If you do not follow the rules
It is important that you follow the rules on social security, especially if you work outside the Netherlands. Usually, you will come under the social security schemes of the country where you work. If you are going to work in another country temporarily, however, or if you come to the Netherlands to work temporarily, special rules apply. It is important that you and your employer or client follow these rules.
If you are going to work outside the Netherlands, or if you are sending (posting) your employees to work outside the Netherlands, you must always apply for an A1 certificate.
If an employer, contractor or client is not obeying the rules
If you think that an employer, contractor or client is not following the rules, for example, because they are using a so-called bogus construction such as bogus self-employment or letterbox companies, please get in touch with us.
If you think that an employer or contractor is underpaying or exploiting workers, please contact the Inspectorate (inspectie) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW).
We check whether the rules for working across the Dutch border are being followed. We want to prevent situations such as bogus constructions and bogus self-employment. We also check where a company has its real place of business (as opposed to a letterbox company).
We check the information that is given to us.
Visits to homes and companies
If we think that a certain construction or self-employment is bogus, we can check this by going to the company's work premises or visiting people at home.
Checking information on the internet
We carry out thousands of checks every year. In some cases, we look for information in public sources on the internet, such as social media or Google.
What we look for on the internet
We search the internet for public information about people or companies. In this way, we can check whether a person is following the rules to qualify for an A1 certificate, for example.
Situations we check on the internet
Sometimes we receive indications that a person may be breaking the rules. These can come from different sources. For example, we may find different information in different databases or someone may report a suspicion to us. We will then carry out an internet search to see whether a further investigation is necessary.
If we suspect that the rules have been broken, we can start a more detailed investigation. Before we do an internet search, we weigh up interests of privacy against the seriousness of the suspected offence and the general interest. We also consider how difficult it would be to check the information in other ways. Our decision to do an internet search is always explained and documented.
The personal data we check on the internet
Internet searches may focus on the following:
- a person’s identity
- housemates or other people living at the same address
- home address
- income details
- capital and assets
We may search for the following company details:
- Registration number with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce
- Registration number with a Chamber of Commerce in another country
- Annual accounts
- Registered place of business
- Turnover
- Tax returns
The purpose of this information is to find out whether the rules are being followed.
Accuracy of information
We never base a decision on an internet search alone. We always conduct a further investigation to verify the information we found on the internet.
When will you be informed?
You will be informed after the investigation has been completed and a decision has been taken. You have the right to request a review of the decision.
Checks outside the Netherlands
We work together closely with the social security organisations in other countries. These organisations inform us if non-Dutch employees come to work in the Netherlands with an A1 certificate.
If you see or suspect that someone is committing fraud with an A1/certificate of coverage, please let us know. You can do so anonymously, or you can leave behind your contact details so that we can get in touch with you for more information.
Online
Fill in our online form.
By telephone
Call us on telephone number 020 656 5888.
By post
If you prefer to let us know in writing, you can download and fill in the fraud report form, print it and send it to us. Our address is at the bottom of the form. We cannot inform you of the outcome of a fraud investigation. This is for reasons of client privacy.
If you think that workers are being exploited or underpaid, please contact the Inspectorate (inspectie) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW).