Work in the Netherlands
To work in the Netherlands, you need a job offer from a Dutch employer and a valid work permit (valid from a few months to 3 years). If you have strong skills, work experience, and know Dutch, you can apply for a Netherlands work visa.
Job hunting is usually done through agencies and job websites. The average salary is around €3,086/month, depending on the city and job. Medical and healthcare professions are among the highest-paying jobs in the country.
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Why work in the Netherlands?
- Suitable job market
- Better job opportunities
- Possibility of residency
Conditions for working in the Netherlands
The conditions for immigrating to the Netherlands through work are that the applicant must have a work residence permit in the country. The direct way to work in this country is to get a job offer from a Dutch employer. We will discuss the conditions for working in the Netherlands further.
- Familiarity with Dutch or English
- Work experience + strong resume
- Having expertise and skills
- Age range 18 to 45 years
- No criminal record
- Health certificate
- Having a valid job offer from a foreign employer
- Relevant educational certificate
Job market in the Netherlands
The job market in the Netherlands is recognized as one of the most developed and dynamic in the world, offering great opportunities to job seekers. In this country, there are many international companies and its economy is very diverse. Features such as a very open and welcoming attitude towards immigrants, family support, and balanced working conditions are characteristics of the job market in the Netherlands.
One of the most important factors in finding a job abroad is to pay attention to the unemployment rate of that country. Countries with an unemployment rate of less than 5% face a labor shortage crisis. Therefore, these countries are suitable for job searching and you will have a high chance of finding work. In recent months, the unemployment rate in the Netherlands has been 3.7.
Working hours in the Netherlands
The standard workweek in the Netherlands is 38 to 40 hours, and most jobs range from 36 to 40 hours. Typically, individuals work 7.45 to 8 hours a day, including a 30-minute lunch break, for 5 days a week. According to the law, over a period of 4 weeks, an individual’s average weekly working hours should not exceed 55 hours.
Unlike many countries, working long hours is unusual in the Netherlands. Some companies follow the rule of 9 to 9.5 hours a day and, in return, have 3 days off a week.
Salaries and income of work in the Netherlands
On average, a worker earns about 3086 euros per month or approximately 42236 euros per year. Younger professionals or those in entry-level positions usually earn less, with the average monthly salary for those aged 24 and under being about 3146 euros. The highest incomes are between the ages of 35 and 44, with an average salary of about 4635 euros per month.
Average salaries also vary by city, with Amsterdam offering the highest average of about 53000 euros annually, followed by Eindhoven with 52000 euros and The Hague with 51000 euros.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $61,001 |
| Business Development Manager | $90,234 |
| Financial Manager | $144,626 |
| Director | $162,649 |
| Manager | $68,210 |
| IT Project Manager | $95,353 |
| Software Engineer | $94,365 |
| Human Resources | $76,185 |
| Financial Analyst | $72,913 |
Taxes on work in the Netherlands
The tax system in the Netherlands plays a key role in determining the net salary received. Those earning less than 75518 euros pay approximately 37% in taxes, while those with higher incomes are taxed at 49.5%. After tax deductions, an individual with a gross salary of 2500 euros per month typically takes home about 2000 euros.
Types of methods for work immigration to the Netherlands
Conditions for working in the Netherlands are such that the applicant must obtain a work visa for the Netherlands to be able to work in this country. In fact, you must first find a job in this country to earn a work visa for the Netherlands.
This method is very suitable for those who are specialists in their profession and have sufficient proficiency in English or Dutch. To obtain a work visa and find high-paying jobs in the Netherlands, there are different work visas that we will refer to below.
- Short-term visa
This visa, valid for 90 days, allows the applicant to stay in the Netherlands for 3 months and work. This visa can be extended up to 180 days.
- MVV visa
This visa is for applicants who are considering family reunification. The applicant with the Dutch job search visa can find a suitable job and then visit the Dutch Labor Office to obtain a work permit in the Netherlands.
- GVVA visa
To work in the Netherlands, you must receive a job offer from a Dutch employer. The employer must first advertise the position locally for 3 months, and then in the EU for another 3 months. If no suitable candidate is found, they can hire a non-EU worker. This Dutch work visa allows employment for over 3 months and up to 3 years, and it’s extendable.
- Return visa
This visa can be obtained by applicants who have a 3-year work permit in the Netherlands, and it is for those who plan to travel to their home country and may have their visa expire during this period, requiring a return visa.
Methods of entering the Dutch job market for
Applicants can use various methods to enter the Dutch job market based on their skills, work experience, and educational status. The methods for entering the Dutch job market include:
| Entry Route | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| Work Visa (Highly Skilled Migrant) | Suitable for skilled professionals with a job offer from a Dutch employer; requires a minimum salary set by the Dutch government. |
| Job Seeker Visa | Temporary visa for international graduates from Dutch or EU universities to search for a job. |
| Study and Post-Graduation Work | Study at Dutch universities and use the one-year Orientation Year Visa to find a job after graduation. |
| Job Offer | Obtain a job offer through job websites or professional networks like LinkedIn. |
| Entrepreneurship & Startup | Start a business or launch a startup in the Netherlands with a government-approved business plan. |
Employment agencies in the Netherlands
To find a job, you can take advantage of employment agencies in the Netherlands. These agencies can help you find the best jobs based on your conditions. We will introduce several websites for job search in the Netherlands:
- Indeed
This site is one of the most widely used job platforms in the Netherlands, offering diverse jobs in various economic sectors.
Website address: https://www.indeed.com/
The professional network LinkedIn is also one of the best platforms for finding jobs in the Netherlands due to its international nature.
Website address: https://www.linkedin.com/
- Werk.nl
This site is an official platform owned by the Dutch government that offers a variety of services from consultation to job placement for job seekers.
Job search website address: https://Werk.nl
Process of applying for jobs in the Netherlands
Applying for a job in the Netherlands requires several main steps. Here is a general guide to the job application process in the Netherlands:
- Your documents should be in Dutch or English and must include a resume (CV), a cover letter (Motivation Letter), and educational and professional qualifications.
- Use reputable Dutch job hiring websites and professional social networks to search for job opportunities.
- Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and the company you are applying for.
- If your application is initially approved, an in-person or phone interview may be scheduled.
- If you are not a citizen of EU countries, you need to obtain a work permit.
- Once final approval is granted and the immigration steps are completed, you can start your job in the Netherlands.
Required documents for a Dutch work visa
To work in the Netherlands, you need several documents. Some of the necessary documents for obtaining a Dutch work visa include the following:
- Passport and its copy (must be valid for more than 6 months)
- Visa application form
- Financial statements to prove your ability to pay your expenses
- Your employment contract
- Educational certificates
- Employment certificates + resume
Jobs in demand in the Netherlands
Overall, the Netherlands needs labor with all kinds of expertise. However, there is a greater shortage of labor in some professions, and the country is facing a crisis in this regard. If you have studied or have work experience in these professions, you will have a higher chance of finding a job in this country.
These areas can also be suitable fields for studying in the Netherlands and continuing to work after graduation. In the list below, you can see jobs in demand in the Netherlands for work immigration.
| General Management | Media and Information |
| Health, Medical, Social and Fitness | Research and Development, Science and Scientific Research |
| Marketing and Advertising | Public Services |
| Administrative and Secretarial Support | Engineering and Technical Occupations |
| Banking, Financial Services and Insurance | Purchasing and Sales |
| Transportation and Logistics | Handicrafts |
| Information Technology and Telecommunications | Accommodation, Hospitality and Tourism |
| Land, Marine, Environmental and Veterinary | Education and Training |
| Design and Architecture | Human Resources |
| Finance and Auditing | Security and Protection Services |
High-paying jobs in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the job market is broad and diverse, and individuals can work in various fields. On the other hand, it can be said that the best jobs in the Netherlands are healthcare jobs and surgeons, which have higher incomes. However, some jobs that are generally considered high-paying include:
| Job Title | Average Monthly Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner | €7,240 |
| ICU Nurse | €4,430 |
| Administrative Manager | €6,990 |
| Receptionist | €2,700 |
| Front Desk Officer | €3,730 |
| Senior Nutrition Assistant | €4,760 |
| Allergist Specialist | €8,890 |
| Ambulance Dispatcher | €3,730 |
Obtaining a work permit in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, labor rights and matters related to work permits are governed by specific laws and regulations. To obtain a work visa and work in the Netherlands, you need to have a work permit. There are two methods for obtaining a work permit. The first method is obtaining a job seeker visa, which allows individuals to stay in this country for 6 months while searching for the job they desire.
The second method is the job offer in the Netherlands, which requires a Dutch employer who publishes their job advertisement globally to recruit staff. Individuals are advised to seek job opportunities through the job offer method from their home country and receive job offers and contracts.
Obtaining dependent visas through work in the Netherlands
To obtain a Netherlands dependent visa through work, certain conditions are mandatory.
- The applicant must have a valid residence permit
- The applicant and his/her spouse must be at least 21 years old
- Children under 18 years old
- Financial means to cover family expenses
- At least 1 year of residence in the Netherlands
Working in the Netherlands with a diploma
Obtaining a work visa for the Netherlands and working in the Netherlands with a diploma is not easy, and there is a lot of scrutiny in issuing it; therefore, without having an educational qualification, obtaining a visa will not be possible unless the applicant intends to obtain a seasonal work visa or a regular employee visa, in which case a higher-level qualification is not required, and even a diploma-level education may allow for obtaining a visa.
Retirement in the Netherlands
Considering the working and living conditions in the Netherlands, life expectancy in this country is 79 years for men and 83 years for women, and the legal retirement age for men and women is 67 years.
In fact, in the Netherlands, a person who enters the labor market at the age of 20 in 2011 can retire at the age of 71.
The poverty rate for people aged 66 and over in this country is 3.7 percent, which is much lower than the average rate in the member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (12.5 percent).
Labor laws in the Netherlands
Labor laws in the Netherlands are designed to protect the rights of workers and employers and include the following:
- Maximum working hours: 40 hours per week
- Minimum wage: around €1,995 per month
- Annual leave: at least 20 days with pay
- Sick leave: 70% of salary paid for up to 2 years
- Contract types: permanent, temporary and part-time
- Probationary period: 1 to 2 months for contracts longer than 6 months
- Insurance and taxes: mandatory and deducted from salary
- Dismissal conditions: need for valid and documented reasons
- Non-discrimination: equal pay for all
- Right to a break: at least 30 minutes after 5.5 hours of work
Status of insurance work in the Netherlands
All residents in the Netherlands must have insurance, which is mandatory. To obtain government insurance, applicants must pay a minimum of 100 euros per month. Given the effectiveness of the healthcare system in this country, applicants with insurance can benefit from medical coverage and favorable healthcare conditions.
Obtaining permanent residency through work in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is economically and socially favorable and accepts dual citizenship; some immigrants are primarily seeking residency in this country. Individuals who receive a work visa for the Netherlands and have worked for 5 years with residence in the Netherlands, have paid taxes and insurance, and have no criminal records or security issues can apply for permanent residency through the Dutch immigration organization at the following website address:
It is also possible to apply for citizenship in this country after obtaining a permanent residence card by learning the official Dutch language and becoming familiar with their culture.
Frequently asked questions about working in the Netherlands
- What are the initial conditions for working in the Netherlands and obtaining a work visa?
To work in the Netherlands, you must first receive a job offer from an employer. The Netherlands does not offer a job search visa; you must find work through other means.
- Can you obtain permanent residency in the Netherlands through work?
After working in the Netherlands for 5 years and regularly paying taxes, you can obtain permanent residency in this country.
- What are the average living costs in the Netherlands?
Living costs in the Netherlands for a family of 4 are about 3,200 euros per month, and for a single person, it is about 900 euros. These costs do not include rent.
- What is the average salary in the Netherlands?
The average monthly salary in the Netherlands is about 3,000 euros.
- What is the unemployment rate in the Netherlands?
The average unemployment rate in the Netherlands in 2024 was about 3.70%.
Conclusion:
Getting a Dutch work visa is a key pathway to residency in the Netherlands. In this article, you learned about the working conditions, types of work visas, required documents, and a job classification in the Netherlands. For personalized advice, consult with our experts to choose the best immigration route.
Have questions? Ask in the comments and get quick answers.
We hope this guide to working and immigrating to the Netherlands has been helpful!
