Onboarding in the Netherlands covers administrative registration, workplace induction, and statutory checks that employers must complete before and during a new hire's first weeks. Before the first working day, the employer verifies identity against an original ID document, stores a copy, records the BSN, and enrols the employee in payroll so that wage tax and social contributions can be withheld from day one.
A correct onboarding sets the payroll tax credit (loonheffingskorting) at one employer only, signs the written employment agreement, and confirms whether the employee opts out of the 35a WW insurance scheme where applicable. Pension enrolment, collective agreement (cao) notifications, and workplace safety briefings under the Arbowet follow in the first week.
For migrant workers, recognised sponsors carry additional IND duties: verifying the residence permit, reporting changes within four weeks, and keeping a compliant personnel file for at least five years after employment ends. Thorough onboarding reduces audit risk and supports retention.