Short answer: yes, with temporary protection you may register a business with the KVK. If you work self-employed, your client must apply to UWV for a work permit (TWV). If you are employed, no TWV is needed; your employer notifies UWV.
Registering your business
You can register your business if you meet the usual conditions:
- you are registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) and have a BSN;
- you have DigiD;
- you have an address. A temporary address or a host family’s address is fine.
Self-employed: the TWV rule
As a self-employed worker (zzp) you can register without a TWV. But your client must apply to UWV for a TWV before the work starts. Without a TWV your client risks a fine.
According to the KVK, the TWV is usually refused for self-employed workers in:
- hospitality;
- construction;
- personal services (for example beauty and hairdressing);
- agriculture.
If you work in one of these sectors, discuss your options first. Employment may be an alternative.
Employment
Employees with temporary protection do not need a TWV. The employer notifies UWV in advance through the employer portal. Two working days after the notification you can start. You have the same rights as Dutch employees, such as the minimum wage.
Are you the employer and hiring someone from Ukraine? Then you make that notification. If your payroll runs through Royal Support, we help you with it.
How long does temporary protection last?
Temporary protection has been extended until 4 March 2028 inclusive. New applicants must show they have fulfilled or are exempt from their military obligations in Ukraine. For people who already have protection, nothing changes.
Not sure what applies to you? Take the TWV check or message us in Ukrainian, Russian or English.
Sources
This article gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and amounts change; to find out what applies to your situation, get in touch with us.