The largest of the four parts of the kingdom, the Netherlands (aka Holland until 2020), is among the top 10 most powerful European economies. The country is located in the very center of the Old World and is one of its largest ports. Additionally, it is known for its authentic architecture and tulips. So its popularity amongst job-seekers is not a surprise.

The employment market in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has almost no unemployed people, and the residents are educated, hardworking and patriotic. High standards of education in local educational institutions allow to the production of highly qualified personnel who strive to work for their homeland's benefit. They rarely consider looking for a job outside their country, while citizens of neighboring states are often extremely interested in moving and working in here.

There is a well-developed infrastructure, solid social guarantees, high salaries as well as general standards of living. Thus the competition is high and getting a job in the Netherlands for foreigners means putting in a lot of effort and proving that they are the best of the best.

The most wanted are specialists in the field of:

• engineering (designers, hydraulic pros, mechanics, technicians);

• information and communication technologies;

• construction (esp. direction of eco and climate-adaptive buildings);

• renewable energy sources;

• medicine and healthcare (in particular, caregivers, dentists, and psychiatrists);

• agrarian sector and agriculture;

Representatives of creative professions like artists, architects, designers, illustrators, etc are also welcome in the Netherlands.

Finding a job in the Netherlands

The option to come and find a job in the Netherlands on the spot should be rejected immediately. The already mentioned high competition does not leave any chances for employment "from the street" even for low-skilled, labor positions.

It is most convenient to search for a job in the Netherlands through aggregator sites. There are many of them, including narrow-focused services. For example, Aires for farmers and agricultural workers, SQR for engineers, and MedWeb for doctors and medical personnel.

It is also effective to search through the websites of official companies, EURES (Employment Service in the EU), and social networks (Facebook or Linkedin). Creative ones should better have a portfolio on Behance. Alternatively, you can use the services of recruitment agencies.

What is needed for employment in the Netherlands?

In general, the requirements, papers, and procedures for employees in the Netherlands are typical for the European Union. You need to find a job, successfully pass an interview, conclude an employment contract and certify it at the state Ministry of Labor. Upon the contract, a work permit is issued (the employer applies for it), and a work visa (the applicant applies to the Dutch consulate or visa centers such as VFS Global). Upon arrival in the country, it is necessary to apply for a temporary residence permit (TMP) within the prescribed period.

Keep in mind that obtaining a work visa to the Netherlands is a tough mission. The country has little interest in labor migrants, especially from outside the EU. So, if you need help in applying for any documents, including visas, contact our specialists.

Important nuances

High qualifications of internal personnel and a large number of external applicants make an impact. Therefore, foreigners can be offered a job only if:

• No candidate with the appropriate level of competence was found within the country. Or — if none of the locals responded to the open position within 35-90 days;

• The candidate has the experience, skills, or abilities that will make a significant contribution to the national economy (such specialists do not necessarily need to obtain a work permit in the Netherlands);

• A foreigner has perfect English and, preferably, knows Dutch (if the applicant wants to work in the field of law, education, or trade, knowledge of the national language is a must);

The only kind of easily available opportunity to get a job in the Netherlands is to take part in seasonal harvesting. Due to greenhouse cultivation, relevant vacancies can be found throughout the year. But applicants should not forget that a seasonal work permit is issued for a period of up to 24 weeks only, and the work is hard (yet you can earn up to 2,000 euros per trip).

Fun fact: in the Netherlands, you can get a work permit by entering into a marriage or cohabitation agreement with a Dutch partner. The receiving party must have the citizenship of the country and guarantee the maintenance of the foreigner during the job search. In case of divorce or termination of the contract, the work permit becomes invalid.