Do I need to provide a certificate for my internship and does cash payment affect my visa or application in Netherlands/Poland?
04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Smitha Satish S · 2 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Yes, you need a formal Internship Agreement signed by you, your host company, and your institution in both the Netherlands and Poland. Cash payments without payslips or bank transfers can be treated as undeclared work, risking revocation of your residence permit and leaving you without social security protection.
Yes, you absolutely need formal documentation for your internship in both the Netherlands and Poland, and yes, cash payments can seriously jeopardize your visa. Both countries treat undeclared income as a legal red flag, not a harmless convenience.
Internship and Payment Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Internship Agreement | Signed by you, your host company, and your institution, with learning objectives and dates |
| Duration limits | Typically up to 6 or 12 months depending on the country and your student status |
| Cash payment risk | Treated as undeclared work, can trigger permit revocation and deportation risk |
| Proper payment proof | Bank transfer plus a formal payslip, needed for future visa or residency applications |
Why Cash Payments Are Risky
- Immigration authorities like the IND in the Netherlands or the Voivodeship Office in Poland require transparent, traceable income.
- Future visa extensions or residency applications need bank statements showing regular, reportable salary deposits.
- Cash-in-hand arrangements usually mean no social security or health insurance is being paid on your behalf.
- If authorities discover unreported cash income, your permit can be revoked and you risk an entry ban.
My Advice
Before you accept any internship offer, insist on a written agreement and confirm payment will come by bank transfer with a proper payslip, then keep every payslip filed together in case a future visa extension asks for proof.
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