Finding jobs in the Netherlands Jobs in Netherlands with Visa sponsorship
Unemployment figures are among the lowest in the EU, standing at 3.2% in December 2019. In fact, this is well below the EU average of 6.2%.
There are a number of thriving and growing job sectors in the Netherlands. These include agriculture and food, creative industries, chemicals, energy, IT, health and life sciences, logistics and the service industry.
Job vacancies in the Netherlands
Highly-skilled workers in the Netherlands are in great demand, so much so that there’s a fast-track immigration process to get them in. There are also tax benefits (the 30% tax ruling) for some international employees.
This group includes engineers, those with technical skills, IT specialists, those working in finance, as well as people with experience of working in sales, marketing, and customer service.
Other in-demand jobs in the Netherlands include professionals and graduates working in health care, tax, interim managers and education.
You can see the industries with the highest vacancies, as well as vacancies in the public and education sectors.
Job salaries in the Netherlands
According to Numbeo, the average monthly net salary in the Netherlands is just over €2,341 a month. The income and salary site Gemiddeld Inkomen lists starting salaries for various positions.
Highest monthly starting salaries are for dentistry (€4,000) and pharmacy (€3,300). Lowest starting salaries for skilled positions are dance and music (€1,200) and visual art and design (€1,300).
In terms of average salaries, the Netherlands scores quite highly out of EU countries. According to 2018 figures, labor costs in the Netherlands were the 5th highest in Europe and over 25% above the EU average.
The minimum wage in the Netherlands is dependent on age and reviewed bi-annually. The current monthly minimum wage for full-time work for those 21 and over is €1,653.60.
Work culture in the Netherlands
The Dutch usually work a 36–40-hour week, sometimes spread over just four days. In general, work in the Netherlands is very well-structured within organizations. Most work happens during normal working hours (i.e., between 09:00 and 17:00), although out-of-hours and shift work is also common. Unless at the managerial level, employees are not typically expected to work overtime.
Dutch society is relatively egalitarian and this translates into the workplace. In fact, Dutch companies often have a horizontal organizational structure and they usually follow step-by-step plans.
Read more in our guide to Dutch business culture
Labor laws and rights in the Netherlands
Dutch labor laws are quite extensive and tend to favor the employee, especially when it comes to dismissal. Your contract should specify the full details of your contract including the length of the contract, employee rights, and work conditions.
Labor agreements in several Dutch industries have been drawn up as a result of collective labor agreements (collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst – CAO). Employees can benefit from these even if they do not belong to a union.
Read even more in our guide to Dutch labor law.
Requirements to work in the Netherlands
Work visas in the Netherlands
If you’re from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA – EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), or Switzerland, you are free to live and work in the Netherlands without the need for a work or residence permit.
However, you will need to register with the Dutch authorities. Read about the process for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens moving to the Netherlands.
If you’re from anywhere else, your employer will typically need a work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV) for you, and you must also hold a residence permit.
Most employees will qualify for the single work and residence permit in the Netherlands, although some categories of people, such as students in the Netherlands and seasonal workers in the Netherlands, still need separate work and residence permits. Others, such as highly-skilled workers in the Netherlands and holders of the EU Blue Card, only need residence permits, not work permits.
Language requirements to work in the Netherlands
You don’t have to speak Dutch to work in the Netherlands – in fact, English is the main business language in many companies. However, it increases your chances if you do. You will probably end up working in the Netherlands for a large international company if you don’t speak Dutch.
If you work for a smaller company then you will generally need to be able to speak Dutch in order to participate in a meeting or make a presentation.
Expats who speak French, German, Dutch, or a Scandinavian language are always in demand. To learn Dutch, you can find many Dutch language courses in the Netherlands.
Qualifications to work in the Netherlands
Your chance of finding work in the Netherlands is greater if you hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. To find out whether your qualification is recognized or your profession regulated in the Netherlands, visit Nuffic (the organization for international co-operation in education).
If you get an interview for a job, you’ll need to show original testimonials or references from former employers. Because of this, make sure you bring diplomas, degree certificates, and employer testimonials when you move to the Netherlands.
Tax and social security numbers in the Netherlands
You will also need a Citizen Service Number (burgerservicenummer or BSN) before you start work in the Netherlands. Everyone needs this personal tax and social security number, and you get it when you register at the city hall on your arrival.