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Country guide

Build your career in the Netherlands

The main work route for people from outside the EU is the highly skilled migrant permit, which requires an officially recognised sponsor and a salary above the set criterion. Other roles may use a single permit, where the employer must usually show no suitable EU candidate was available.

Browse Netherlands jobs Understand the routes

At a glance

A clearer view of working in Netherlands

Jobs in our database
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Employer data
Employers on the public register of officially recognised sponsors (labour).
Routes covered
Highly skilled migrant · Single permit (GVVA)
Language
Dutch; English is common in international companies
Last reviewed
Reviewed by HULA on 11 Oct 2026Sources checked 11 Oct 2026
Official guidance
Open the official government guidance

For your profession

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Choose a profession above to highlight the path that fits you. This is general guidance, not a visa decision.

Professional roles

Most international hires use the highly skilled migrant permit. The salary must meet the official salary criterion for your age group.

Official source

Healthcare

Doctors and nurses need BIG registration, and Dutch is usually needed for patient care.

Official source

Skilled trades

Trade roles usually need a single permit, and the employer normally has to show no suitable EU worker was available.

Official source

Frontline roles

Entry-level roles are rarely sponsored because of the labour market test.

Official source

Seasonal work

Seasonal work permits are limited and mostly filled from within the EU.

Official source

Current jobs

See where employers are hiring now

A sample from different employers, taken from our own jobs database.

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    Every job links to the original advert.See all Netherlands jobs

    Work routes

    Understand the routes before you apply

    Highly skilled migrant

    Job offer needed

    Employer must be an officially recognised sponsor.

    Official source

    Single permit (GVVA)

    Job offer needed

    Combined residence and work permit, usually with a labour market test.

    Official source

    Employer research

    Choose where to apply with better evidence

    Employers on the public register of officially recognised sponsors (labour).

    Explore Netherlands employers

    Research first. Apply with confidence.

    • Employer evidence
    • Current vacancies
    • Original career pages

    Your next steps

    Move forward, one stage at a time

    1

    Before a job offer

    • Check the employer is on the officially recognised sponsor register
    • Compare the offered salary with the current official salary criterion
    • Get your diplomas ready for evaluation if needed
    2

    After an offer

    • Your employer submits the application with the immigration authority
    • Check whether you need an entry visa (MVV)
    • Ask whether the employer can apply for the 30% facility
    3

    Preparing to move

    • Register with your municipality to get a BSN
    • Arrange Dutch health insurance
    • Open a Dutch bank account

    Practical questions

    The questions people ask before applying

    Do I need to speak Dutch?+

    Not for many international tech and engineering jobs, but it matters for healthcare and customer-facing roles.

    Official source

    Compare and plan

    Keep your options open

    Explore how jobs, employer evidence and work routes differ elsewhere in Europe.

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    Your next move

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