 101 form) to remain insured in the Netherlands. This is also referred to as a certificate of posting. Many countries will not allow you to work without this form. Your employer can request an A1 form from the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).

Pension for frontier workers

Do you live in the Netherlands and work abroad? Then you usually do not build up any state old age pension (AOW) rights. You do retain the rights you have already built up if you previously worked in the Netherlands. You may also build up pension rights with your employer abroad. Ask your employer for details.

To increase the amount of your state old age pension you can take out voluntary insurance under the General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW). You can do this for a maximum of 10 years. You must arrange this within a year of starting work as a frontier worker. You can contact the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) to take out voluntary insurance.

More information on living and working abroad

For information about living, working and doing business abroad, please go to:

  • Grensinfopunt (in Dutch and German);
  • the job mobility portal EURES, a co-operation network between the European Commission and the Public Employment Services of the EEA member states and other partner organisations;
  • the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).