About us
Cosmoworker specializes in finding employment for candidates seeking to work on the Dutch, Belgian, German and Polish markets.
Thanks to modern recruitment methods based on IT systems, we are able to recruit workers located anywhere within the country or abroad, without the necessity of the employee coming back to Poland. This is possible also due to our cooperation with more than 80 Polish and foreign transportation companies.
Detailed information about the recruitment process can be found on our website contains. We recommend visiting the FAQ page where the questions that our candidates ask most often are answered. Do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail. Our team will be happy to help you.
Working with commitment since 2006
Info for candidates
Select section.
- Security
- Recruitment process
- Requirements
- Work
- Remuneration
- Fees
- Transportation
- How to prepare for the trip
- Legal regulations
How can I be sure that your company is credible?
Our credibility has been confirmed by relevant certificates, an entry to the Register of Employment Agencies, as well as a huge number of satisfied employees working in Poland, Holland and Belgium.
Why do you need my ID?
We need a scan of your ID to carry out the recruitment process correctly. Your personal ID allows us to confirm your identity in the foreign Job Center and the Revenue Office, whereas your driving license is used to confirm your driving rights.
How long do I have to wait before I can start working?
In order to be able to offer you employment, we need you to submit a set of documents, which then will be translated and verified. This happens as soon as we receive the documents so that we can promptly provide selected employers with a list of potential workers. Next, on the behalf of the worker, our company negotiates the employment terms with the employer. The time in which the decision regarding employment is made depends on many factors, such as your readiness for the trip abroad, qualifications and work experience, available job offers, characteristics of a given job and the employer’s needs. The duration of the whole process may range from several days to about two weeks.
I don’t have internet access. Can I send my documents the traditional way?
With technology becoming increasingly available, we decided to provide our services via the internet and phone. This way we can ensure maximum efficiency of communication with potential employees. However, we are aware that some candidates are unable to use the internet to send the required documents. In such an event we suggest using the nearest internet café or asking a friend with internet access for help.
What requirements do I have to meet?
It is most important that all necessary documents are submitted. Specific requirements depend on the particular job offer but having experience in a similar area, being able to speak the language and having a driving license will definitely increase your chances of getting the job.
How long do I have to wait before I can start working?
In order to be able to offer you employment, we need you to submit a set of documents, which then will be translated and verified. This happens as soon as we receive the documents so that we can promptly provide selected employers with a list of potential workers. Next, on the behalf of the worker, our company negotiates the employment terms with the employer. The time in which the decision regarding employment is made depends on many factors, such as your readiness for the trip abroad, qualifications and work experience, available job offers, characteristics of a given job and the employer’s needs. The duration of the whole process may range from several days to about two weeks.
I don’t have internet access. Can I send my documents the traditional way?
With technology becoming increasingly available, we decided to provide our services via the internet and phone. This way we can ensure maximum efficiency of communication with potential employees. However, we are aware that some candidates are unable to use the internet to send the required documents. In such an event we suggest using the nearest internet café or asking a friend with internet access for help.
What requirements do I have to meet?
It is most important that all necessary documents are submitted. Specific requirements depend on the particular job offer but having experience in a similar area, being able to speak the language and having a driving license will definitely increase your chances of getting the job.
What is the maximum employment period and how many hours a week can I work on average?
The number of working hours in a week depends on the type of work and weather conditions – it ranges from 30 to 70 hours. The longest periods of continuous work occur in specialist and industrial jobs as well as in animal farming. The employment period of seasonal jobs usually ranges from 1 to 4 months.
While working abroad, how often and for how long can I come back to Poland?
According to the standard adopted by the company, an employee can come back to Poland every 8 weeks and stay for one week or one weekend. However, the actual time and frequency of visits are determined by individual circumstances or the type of performed work.
Can I work at the same company as my partner?
It is possible but it depends on how many workers the employer requires at a given time.
Am I insured while working in Holland or Belgium?
Yes. Each employee is covered by insurance. The insurance includes all medical and pharmaceutical assistance in case of an accident or illness. Click here for details.
When does the first wages payment take place?
First wages are paid after about 2 weeks of work. The time of receiving the money is determined by the information about your working hours provided to us by the foreign employer at the end of each week. We would like to point out that in the first two weeks of the stay abroad you will be required to take care of your finances yourself.
What is the current minimum hourly rate in Holland?
For employees older than 23, the minimum hourly rate is 8.40 € gross in a 40-hour working week. For current hourly rates in Holland click here.
How do I receive my wages?
Your earnings for the regular working time as well as overtime will be transferred to your personal foreign currency account. The funds can be withdrawn from a cash machine.
Can I use my private car to travel to work and will I receive additional money if I provide transportation to my co-workers?
Yes, it is possible but it depends on the characteristics of a particular job. If the employer confirms that transportation can be provided to other employees, the reimbursement will be 0.19 € per 1 km.
How often are the wages paid?
Starting from the second week of work, wages are paid every week.
How can I find out if my wages are paid correctly?
The employer provides the so called pay slip (Dutch: salaris) each time wages are paid. It contains the following information:
- employer’s name
- gross pay
- insurance costs, insurance premiums, tax, accommodation costs, holiday allowance, etc.
- amount to be transferred to the private bank account
- period for which the wages are paid
- number of hours worked during the week
Can I receive an advance payment?
It is not possible because foreign employers do not use the advance payment system.
What fees do I have to pay to your company?
Cosmoworker does not charge candidates for recruitment, translation, administrative, transportation, coordination or legal services. Charging fees for services of an employment agent is forbidden and is subject to fine under the Act on promotion of employment and labor market institutions of 20 April 2004 (art. 121, point 2).
Do I have to pay for accommodation and insurance immediately after arriving?
No. The accommodation and insurance costs as well as income tax are deducted regularly from your wages.
Do I pay my tax in Holland/Belgium or Poland?
As a worker you will be obliged to pay income tax, which on your behalf will be paid to the Dutch or Belgian tax office. Under the Double Taxation Convention between Poland and Holland as well as Poland and Belgium, Polish workers employed in these countries do not pay income tax to the Polish tax office.
What kind of costs connected with work will I incur during my stay abroad?
These costs are divided into three groups:
- fixed – weekly cost of accommodation (about 75 €), insurance (about 20 €) and foreign income tax (depending on the earned amount), which are deducted from weekly wages
- varying – food and living costs
- single payment – the cost of the trip abroad and back (200-350 PLN).
Do my wages for work in Holland or Belgium cover pension contribution?
Similarly to Poland, the remuneration covers pension contribution.
Does your company arrange transportation? Where from?
In order to make the trip more convenient for you, our company takes care of the transport of employees abroad. The place of departure is adjusted to your needs as much as possible.
I have my own car. Does the agreement with Cosmoworker oblige me to use the transportation arranged by your company?
You can travel by your own car but if you decide to use our transportation, we will be able to provide it from any place in Poland. We do not charge for arranging the transportation. However, if you choose to use your own car to travel to work together with other employees, you will be able to receive additional 0,19 € / km as a reimbursement of the expenses. It depends on the kind of job as well as the employer’s needs.
What is the approximate cost and time of travelling from Poland to Holland or Belgium?
The time depends on weather and road conditions; it is usually about 14 hours. The cost ranges from 200 to 350 PLN.
How big can my luggage be?
We recommend taking no more than 2 big bags. Otherwise, you might be required to pay for excessive luggage.
What are the rules during travelling?
Travelers are required to be sober, to behave well and adhere to duty and foreign exchange regulations applicable in the European Union. Passengers who fail to respect the above-mentioned rules or behave in a way that other passengers or the driver consider inappropriate will be forced to leave the vehicle and will not be able to continue the journey.
Which days of the week do journeys take place?
Depending on the circumstances and the place there are between two to five trips a week. They take place on Fridays or Saturdays so that the workers can get to know the place and the co-workers before starting work on Monday.
Will I be transported from my accommodation place to work?
Yes. The kind of transportation depends mostly on the type of work and the distance. It might be a company car, a bicycle or your own means of transportation.
This is the first time I have been going abroad. What should I take with me?
It is necessary that you take:
- • personal ID or passport,
- • bank card for the foreign currency account,
- • driving license (if you have it),
- • SoFI / BSN number documents (if you have worked in Holland or Belgium before),
- • pillow, duvet or sleeping bag,
- • • work clothing,
- • SIM-free mobile phone (so that you can use any GSM network) with enabled roaming so that we are able to stay in touch with you during the journey. After arriving you can purchase a Belgian or Dutch pre-paid card which will allow you to contact your family and friends in Poland at a lower cost.
The kitchen and the bathroom are fully equipped so you do not need to bring your own utensils and accessories. The first wages payment takes place after about two weeks, therefore you have to take sufficient funds for this period. The cost of living per person is about 50-100 € a week. All above information is included in the document that you will receive with the contract before the trip.
Do I have to arrange accommodation for myself?
No. Accommodation, as well as other administrative and legal issues will be taken care of for you before the trip. The apartments are located nearby the workplace.
What is the standard of the accommodation?
Each employee apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom. Depending on its size, the apartment may feature from 2 to 6 double rooms.
Is food provided?
No. Employees need to take care of food themselves. Belgian and Dutch retail chains offer a wide range of food products at affordable prices.
Collective Bargaining Agreement for Temporary Workers 2009 - 2014 (August 2012)
Temporary work in the Dutch construction industry (August 2011)
Scope of the basic insurance (2012)
Contact for candidates
We are happy to help!
Address
- COSMOWORKER
- ul. Smolna 13A/178
Poznań 61-008 - (0048) 61 250-4-250
- (0031) 47-57-88-114
- info@cosmoworker.eu
- www.cosmoworker.eu