Work in the Netherlands

A place once a serene marshland, now stands as a beacon of culture and innovation, drawing talents from across the globe.

Apply for jobs in Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands, a dynamic, densely populated nation located in Northwestern Europe, is characterized by its picturesque landscapes of flat fields dotted with windmills and intersected by an intricate network of canals. The country is renowned for its historic cities like Amsterdam, which is lined with 17th-century architecture and the famous Anne Frank House, and for its tulip fields, cycling routes, and windmills. The Netherlands is a founding member of the European Union and a global trade and innovation hub that is home to a rich blend of cultures, where traditional Dutch values intermingle with global influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and celebrations. Despite its modest geographical size, the Netherlands boasts a robust economy, thriving in agriculture, trade and technology.

Navigating the job market in the Netherlands as a foreigner can be a unique experience with its own set of challenges and rewards. As an international job seeker, you'll need to consider language barriers, cultural nuances, and immigration regulations. If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, obtaining the appropriate work visa or residence permit is essential for working legally in the Netherlands.

Reasons to Work in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an attractive career destination for many foreigners. Job seekers often choose to work in the Netherlands for various reasons, including high quality of education and life and cultural diversity. Below are a few reasons why the Netherlands is an attractive destination for expatriates.

High standard of living: The Netherlands offers a comfortable lifestyle with excellent public services, healthcare, and education.
Strong economy: The Dutch economy is robust and stable, with many thriving industries, including technology, finance, and agriculture.
International business hub: The Netherlands is home to numerous multinational corporations and is an attractive destination for businesses, fostering a dynamic job market.
Work-life balance: Dutch culture places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, with flexible working hours and a focus on personal well-being.
Multilingual environment: The Netherlands has a high English proficiency level, making it an ideal destination for expats who don't speak Dutch.
Strategic location: Situated in the heart of Europe, the Netherlands offers excellent connectivity to other European countries for both business and leisure.
Cultural diversity: The Dutch population is diverse and inclusive, making it easy for expats to adapt and feel welcomed in their new homes.
Sustainable living: The Netherlands is known for its focus on sustainability and green initiatives, offering a clean and eco-friendly environment.
Bicycle-friendly nation: The country boasts an extensive network of cycling paths, making it easy and convenient to commute by bike.
Rich cultural heritage: The Netherlands has a rich history and vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and events throughout the year.

Getting a Job in the Netherlands as a Foreigner:

Securing a job in the Netherlands as a foreigner involves several steps, from understanding the Dutch job market to obtaining a work permit. Applying for positions without knowledge of permit requirements can lead to disappointments, and if you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, obtaining the appropriate work visa or residence permit is essential for working in the Netherlands legally. To get a visa-sponsored job in the Netherlands, you can follow Opentoworld's simple steps:

Step 1: Find suitable positions on Opentoworld

Vacancies listed on Opentoworld support visa sponsorship for foreigners who do not have an unrestricted right to work in the Netherlands. You can search for jobs based on keywords, location, industry and job level.

Step 2: Submit job applications

Once you have identified the right opportunity, you can submit your applications directly by clicking "Apply Now". When submitting applications, you may need to submit a CV (resume) and sometimes a cover letter. It is important to submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter that are tailored to the job.

Step 3: Complete the application process

If your skills and experience meet the employer's requirements, the employer may invite you to complete assessments and interviews. If you apply for an internship, working student programme, traineeship or graduate job, you may also need to participate in assessment centres, also known as assessment days or super days in the Netherlands.

Step 4: Receive a job offer

If you are successful in your application, you will be offered a job in the Netherlands. It's common to apply to multiple positions before securing a job offer. Without securing a job offer, you may not be able to obtain a work permit.

Step 5: Apply for a work permit and relocate

Upon accepting the job offer, employers usually assist in the work permit process. Typically, the employer serves as a sponsor. The main pathways for non-EU/EEA job seekers include:

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
The EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment

Once you have received your work permit, you can relocate to the Netherlands or continue your stay if you are already in the Netherlands.

Note: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not require a work permit to work in the Netherlands. For others, while there are some visa routes that allow job hunting without employer sponsorship, such as the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty for Americans or the Startup Visa, these have specific requirements and may not be suitable for all job seekers.

Netherlands Employment Market in 2023:

The Netherlands' employment market is expected to continue to grow in 2023, albeit at a slower pace than in recent years. The unemployment rate is expected to remain low, at around 3.5%, and the number of job vacancies is expected to increase. The strongest growth is expected in the healthcare, education and construction sectors.

Here are some of the key trends that are expected to shape the Netherlands' employment market in 2023:

The ageing population: The Netherlands is an ageing country with a median age of 42. This means that there will be a growing demand for healthcare and social care workers in the coming years.
The digital transformation: The Netherlands is a highly digitalised country, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. This will create new jobs in the IT and telecommunications sectors.
The green transition: The Netherlands is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, and this will create new jobs in the renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure sectors.

The Netherlands is a good place to look for a job, with a strong economy and a low unemployment rate, and there are a number of sectors that are expected to see strong growth. If you are looking for a job in the Netherlands, it is important to have the skills and qualifications that are in demand. You should also be prepared to adapt to the changing needs of the economy.

Top Industries that Attract Global Talent:

The Netherlands, with its strategic location in Europe and a business-friendly environment, attracts expats from all over the world to work in a variety of industries. Here are some of the top industries that foreigners often consider when looking for employment in the Netherlands:

Healthcare: The Netherlands is an ageing country, and the demand for healthcare workers is expected to grow in the coming years. This includes jobs such as nurses, doctors and therapists.
IT and telecommunications: The Netherlands is a highly digitalized country, and the demand for IT and telecommunications workers is expected to grow in the coming years. This includes jobs such as software developers, web designers and network engineers.
Engineering: The Netherlands is a major exporter of goods, and the demand for engineers is expected to grow in the coming years. This includes jobs such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
Education: The Netherlands has a strong education system, and the demand for teachers is expected to grow in the coming years. This includes jobs such as primary school teachers, secondary school teachers and university professors.
Construction: The Netherlands is a major construction market, and the demand for construction workers is expected to grow in the coming years. This includes jobs such as carpenters, electricians and plumbers.

It's worth noting that proficiency in the English language can be a great advantage for expats, as many Dutch companies operate in English, especially in sectors that cater to international markets. However, learning Dutch can open up even more opportunities and can be beneficial for integration.

Apply for visa-sponsored jobs in top industries in the Netherlands:

Construction & Engineerin...

Financial Services

Energy & Infrastructure

Information Technology

Science & Technology

Manufacturing

Requirements for a Netherlands Work Visa:

Many individuals seeking employment in the Netherlands apply for a work visa under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). If you possess unique and high-level skills, your employer might sponsor you under the EU Blue Card Scheme. These visas are typically issued for a specific duration but can be extended. A confirmed job offer from an employer sponsoring the applicant is essential for eligibility.

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) - (For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals)

The Highly Skilled Worker migrant is a residence permit program in the Netherlands designed for individuals who possess specialised skills and knowledge. This visa allows highly skilled migrants, guest lecturers, and trainee doctors to work and live in the country. The visa is granted based on specific requirements and is processed through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Main Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Highly Skilled Worker Migrant residence permit, applicants need to fulfil specific criteria, which include:

Confirmed Employment Offer: Employment contract, hosting agreement or appointment decision with an employer in the Netherlands. You can apply for jobs from visa-sponsoring employers on Opentoworld and obtain relevant documents.
Remuneration Package: Meet the salary requirement set by the IND. For individuals under the age of 30 or If eligible for the orientation year, a lower wage requirement may apply. Guest lecturers and trainee doctors must earn at least 70% of the legal minimum wage. Jobs posted on Opentoworld meet the salary requirement.
Educational Background: Generally, applicants should possess a bachelor's or master's degree in the relevant field. Technical qualifications, professional abilities, and relevant experience, supported by documentary proof, might also be deemed suitable.
Security and Record: Applicants should have no security objections or serious criminal records.

EU Blue Card in the Netherlands

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed for highly educated individuals from the non-European Union (EU), non-European Economic Area (EEA), and non-Swiss countries. It allows them to work and reside in the Netherlands and other participating EU/EEA countries. Employers can apply for the EU Blue Card on behalf of their employees who meet the eligibility criteria.