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What Is Waadi?
Waadi (Wet allocatie arbeidskrachten door intermediairs) is the Dutch law regulating staffing agencies, secondment companies, and any intermediary that supplies workers to a third-party business. It requires these intermediaries to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and follow rules designed to prevent worker exploitation, underpayment, and unsafe working conditions.
Businesses that hire staff through an unregistered intermediary can be fined, even if the exploitation issue lies with the staffing agency, not the client.
Waadi at a Glance
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Applies To | Staffing agencies, secondment firms, and payroll companies |
| Registration Required | Yes, with the KVK Trade Register |
| Quality Mark | SNA certification (NEN 4400), commercially expected though not legally mandatory |
| Enforced By | Netherlands Labour Authority |
| Successor Law | Wtta (mandatory admission system, phased in from 2027) |
| Best For | Companies hiring temporary or seconded workers in the Netherlands |
Why Does It Matter?
Waadi exists to close loopholes that allowed unregistered agencies to exploit workers through underpayment, excessive hours, or unsafe conditions. For hiring companies, this matters directly: a business that uses an unregistered or incorrectly registered intermediary risks fines and joint liability for unpaid payroll taxes and VAT.
When Is It Used?
Waadi becomes relevant whenever a company:
- Hires staff through a temporary employment agency.
- Uses a secondment company to place workers at its site.
- Works with a payroll company that formally employs staff on the client's behalf.
A UK logistics company wants to bring in temporary warehouse staff in the Netherlands during a peak season. Before signing with a Dutch staffing agency, it checks the agency's Waadi registration through the KVK's online tool and confirms it holds an SNA quality mark, reducing the company's exposure to liability for unpaid taxes.
Common Misconceptions
No. Hiring companies can be fined or held liable if they engage an unregistered or non-compliant intermediary.
Not quite. SNA/NEN 4400 certification is technically voluntary, but most Dutch clients treat it as a practical requirement before doing business with an agency.
No. Registration confirms the agency is legally allowed to supply workers, but it doesn't independently verify tax or wage compliance the way SNA certification does.
No. From 2027, the stricter Wtta framework will replace Waadi's passive registration system with an active admission and licensing requirement.
Waadi governs how staffing agencies and secondment companies operate in the Netherlands and requires them to register with the KVK. Companies hiring temporary or seconded workers should verify an intermediary's Waadi registration and SNA status to limit their own compliance risk.
Hiring temporary staff in the Netherlands?
We'll help you verify Waadi registration and SNA status so your intermediary arrangements stay compliant.
experts@adtsolution.com
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