Your Guide on Jobs and Finding Work in the Netherlands

Even though the Netherlands has many global corporations and an international business environment, it might take some time and effort to get a job here as a foreigner. With all the review and interview processes, the typical answer to “how long will my job hunt last?” is at least a couple of months.

Requirements for working in the Netherlands as a foreigner

Whether or not you need a work permit to work in the Netherlands depends on where you’re from. For example, if you’re an EU/EEA or Swiss national, a travel document is enough to allow you to work in the Netherlands. You also don’t need a separate work permit if you’re applying for a highly skilled migrant visa. If neither of these apply to your situation, you’ll need to get permission to work in the country. This is usually taken care of by your employer.

Is Dutch required to find a job in the Netherlands?

As the Netherlands is home to many international companies, foreigners, especially English-speaking professionals that wish to work here, can find a number of opportunities. However, note that some employers will still require you to be fluent in English and Dutch. A common tip is to still apply for such positions and try to overcome your lack of language skills with superior professional competency.

Most in demand jobs in the Netherlands

Every year UWV compiles a list of the most promising professions and the positions that are not so in demand.

Most in demand positions include:

• Education
• Technology
• Healthcare
• Transport
• Hairdressers
• Electronic technicians
• Dentists
• Daycare managers and administrators

Least in demand positions:

• Copywriters
• Translators
• Graphic designers
• Animal caretakers
• Life coaches

Where to find a job in the Netherlands

The majority of job advertisements are online. Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn or Nationale Vacature Bank offers a wide selection of opportunities.

The job description will include:

• what education level you need
• whether your employer is willing to hire an international worker and sponsor your visa (if you need one)
• what languages are necessary

Another option is hiring a recruitment agency service. Once they identify your skills and goals, they’ll try to find the best match accordingly.

A few of the available options are:

• Hays
• Randstad
• Michael Page International

Note that each company might be specializing in a different category, for example, offering mostly management roles, international positions, or jobs in IT.

Other possible job-finding routes are newspaper classified sections, networking in person and online, and contacting the companies you would like to work for directly.

Networking

• If you find yourself in one of the major Dutch cities, look into what job fairs are happening. InterNations hosts plenty of events for members, some specifically catered to professional networking.
• If you’re not present in the country at the moment — use social media for networking. The same InterNations platform allows you to chat to people already residing in the country and possibly make professional connections.
• Go through your contact list and see your options. Maybe some of your old friends or co-workers have already moved to the Netherlands and have secured a job here. They might be able to help you by putting you in touch with the right person.

Networking events in the Netherlands:

• Amsterdam Career Days
• IamExpat Fair
• Amsterdam Tech Job Fair
• National Career Exhibition
• Erasmus Recruitment Days (mostly for people that are looking for their first job after graduation)
• Inhouse day (focused on students or  recent graduates)

How to get hired in the Netherlands

1) Include a Dutch-style CV

• Keep your CV short and to the point, two pages at most.
• Provide the CV in the the company’s language (Dutch, English, French, or German are the most common).
• Include your personal details, your educational achievements and qualifications, and language and other skills.
• List your work experience in reverse chronological order (describe your last position first) and elaborate on your tasks and responsibilities.
• Indicate your hobbies and what you do after work, show what type of person you are — it’s advisable to provide such information.
• Attaching references to your CV is not required. However, if you can provide your future employer with some, it’s worth including them.

2) Cover letter tips

• Motivation is one of the most important aspects when it comes to hiring a candidate, so attaching a cover letter to your CV is highly recommended.
• The cover letter should also be written in the company’s language.
• In the letter, clarify why you’re applying, why you believe you’re the right candidate, and why you wish to work for this specific company.

3) Interview tips

• Dress appropriately to match the company’s culture. Try not to underdress or overdress for the occasion.
• The Dutch are infamous for their direct way of approaching every matter. That’s why you shouldn’t be taken aback when an interviewer asks you a personal question, such as your age or relationship status. This is just common practice.
• Come prepared: research the company, read about its culture, and prepare some questions you can ask the interviewee about the job. These can be questions about the work environment, working pace, training period and processes, and similar matters.

The interview process

It might take a few weeks after you submit your application for your potential employer to contact you. Keep in mind that most employers won’t notify you if you don’t meet their requirements.

Interview stages

The number of interview stages you need to go through depends on the type of position you’re applying for. Jobs where high turnover rate is prominent, such as customer service, are faster to get, which usually means your first interview is your final one. As long as your employer knows how you communicate and present yourself, they’ll know whether you’re suitable for the position.

With a more senior role, you can expect a higher degree of selectiveness. Two or three interviews will be conducted before you get an offer. These are the common interview stages:

• First interview  — During the first meeting the employer will judge your communication abilities, your presentation, and will most likely inquire how the position you’re applying for will benefit your career. These interviews are often conducted online.
• Second interview — This could be the time that you’ll be asked to perform a task. This might be at home or you might be invited to perform it in-house, depending on the role and company’s approach.
• Third interview — This third meeting will help the company make a final decision on which of the candidates is the most suitable for the position.

In general, the hiring process takes a month or two.

According to the, Centraal Planbureau (CPB), the median salary in the Netherlands is 46,500 EUR (approx. 54,000 USD) gross per year. You can expect your net annual salary to be around 35,000 EUR (approx. 41,000 USD).

Minimum wage

The government adjusts the minimum wage twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July. As of 2026, the minimum wage for employees over 21 years old is 14.71 EUR (approx. 17 USD). That is around 2,550 EUR (approx. 3,000 USD) per month for a full time position (40 hours per week) before tax.

Note that people younger that 21 years old are entitled to a lower minimum pay.

What is a good salary in the Netherlands?

Whether your salary is enough to live comfortably depends on where you live in the Netherlands. In general, a yearly gross salary of 50,000 EUR (approx. 59,000 USD) for a single person should be enough, no matter where you settle.

Average annual salary based on industry

• IT and software development: 47,000–70,000 EUR (approx. 54,500–81,000 USD)
• Engineering: 45,000–65,000 EUR (approx. 52,000–75,500 USD)
• Hospitality and retail: 25,000–38,000 EUR (approx. 29,000–44,000 USD)
• Finance and banking: 50,000–75,000 EUR (approx. 58,000–87,000 USD)
• Education: 38,000–55,000 EUR (approx. 44,000–64,000 USD)
• Healthcare: 42,000–60,000 EUR (approx. 49,000–70,000 USD)

Expats that want to try self-employment will be pleased to know that the Netherlands is a great place for entrepreneurs. The country is welcoming of freelancers, individuals that wish to start a business, and those who wish to take specific start-up opportunities as well. The Dutch also offer opportunities to be a part-time entrepreneur.

The Netherlands’s government allows a few different self-employment routes for foreigners. Here, you can go freelance, set up a business, or create a start-up. Depending on which route you choose to take, you might need different documentation to settle in the country. You must register your business at the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. You can make an appointment before visiting the branch.

Freelancing

If you’re not planning on having any employees in your business endeavor, freelancing is the way to go. Freelancing in the Netherlands is known as zelfstandige zonder personeel  (ZZP).

To legally freelance, you’ll need a permanent address and a work and/or residence permit. You also have to choose your company’s name and the official address of your workplace (sometimes this could be your home). Freelancers need to have at least three different clients per year.

Starting a business

Starting a business is another option that is best suited if you want to employ other people. Just like with ZZP, you’ll need proof of address and the necessary permits to legally establish your company. Additionally, you might need to:

• conduct market research
• have a business plan prepared
• prove your idea is innovative

This is important in order to be able to stay in the Netherlands as an entrepreneur.

Creating a start-up

If you have an idea for a start-up and a trusted partner that can guide you through the Dutch market, applying for a start-up visa is the most beneficial for your situation. This way you can avoid the mountains of paperwork required for starting a business here.

Again, arranging self-employment in the Netherlands is easier if you’re from an EU/EEA country. US, Japanese, and Turkish citizens also have a few exceptions when setting up a business.

Operating entrepreneurial endeavors does not only require legal knowledge but also a thorough understanding of bookkeeping and the tax system. Additionally, there is also a language barrier that might make matters more complex. However, you don’t have to go through this all on your own.

Top self-employed jobs in the Netherlands

While there are no strict guidelines about which markets entrepreneurs should focus on, there are a few sectors where self-employed individuals can really flourish.

• IT and mobile app specialists can delve into the vast Dutch high-tech industry.
• The agriculture sector is also worth entrepreneurial attention.
• Creative industries are booming in the country, so talented expats should be able to find their niche.
• Childcare might be attractive for part-time self-employed individuals.

Dutch self-employment benefits

Self-employment does not guarantee financial security. There’s no minimum wage, paid vacation days, severance pay, nor any real job security. However, the benefits of being your own boss and doing what you love might outweigh the disadvantages. You can choose your own clients and make your own schedule.

The government provides financial benefits and tax allowances for self-employed people, such as:

• tax relief for new companies
• private business allowance
• disability, prenatal, and childbirth allowances

People in the Netherlands are known to be very direct, and the business culture is no exception. They like to approach problems head-on as that is considered to be the most efficient way to achieve results.

• Do not take offense if your boss is blunt about your work or performance — this type of feedback is very common.
• Being honest and voicing your opinion freely looks good on employees as well, so don’t be afraid to speak your mind and be direct yourself.

The Netherlands working culture

• In the Netherlands, everyone is on time. Respect everyone’s schedule and don’t be late for meetings or any other appointments.
• Employees tend to keep to set working hours. The typical working day starts around 08:30 or 09:00 and finishes at 17:00 or 18:00. It’s not uncommon to leave work early.
• Efficiency is the key. People might leave early or work from home often; however, it is never at the expense of work results.
• Lunch at the workplace is considered to be a quick break.
• Company structures are typically flat and non-hierarchical.
• The Dutch often draw a strict line between professional and private lives. Spending time with your colleagues during weekends or in other non-professional circumstances is rather uncommon.
• Follow dress code examples set by your colleagues or boss. If you want to start on the right foot immediately, you can always inquire with the HR department about the common work dress code.

In order to qualify for social security benefits in the Netherlands, you need to get yourself a citizen service number (BSN). This allows you to be covered by the social security system that is funded by taxpayer’s money.

This identification number is necessary for many things when operating around the Netherlands, including banking, taxes, and social benefits.

Can a foreigner get a BSN?

Yes, if you’re staying in the Netherlands for longer than four months, you should get yourself a citizen service number. Otherwise, many daily tasks, such as banking, will be impossible for you. In fact, if you don’t book your registration appointment on time, you’ll be fined.

If you’re staying in the Netherlands for less than four months, registering is not mandatory.

How to get a BSN in the Netherlands

In order to get your BSN, you need to register at your local municipality. You don’t need to apply for a BSN separately — it will be granted to you once you’re registered.

You need to book a registration appointment at a local City Office within five days of arriving in the Netherlands.

When registering at the municipality, you need to have the following documents prepared:

• passport or EU/EEA ID card
• original birth certificate
• rental contract or proof of house purchase
• marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)

Depending on where you’re from, additional documents might be required.

Social security benefits in the Netherlands

Social security is calculated out of every employee’s paycheck. As a working resident in the Netherlands, you’ll be contributing to social services and social insurance (comprised of national and employee insurance).

Social services cover:

• IOAW — income service for the elderly (born before 1965) who have become unemployed
• IOAZ — helps older single households with insufficient income because of disability or unemployment
• TW — supplementary benefits to those not earning enough from their disability, unemployment, or long-term illness benefits
• AKW — childcare benefits for parents that attend school, are unemployed, or unfit for work

National insurance covers:

• Wlz — financial support for people with a chronic disease, disability, and vulnerable elderly people
• AOW — pensions for the elderly
• Anw — survivors benefit after a partner passes away

Employee insurance covers:

• WIA — allowance for people who became partially or fully unfit to work (WAO for people who became unfit before 2004)
• WW — unemployment insurance
• ZW — employee sick pay

While maternity leave in the Netherlands is not as generous as, for example, in the UK, it is still above the EU average (14 weeks of paid leave).

Maternity leave in the Netherlands

Both employees and self-employed people are entitled to maternity leave in the Netherlands.

• In case of employment, it will be your employer taking care of your maternity benefit application.
• If you’re a self-employed professional, you’ll need to apply for maternity pay yourself. Self-employed mothers are entitled to be paid the national minimum wage if they worked at least 1,225 hours the preceding year.

How long is maternity leave in the Netherlands?

Legally, maternity leave in the Netherlands has to comprise of at least 16 weeks of paid time off. It has to start at least 4–6 weeks before the baby is due and still allow for at least 10–12 weeks after the birth. If the baby is born after the due date, the mother is allowed to take more than 16 weeks off.

If the mother is expecting more than one baby, she is entitled to 20 weeks of absence (8–10 weeks before due date).

Maternity benefits in the Netherlands

The money received during the paid leave is equal to the mother’s salary. However, there is a cap to the daily maternity allowance (maximum of 304.25 EUR (approx. 360 USD) per day as of 2026) that is adjusted every year by the government. If your pay exceeds that sum, your employer is not required to cover it.

Paternity leave and benefits

The paid leave is one week and can be taken any time during the first four weeks after the birth. The days do not need to be taken all in one go. The parent receives 100% of their pay during their leave.

Partners can also apply for additional leave; 5 weeks of paternity leave that are only available after the paid leave is taken. It has to be taken in one continuous period (unless it is negotiated otherwise with the employer) within the first 6 months after the baby is born. The parent can apply for a paternity/partner benefit that constitutes up to 70% of their pay.

Parental leave

The Netherlands also allows for additional unpaid parental leave for parents with children under eight years old. The time you are allowed to get is calculated according to how many hours you work per week and can be distributed across the eight years, depending on what the parent and their employer agrees. And while it can be taken in one go, most parents distribute their leave to shorten their work week by one day for a few years.

Each parent is allowed to take their extra parental leave for each child they have.