A job across the border: worth it or too much trouble?

In the EU, there is free movement of people and goods. As a private individual, you can go wherever you want. But this same freedom does not always apply to entrepreneurs who want to work abroad. Just across the border, the differences can be big. In parts of Belgium, things are not so difficult, but doing a job in Germany is a lot more complicated. If you do not prepare well, chances are you will get into trouble. “In Germany, there are a lot more rules than in the Netherlands,” says Startman.

Fines

And so, according to Startman, if you get an offer from abroad find out what the rules are in that country first. “Before you know it, a fine or tax assessment will be landing in your letterbox. And you might just end up with nothing from your job.”

Startman speaks from experience. Because when it comes to jobs abroad, entrepreneurs often only call when there is a problem. “Just the other day. A man with a handyman business. An acquaintance had asked him for help, just across the German border. Some carpentry, bathroom remodelling, a bit of everything. Because we Dutch do everything. But Germany does not recognise the profession of handyman. Those activities are all different professions there.” And unlike in the Netherlands, these professions are protected. Which means you need a diploma to carry out the work. If you do not have this, or cannot prove it, you will be fined.

Working in Germany

So you must be able to prove that you have the right diplomas. Experience as a manager also counts. “That's where the paperwork starts when you take a job in Germany”, says Startman. She points out that working in Germany involves a lot of extra regulation.

Remon van Seeters also knows from experience that this is true. As a project supervisor at L&K Montage in Deventer, he arranged a job across the border. According to his client, a notification to the Social Insurance Bank would be enough. “But I soon found out that much, much more was needed,” he says.

The job in Germany was postponed.Looking back, that was lucky, according to Van Seeters. “We had to lay 20 kilometres of pipes for underfloor heating at a construction project. Implementation was postponed for 2 months due to delays. All that time I was busy arranging things.”

Van Seeters did not realise this when he accepted the job. “If I had known beforehand that I had to arrange so much, I would never have started it. It is almost like starting a business in Germany. And what also became clear to me, you really want to have everything in order, because the fines are considerable. They can run into the tens of thousands of euros.’

To be on the safe side, L&K Montage engaged a German law firm. Not surprising, according to Startman, who stresses that to work in Germany you must be well prepared: “This is important, because there is active enforcement. The German Customs Administration asks for your files. They often check if they see a van with a Dutch registration number."

So as an entrepreneur, you will encounter difficulties before you can start working in Germany. Startman advises thinking carefully about this: “If it is just one job, ask yourself whether you want to do it. It costs a lot of time and money comparatively, and you run a risk if you do not arrange things properly.’

Large market

However, there are also advantages to working in Germany. Startman: “If you cross the border for a long time or several jobs, it really is worth it. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia alone is bigger than the Netherlands. So you enlarge your market considerably.”

German tax

If you do decide to work in Germany, Startman advises seeking help right away. “Germany has many regulations. If you want to avoid mistakes, an accountant or consultancy firm can help. They will also make sure you don't suddenly have to deal with your taxes in Germany. Because you do not want that.’

Working in Belgium

Working in Belgium is easier, Startman says. Especially in Flanders. “You must register your employees but other than that, you can get to work pretty easily.” Depending on the sector you work in, an additional notification is sometimes required.

In Wallonia, the southern, French-speaking part of Belgium, the rules are stricter. “There, as in Germany, you have to prove you have the right papers and have more to arrange.” For employees in the construction industry, for example, you must apply for a personal pass. They must have this pass with them while working.

Outside the EU

Taking on jobs outside the EU does not always mean travelling long distances. Plenty of Dutch entrepreneurs take on assignments in the UK or Switzerland (in Dutch), for example . “I spoke to someone the other day who had an assignment in Switzerland,” Startman says. “He was taking tools with him which required a bit of preparation.’ Other paperwork was not too bad. “The job was short, so tax matters remained in the Netherlands and a visa and work permit were not needed. After reporting his work in Switzerland, he could start working.’

Personal advice

Want to start working across the border? Then find out first what rules you need to comply with. Even just across the border, these can be quite different from those in the Netherlands. Do you want advice for your personal situation? Then call the KVK Advice Team: 088 585 22 22.