Important rules in the Netherlands

1. Make sure you can present an identity document

In the Netherlands, people aged 14 or older must be able to present a valid identity document when the authorities have the right to request it.

For EU citizens, a valid identity card or passport is used in such situations.

If you work through DB Work and have questions about the documents you need, ask your coordinator before a problem occurs.

2. Follow workplace safety rules

In the naval, industrial, logistics or construction fields, safety rules are strict and very important.

Always wear the equipment required for your job — safety shoes, helmet, vest, glasses or gloves, depending on the situation — and follow the instructions you receive.

At DB Work, the necessary equipment is provided depending on the project, but it is your responsibility to use it correctly.

3. Be careful when driving a DB Work car

If you use a DB Work company car, you must follow both the traffic rules in the Netherlands and the DB Work fleet usage rules.

When driving:

• respect the posted speed limit;
• do not hold your phone in your hand;
• wear your seat belt and make sure all passengers use theirs;
• keep the car in good condition and inform the DB Work team if a problem appears.

Fines for breaking traffic rules can be high, and each driver is responsible for the way they drive. That is why it is important to use the DB Work car carefully and responsibly.

4. Respect the accommodation and your colleagues

If you live together with other colleagues, a few simple rules make life easier for everyone.

Keep the place clean, avoid noise late at night, respect the shared spaces and the rules you receive for the accommodation. Do not bring strangers into the house if this is not allowed.

Upon arrival, the DB Work team gives you the information you need about the accommodation and the rules that must be followed.

5. Follow the rules in public spaces too

In the Netherlands, behavior in public spaces is important.

Do not throw rubbish or cigarette butts on the street, do not make excessive noise and respect local signs and rules. Some cities have their own rules for certain areas, and breaking them may lead to fines.

If you see a sign you do not understand, it is better to check than to assume the rule does not apply.

6. Dispose of waste where it belongs

The Netherlands pays great attention to waste collection and recycling.

Depending on the city, waste may be separated into paper, glass, organic waste or other categories. Furniture, electrical appliances, batteries or other special waste should not simply be left next to the containers.

At your DB Work accommodation, ask how waste collection works in that area. The rules may differ from one locality to another.

How to avoid problems

You do not need to memorize all the rules in the Netherlands from the first day. Remember three simple things:

• follow the rules at work and at the accommodation;
• read the local signs and rules;
• if you are not sure, ask your DB Work coordinator.

Do not rely on the idea that “others do it too.” If a rule is broken, each person is responsible for their own actions.

For up-to-date information about legislation and rules, you can consult the official website of the Dutch Police, Politie.nl, or the website of the municipality (gemeente) where you live.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have an identity document in the Netherlands?

From the age of 14, you must be able to present a valid identity document when the authorities request it in the situations provided by law.

Can I get a fine if I use my phone while driving?

Yes. Using a handheld phone while driving is prohibited and punishable by a fine. Similar rules also apply to cyclists.

Are waste disposal rules the same everywhere?

No. The rules may differ depending on the municipality. Check the local information or ask the DB Work team if you do not know where certain types of waste should be thrown away.

What should I do if I receive a fine?

Do not ignore it. Read the information on the document and check the deadline and the method of payment or appeal. If you do not understand the document, you can ask for help to find out what steps need to be followed.

Are the rules different from one city to another?

Some of them are. For example, rules regarding waste, noise or alcohol consumption in certain public spaces may be set locally.

Follow the rules and things will be much easier

Life in the Netherlands is well organized, and most rules are easy to follow once you know them. Pay attention to workplace safety, traffic rules, accommodation rules and public spaces.

If you work through DB Work and you are not sure what to do in a certain situation, ask the support team. It is easier to ask for information in time than to solve a problem afterwards.

 

And if you have experience in the naval, industrial, logistics, or construction field and want to work in the Netherlands in 2026, send your CV to job@dbwork.com. At DB Work, we offer you a Dutch employment contract and a full benefits package, from accommodation with utilities included to local transport and health insurance.