Jobs in the Netherlands – Work Permit, Visa, Salary & Hiring Guide

The Netherlands is one of the founding member states of the European Union and one of the world's most open, innovative, and internationally oriented economies, situated in Northwestern Europe at the mouths of the Rhine, Maas, and Scheldt rivers. Home to over 18 million people, the Netherlands is a global hub for technology, logistics, agriculture, financial services, energy, life sciences, and creative industries — and consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for quality of life, digital infrastructure, and business competitiveness.

The Netherlands faces well-documented and structural labour shortages across IT, healthcare, education, engineering, and construction. According to EURES Netherlands, the sectors with the highest vacancy rates include human health and social work, education, IT and technology, and engineering — sectors experiencing shortages irrespective of whether the economy is thriving or contracting. The Netherlands' unemployment rate is approximately 3.9% — among the very lowest in the European Union — reflecting one of the tightest labour markets in Europe.

According to the Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS), the average gross monthly salary in the Netherlands is approximately €3,900. The median gross annual salary is approximately €48,000 per year according to the Central Planning Bureau. The Netherlands switched from a monthly to an hourly minimum wage system in January of the most recently reported period — the statutory gross hourly minimum wage for workers aged 21 and older is €14.71, adjusted twice yearly. All employees in the Netherlands also receive a mandatory 8% holiday allowance — vakantiegeld — paid annually in May. Income tax is progressive with three brackets reaching a top rate of 49.5%.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme — the most commonly used work permit route — requires a minimum gross monthly salary of €5,688 for applicants aged 30 and over, and €4,171 for those under 30, as of the most recent adjustment. Only an IND-recognised sponsor employer may apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant permit.

This guide covers everything you need to know about jobs in the Netherlands — including 40 verified shortage occupations with salary data, and a complete, accurate guide to the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme, Single Permit (GVVA), EU Blue Card, Orientation Year Permit, MVV provisional residence permit, and IND application process based exclusively on official Dutch government sources. Whether you are a job seeker, an employer, or a recruitment agency, Moving2Europe.eu is here to connect you with verified opportunities across the Netherlands and the wider European region.

Europe Job Market Overview

Europe is experiencing structural and sustained labour shortages driven by ageing populations, demographic change, and rapid economic transformation. The Netherlands stands at the forefront of this challenge — a high-wage, high-productivity knowledge economy with an unemployment rate consistently among the EU's lowest and vacancy rates significantly above the EU average in its most important sectors.

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service manages the Netherlands' immigration framework for third-country workers(Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst, IND) at ind.nl. Work permit decisions involving a labour market assessment are made in coordination with the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) at uwv.nl. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes entry visa information at netherlandsworldwide.nl. The official employer-facing business portal is at business.gov.nl.

Key policy developments from the most recently reported period include the announcement of planned further tightening of the Highly Skilled Migrant income thresholds — proposed increases above standard annual indexation from a future date — stricter screening and enforcement of recognised sponsor obligations, a phased reduction of the 30% tax ruling for skilled foreign workers beginning from 30%, and a new requirement for employers to obtain eHerkenning level 3 verification before submitting applications on the IND Business Portal.

For international job seekers, the Netherlands offers access to one of Europe's most innovative and internationally-oriented labour markets, near-universal English proficiency in professional environments, excellent living standards, Schengen Area freedom of movement, and a strong tradition of welcoming and integrating international professionals. For employers, the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme provides one of Europe's most practical and employer-friendly fast-track routes to international talent. For recruitment agencies, the Netherlands represents one of the most consistently active and premium international hiring markets in Continental Europe.

Jobs in the Netherlands – Market Overview

World-class logistics and port operations drive the Netherlands' economy — the Port of Rotterdam is Europe's largest — a globally significant agriculture and food technology sector, advanced manufacturing, financial services, a world-leading technology and semiconductor industry, a major pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, and public healthcare and education systems under sustained demographic pressure.

Key industries actively hiring international workers include:

Information Technology and Technology: The Netherlands is home to one of Europe's most significant technology ecosystems, including a globally recognised semiconductor and chip manufacturing hub. Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, cloud engineers, DevOps engineers, and AI specialists are in acute shortage. IT and technology are consistently cited by EURES Netherlands as one of the two sectors with the sharpest ongoing vacancy shortfall. Many Dutch technology companies operate entirely in English.

Healthcare and Social Care: Human health and social work consistently recordthe highest vacancy rate of any sector in the Netherlands. Nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, GPs, and medical specialists are in permanent and well-documented shortage across all Dutch regions. Regulated healthcare professionals must obtain recognition from the Dutch healthcare authority — BIG register.

Engineering and Technology: The Netherlands' advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, energy, and infrastructure sectors geconsistently generateemand for mechanical eelectrical ecivil eprand ocess engineers, anas well asroject managers. The semiconductor sector — particularly around Eindhoven — is generating unprecedented demand for highly qualified engineering professionals.

Education: Teacher shortages — particularly in primary education, STEM subjects, and special needs education — are amongthe two most acute vacancy shortfalls in the Dutch labour market,,,, according to EURES. Teachers in the Netherlands must hold Dutch teaching qualifications or have them recognised.

Agriculture and Food Technology: The Netherlands is the world's second-largest food exporter by value. Agricultural workers, greenhouse operatives, food processing workers, and agricultural technicians are in demand year-round across the country's intensive agricultural regions.

Logistics and Transport: The Netherlands' position as Europe's primary logistics and distribution hub generates consistent demand for truck drivers, warehouse operatives, logistics managers, and supply chain coordinators.

Financial Services and Fintech: Amsterdam and The Hague host major financial institutions, insurance companies, and pension funds, as well as a growing fintech sector. Financial analysts, compliance officers, risk managers, and actuaries are in consistent demand.

Top Cities for Jobs in Netherlands

Jobs in Amsterdam and the Randstad

Amsterdam is the Netherlands' financial, technology, and creative capital and the dominant employment hub for international professionals, paying average salaries approximately 15–20% above the national average. The Randstad — the metropolitan area encompassing Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht — is home to the majority of the country's IT companies, financial institutions, multinational headquarters, and major employers.

IT professionals in Amsterdam earn €5,000–€10,000 or more gross per month at senior levels. Finance and consulting professionals earn €5,000–€9,000. Engineers earn €4,500–€8,000. The city has the largest international professional community in the Netherlands and operates almost entirely in English across professional environments.

Jobs in Eindhoven and Brainport

Eindhoven — in the Brainport Noord-Brabant region — is the Netherlands' technology and innovation capital, home to one of Europe's most significant high-tech manufacturing and semiconductor ecosystems. The region generates exceptional demand for chip design engineers, semiconductor process engineers, embedded systems developers, mechatronics engineers, and hardware engineers. Salaries in Eindhoven's technology sector are among the highest in the country.

Jobs in Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Other Cities

Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and a major centre for logistics, trade, energy, and engineering. The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and a hub for employment in legal, diplomatic, and international organisations. Utrecht is a growing technology and life sciences hub with a significant healthcare and research sector. Other cities — including Groningen, Maastricht, Nijmegen, and Tilburg — offer employment across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and services.

Job Opportunities in the Netherlands

Blue-Collar Jobs in Demand in the Netherlands

The following 20 blue-collar roles represent the Netherlands' most critical shortage occupations in skilled and trades sectors, based on verified data from CBS, EURES Netherlands, and UWV vacancy data. All 20 have documented labour shortfalls across Dutch regions.

Register as a Truck Driver → Browse Welder Opportunities →

White-Collar Jobs in Demand in the Netherlands

The following 20 white-collar roles represent the Netherlands' most critical shortage occupations in professional and highly skilled sectors, based on verified data from CBS, EURES Netherlands, and IND Highly Skilled Migrant application data.

Register as a Healthcare Worker → Explore All Opportunities →

Salary in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers some of the highest wages in the European Union, with a comprehensive social protection system, a mandatory 8% annual holiday allowance, and strong collective labour agreements covering most sectors. Salaries vary significantly by sector, region, and experience,with Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and The Hague paying above the national average and rural provinces below.

According to CBS, the average gross monthly salary in the Netherlands is approximately €3,900. The Central Planning Bureau plreports aedian gross annual salary atofpproximately €48,000 pThe minimum wage is based on an hourly rate — €14.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over as of the most recent January adjustment — with equal pay guaranteed regardless of contractual working week length. All employees receive a mandatory 8% holiday allowance, paid in May.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme requires a minimum gross monthly salary of €5,688 for those aged 30 and over, and €4,171 for those under 30 ,both excluding holiday allowance. The EU Blue Card requires a minimum annual salary of €5,688 per month, with a reduced threshold for recent graduates.

Work Permit Process in Nethe therlands

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service manages the Netherlands' work authorisation system for non-EU nationals (IND) at ind.nl. LaThe Employee Insurance Agency conducts labour market assessments(UWV) at uwv.nl for the Single Permit route. The official employer guidance portal is at business.gov.nl. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes visa and entry information at netherlandsworldwide.nl. The Netherlands is a full member of the EU and the Schengen Area. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens may work freely in the Netherlands without any permit.

Types of Work Authorisation for Non-EU Workers

• Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme (Kennismigrant): The most commonly used work permit route for non-EU professioEmployerquires the employer to be an IND-recognised sponsor. No labour market test required. Minimum gross monthly salary (excluding holiday allowance): €5,688 for workers aged 30+, €4,171 for workers under 30, and a reduced threshold for recent graduates applying within three years of graduation. IND aims to decide within two weeks of a complete application. Family members receive the right to work without additional permits.
• Single Permit (GVVA — Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid): Combined work and residence permit for employment not covered by the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme. Requires a UWV labourEmployertest — the employer must demonstrate that no suitable Dutch or EU candidate was available. Processing takes approximately 90 days. Valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals with a recognised university degree and a minimum gross monthly salary of €5,688. No labour market test required. Processed by IND. Provides EU mobility rights after 18 months.
• Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar): For recent graduates of Dutch universities or top global universities to remain in the Netherlands for up to one year to search for work. Reduced salary thresholds apply when transitioning to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit from this route.
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit: For managers and specialists temporarily transferred within multinational company groups. Must have worked for the transferring company for at least three months and be working outside the EU before transfer.
• Seasonal Work Permit (TWV): For short-term employment in agriculture, horticulture, and hospitality. Maximum 24 weeks per year.

IND Recognised Sponsor

For the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme andEmployer Card, the employer must be registered as an IND-recognised sponsor. Becoming a recognised sponsor requires registration with the IND, proof of financial stability, compliance with Dutch immigration law, and — as of the most recent update — verification through eHerkenning at level 3 or higher. Recognised sponsors must: provide correct information to IND, keep business records, fulfil duty of care to employees, ensure salary meets the threshold at all times, and notify IND of any changes within four weeks.

Step-by-Step Work Permit Process (Highly Skilled Migrant)

Step 1 – Employer Becomes an IND Recognised Sponsor Before hiring under the Highly Skilled MEmployercheme, the employer must be registered as an IND-recognised sponsor. The Public Register of Recognised Sponsors is published on the IND website at ind.nl.

Step 2 – Employer Applies for the Residence Permit Through the IND Business Portal. The recognised sponsor employer submits the Highly Skilled Migrant residence permit application through the IND Business Portal. Applications require the employment contract, salary confirmation meeting the applicable threshold, and proof of the applicant's qualifications. IND aims to decide within two weeks of a complete application.

Step 3 – MVV Provisional Residence Permit (where required) Depending on the applicant's nationality, a provisional residence permit — machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf, MVV — may be required as an entry visa. This is combined with the residence permit application in most cases and collected from the Dutch embassy or consulate in the worker's home country. Some nationalities are MVV-exempt. Check the IND nationality tool at ind.nl to confirm.

Step 4 – Positive Decision and Collection of Residence Permit IND issues a positive decision letter — kennisgeving. In some cases, the employee may begin work immediately when the positive decision letter explicitly states this. The employee collects the physical residence permit card at an IND desk.

Step 5 – Travel to the Netherlands and Register With the Municipality The employee travels to the Netherlands — either on the MVV or visa-free — and registers with the local municipality within five days to receive a BSN — burgerservicenummer — the Dutch national identification number required for employment, tax, healthcare, and banking.

Step 6 – Register for Healthcare and Tax Register for Dutch health insurance — zorgverzekering — which is mandatory for all residents and workers. Register with the Dutch Tax Authority( Belastingdiens)t.

Employers ready to begin the international hiring process can register here →

Work Visa Process in the Netherlands

The MVV — machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf — is the provisional residence permit that functions as the entry visa for non-EU nationals who require one to enter the Netherlands for stays of more than 90 days. It is usually combined with the residence permit application. Some nationalities are MVV-exempt. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes all visa and MVV information at netherlandsworldwide.nl and IND at ind.nl.

Step 1 – Confirm MVV Requirements for Your Nationality. Use the IND nationality checker at ind.nl to confirm whether your nationality requires an MVV to enter the Netherlands for employment. Nationals of the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and several other countries are MVV-exempt.

Step 2 – Employer Submits the Combined MVV and Residence Permit Applicatio.n For most Highly Skilled Migrant applications, the MVV and residence permit are applied for together through the IND Business Portal by the recognised sponsor employer.

Step 3 – Collect the MVV at the Dutch Embassy or Consula.te If an MVV is required, after IND approv,al the applicant collects the MVV sticker from the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country. The MVV is valid for 90 days and allows entry to the Netherlands.

Step 4 – Travel to the Netherlands and Register Within Five .Days Travel to the Netherlands on the MVV. Register with the local municipality within five days to receive the BSN.

Step 5 – Collect the Residence Permit. Card After registration, collect the physical residence permit card at the designated IND desk.

Embassy Guidance

Use the Official IND Website for All Permit Information: All residence permit and immigration information for foreign nationals is published by the Immigration and Naturalisation ServEmployernd.nl. All empapplications for loyer Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Bluevisasations are submitted through the IND Business Portal.

Use the Official Business.gov.nl Portal for Employer Guidance: The official Dutch government employer portal at business.gov.nl provides complete guidance on recognised sponsor requirements, the Highly Skilled Migrant process, Single Permit process, and all employment-related permit categories.

Only a Recognised Sponsor Employer Can Apply for the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit: The employee cannot apply independently for the Highly Skilled MEmployerermit. The employer must be a registered IND recognised sponsor. Check the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors at ind.nl before initiating the process.

IND Aims to Decide Within Two Weeks for Highly Skilled Migrant Applications: For complete applications submitted by recognised sponsors, IND targets a decision within two weeks. This is significantly faster than the Single Permit route, which takes approximately 90 days.

Register with the Municipality Within Five Days of Arrival: BSN registration must be completed within five days of arriving in the Netherlands. The BSN is required for employment, healthcare, banking, and tax coEmployer.

Changing Employer Requires a New Application: The Highly Skilled Migrant permit cannot be transferred between employEmployern changingEmployerr, the new employer must be a recognised sponsor and must apply for a new permit before the worker commences with them.

The 30% Ruling May Apply for Relocated International Workers: Eligible internationally recruited employees may benefit from a tax ruling allowing 30% of their salary to be treated as a tax-free expense reimbursement — the 30% ruling. This ruling is being phased from 30% downward over time. Confirm current eligibility and percentage with the Dutch Tax Authority at belastingdienst.nl.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for a Highly Skilled Migrant residence permit application in the Netherlands, based on official requirements from IND at ind.nl and business.gov.nl.

Always verify current document requirements at ind.nl and business.gov.nl before submitting.

How to Avoid Rejection

Employer Is Not a Recognised IND Sponsor: The Highly Skilled Migrant permit can only be applied for by an IND-recognisEmployeror. If the employer is not listed in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors, the application will be refused. Check the register at ind.nl before proceeding.

Salary Does Not Meet the Applicable Threshold: The gross monthly salary — excluding holiday allowance and vacation pay — must meet the Highly Skilled Migrant threshold. For workers aged 30+, the threshold is €5,688. For workers under 30, it is €4,171. Variable bonuses and holiday allowance do not count. The salary must be in the employment contract.

Failure to Register With the Municipality Within Five Days: BSN registration must be completed within five days of arriving in the Netherlands. Failure to register delays healthcare registration, tax compliance, and access to banking, and creates a compliance gap.

Changing Employer Without Prior IND Approval: The employee must not begin working for a new emplEmployeril the new employer — who must also be a recognised sponsor — has applied for and received IND approval. Beginning work early is a legal violation.

Employer Fails to Notify IND of Changes Within Four Weeks: Recognised sponsors must notify IND of any changes to the employee's situation — such as salary changes, role changes, employment termination, or address changes — within four weeks. Failure to notify carries compliance penalties and can affect sponsor recognition status.

Qualification Documents Not Apostilled or Translated: Foreign qualification documents that are not in Dutch or English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Documents must be legalised or apostilled. Unauthenticated documents lead to delays and rejection.

BIG Register Not Obtained for Regulated Healthcare Professions: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other regulated healthcare professionals must be registered in the Dutch BIG register — at bigregister.nl — before they may practise in the Netherlands.

Hiring Foreign Workers in the Netherlands

The Netherlands urgently needs international workers across IT, healthcare, engineering, education, construction, and logistics. With one of Europe's most practically designed fast-track permit schemes and an employer-driven process that targets a two-week decision for recognised sponsors, Dutch employers who build structured international hiring pipelines gain a decisive competitive advantage.

Why Hire International Workers in the Netherlands? The Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme requires no labour market test, is processed in as little as two weeks, and grants family members the right to work immediately. The Netherlands' near-universal English proficiency in professional environments makes international integration practical and swift.

How to Begin the Hiring Process

Step 1 – Register as an Employer on Moving2Europe.eu Create your employer profile, specify your sector, required roles, and workforce needs. Register as an Employer →

Step 2 – Register as an IND Recognised Sponsor. Apply to the IND to become a recognised sponsor through the IND Business Portal. Obtain eHerkenning level 3 or higher before beginning the application process.

Step 3 – Confirm the Salary Threshold Is Me...t Ensure the employment contract specifies a gross monthly salathat meetseetsng the applicable Highly Skilled Migrant thr,ho, — excluding holiday allowance.

Step 4 – Submit the Application Through the IND Business Porta.l Submit the Highly Skilled Migrant residence permit application. Include the employment contract and any required qualification documentation.

Step 5 – Notify IND of the Positive Decision and Support Arrival Formaliti.es After the positive decision, assist the worker with MVV collection if required, municipality registration within five days, BSN receipt, and healthcare registration.

How Job Seekers Can Apply

Step 1 – Confirm MVV Requirements and Eligibility Use the IND nationality checker at ind.nl to confirm whether an MVV is required and confirm the applicable salary threshold for your age group and situation.

Step 2 – Confirm Your Employer Is a Recognised IND Spon.sor Check the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors at ind.nl before accepting a position.

Step 3 – Register on Moving2Europe.eu

• Register as a Truck Driver →
• Register as a Welder →
• Register as a Healthcare Worker →
• Explore All Opportunities →

Step 4 – Apply for Available Positions Browse verified job listings and apply to positions that match your qualifications and experience.

Step 5 – Your Employer Submits the Permit Application ThroIND. IND Once you have a confirmed employment contract meeting the salaEmployerhold, your employer submits the Highly Skilled Migrant application through the IND Business Portal.

Step 6 – Collect MVV if Required and Travel to the Nether.lands If an MVV is required, collect it from the Dutch embassy in your home country after IND approval. Travel to the Netherlands.

Step 7 – Regwithr With the Municipality Within Five Days and CoBSN.ct BSN Register your residential address and receive your BSN. Register for Dutch health insurance.

Recruitment Agencies & Partnerships

Moving2Europe.eu collaborates with international recruitment agencies, workforce supply companies, and staffing partners to build a consistent, reliable pipeline of pre-screened, work-ready candidates for employers across the Netherlands and the wider European region.

For agencies with access to IT, semiconductor, engineering, healthcare, and logistics professionals, a partnership with Moving2Europe.eu provides direct access to a growing network of verified Dutch employers — some of the highest-paying in Continental Europe — actively seeking international talent.

Why Partner with Moving2Europe.eu?

• Access to a verified network of Dutch employers actively hiring across all major shortage sectors
• A structured, transparent matching process aligned with the IND Highly Skilled Migrant and Single Permit requirements
• Compliance support across the Highly Skilled Migrant Scheme, EU Blue Card, and Single Permit routes
• Long-term business development opportunities in one of Europe's most active and premium international hiring markets
• A trusted, professional platform built on transparency and accountability

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Declaration

Moving2Europe.eu provides informationono jobs, work permits, visas, and international hiring strictly for guidance purposey. We do not guarantee job placement, work permit approval, or visa issuance under any circumstances.

All applications, hiring decisions, and approvals are subject to individual employer requirements, applicable immigration laws, and the final decision of the respective country's embassy or government authorities.

Users are strongly advised to independently verify all information, ensure the accuracy of their documents, and follow official procedures before submitting any application.