Work in the Netherlands

From the Dutch Golden Age to the modern-day tech hub, the Netherlands has always been a country of innovation and enterprise. Today, it continues to attract top talent from around the world

The Netherlands, ranked as the sixth-happiest country in the 2024 World Happiness Report, offers a relaxed and progressive environment for career growth. As the world's first nation to legalise same-sex marriage, it embodies a spirit of openness and acceptance.

With more bicycles than people - a staggering 23 million bikes on 32,000 kilometres of track - your morning commute will be a delightful contrast to the usual traffic jams and train journeys. With its picturesque cities, innovative industries, and welcoming culture, the Netherlands is an attractive destination for expats seeking new opportunities.

Jobs in the Netherlands

The Netherlands isn't just famous for its windmills and tulips - the country is a world leader in agriculture in terms of food exports.

Its top commodities include:

• machinery and transport equipment
• clothing and footwear
• mineral fuels
• pharmaceuticals.

Known as the European transportation hub, the Netherlands' main trading partners are:

• Germany
• Belgium
• France
• the UK
• China
• the USA.

The country is home to some of the world's largest multinational companies, including:

• Just Eat
• Philips
• Shell
• Heineken.

These firms offer a variety of job opportunities for international workers.

You can search for jobs in the Netherlands at:

• Indeed.nl
• Nationale Vacaturebank
• StepStone
• Undutchables
• Xpat Jobs

Skills shortages

With one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, dropping to less than 3.6% in recent years, it may come as a surprise to hear that the Netherlands is experiencing skills shortages.  

Some areas facing shortages include:

• doctors and medical staff
• builders
• agricultural workers
• teachers.

You'll be highly valued by employers if you can contribute skills in any of these fields.

For more information, see Wage Centre - shortage occupations in the Netherlands.

How to get a job in the Netherlands

To get a job, you'll generally need Dutch work permission. This is usually straightforward for European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) citizens. For non-EU/EEA citizens, including the UK, employment opportunities are limited, typically only available in exceptional circumstances where there are no suitable EU/EEA or Dutch candidates.

Applying for a job typically involves sending a CV and cover letter. You can start your job search from home using job boards, contacting companies directly, or networking on platforms like LinkedIn.

If there are no advertised positions that interest you, consider sending a speculative application to companies you'd like to work for. Dutch employers often appreciate a proactive approach.

Alternatively, you can start your job search in the Netherlands by checking local and national newspaper listings.

If you're shortlisted, you might attend multiple interviews with different people at the company. Some firms offer video interviews for candidates abroad. Larger employers may use psychometric tests and assessment centres to filter candidates. For all assessments, dress professionally and arrive on time. The Dutch value punctuality highly.

Summer jobs

A summer job is a great way to explore a new country, gain international experience, and earn a wage. The tourism and hospitality sectors offer plenty of casual, seasonal work opportunities, so consider jobs in bars, cafés, restaurants, or campsites.

If you're between 18 and 25 with childcare experience, au pairing could be a good option. Temping is also popular in the Netherlands. Sign up with an agency like Manpower or Adecco.nl for alerts and guidance on short-term opportunities.

If you're not limited financially, volunteering is another option.

Teaching jobs

Although Dutch nationals are taught English from a young age, and The English Proficiency Index 2024 revealed the Netherlands as the top country for non-native English speakers, teaching jobs may be harder to come by than in other European countries.

Nevertheless, some opportunities do exist. The Netherlands is home to many private international schools, particularly in the Amsterdam and Den Hague areas. Here, you'll assist students in honing their business English skills.  

While the academic calendar typically runs from September to July, with some regional variations, opportunities are available all year round.

To apply, you'll typically need a Bachelors degree or equivalent, a TEFL certificate, and proof of your language proficiency where required. As teaching is a regulated profession, you'll need to have these qualifications recognised by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Internships

Internships are available in various fields, including:

• healthcare
• construction
• marketing
• IT.

While they offer valuable work experience and research opportunities for students, employers are not legally required to pay interns. Internship duration is determined by the employer.

Generally, internships are not available to graduates.

You can search for internship opportunities at:

• Go Overseas
• StageMotor
• Stage Plaza
• Together.abroad

The Global Talent Programme provides three to 12-month graduate internships in marketing and business throughout various cities in the Netherlands.

AIESEC

The Global Talent Programme provides 3 to 12-moth graduate internships in marketing and business throughout various cities in the Netherlands.

Dutch visas

If you're from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, like the UK, you'll need a residence and work permit. You may be able to do business-related activities without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The specific process depends on your employment status. Find out more by visiting the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

If you're from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you can enter and work in the Netherlands with the same rights as Dutch citizens. You'll need to register with the local authorities within five days of arrival if you plan to stay longer than four months.

Once registered, you'll receive a Citizen Service Number (BSN), essential for tasks like opening a bank account and paying taxes. You'll also need to set up your health insurance within the first four months to access the Dutch healthcare system. All Dutch companies are required to offer basic health insurance to their employees. If you're staying for less than 12 months, a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will suffice.

Language requirements

Fluency in Dutch isn't strictly necessary, as English is the official business language and many Dutch cities, especially Utrecht and Rotterdam, offer ample opportunities for English-speaking professionals.

However, having some Dutch language skills can significantly boost your chances of securing employment, advancing your career, and fully integrating into Dutch society.

For sectors like marketing that require networking, or for roles involving close collaboration with the Dutch government, proficiency in Dutch is crucial.

Your local tax office may offer discounted Dutch language courses, as work-related education is often tax deductible. Alternatively, visit Undutchables - Dutch language courses for courses at all levels in your chosen city.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

Thanks to both countries' involvement in the Bologna Process, which standardises qualifications across participating EU countries, UK qualifications are directly comparable to those in the Netherlands. To learn more about how the Dutch education system compares to other international systems, visit Nuffic.

What it's like to work in the Netherlands

Full-time employees typically work 36-40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Some opt for a four-day week, working longer hours over fewer days, while many choose to work part-time. Full-time employees are guaranteed at least 20 days (four weeks) of annual leave.

Wages are reviewed twice a year. For workers aged 21 and over (as of January 2025), the hourly wage is €14.06 (£11.73).

For younger employees, the wage increases annually, starting from €4.22 per hour (£3.53) at age 15 to €11.25 (£9.41) at age 20.

If you were hired from abroad to work in the Netherlands, you might be eligible for the Dutch '30% ruling'. This is a tax benefit for highly skilled foreign workers. It allows you to pay less tax on your salary for the first five years of working in the Netherlands.

This applies to employees recruited from at least 150km outside the Dutch border (including the UK) for positions with a minimum taxable income of €46,107 (£38,547) before the ruling is applied. For more information, see the Dutch tax office.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in the Netherlands.