r/WorkInTheNetherlands

I’m an Irish man looking to move to the Netherlands for good. I’ve been over and back to various parts of the Netherlands over the last 10 years. I have fallen in love with the lifestyle, the people, the way of life. The transport system, the bikes, the infrastructure. I just love Dutch life and the Dutch as a people.

I currently live in Ireland. I’m from Ireland originally but I spent most of my formative years in London UK. I came back to Ireland for work. I am bored here. I am not happy with the current climate for housing. The way of life in Ireland isn’t for me. I prefer hustle and bustle, things to do from day to day. Ireland just doesn’t have this. Not where I am anyway.

A little about me. I work in the shipping industry. I strayed ground up sweeping stores and vessels and have progressed over the 14 years in the job into the office planning vessel arrivals, berthing vessels, weighing cargo for customers and depots. Weighing both containers and bulk trucks for delivery all over Ireland. I have tickets for forklift, Volvo front loader, mewps, track machines, scissor lifts you name it. I have 14 years of experience in the industry.

I’m wondering how it goes for gaining employment in Rotterdam port or somewhere else which may suit my skills. I want to start a fresh life over in the Netherlands. I will have over 10000e savings to come with and I’m hoping to have jobs lined up before I arrive.

Ps: I plan on this for July/August 2027. I have been perfecting my cv and researching all I need to have available once I arrive in the Netherlands 🇳🇱. I have all my tickets and accreditations in a folder also.

Anyone who works or knows of the industry in and around Rotterdam port with any knowledge on what I can do to get the ball rolling and improve my chances of picking up work would be of great help.

Thanks everyone

Starting a new job at EY Eindhoven at the end of August, but I'm still finalizing housing (currently in Tilburg, searching ). My employer will let me use their office as a briefadres (unsure if this is the correct term) for BRP registration in the meantime, to avoid getting hit with the anoniementarief on my first paycheck.

Has anyone actually done this — register at an employer's address as a briefadres? A few things I'm trying to figure out (if this is even possible):

• How does the appointment process work at the gemeente for this (Eindhoven specifically)?
• Any issues with DigiD, health insurance, or other admin down the line from using a business address instead of a residential one?
• How long did you keep this arrangement before switching to a permanent address, and did that transition cause any problems?

Any first-hand experience would be really helpful.

For context , I am Spanish and currently living at my best friends house in Tilburg. I had an RNI (already have a a BSN) taken out to stay here for a couple of months and work remote but ended up getting the job so I've come back now to start so want the full BRP registration.

I’m doing some research on employment practices across Europe and I’m curious which country people think has the best overall protection for employees.

Things like paid sick leave, vacation days, job security, parental leave, notice periods, and protection against unfair dismissal.

If you’ve worked in different European countries, which one would you say has the best employee rules and why?

I’m especially interested in hearing real experiences rather than just what the law says on paper.

Hi everyone,

I'm 25 years old from Bangladesh and currently working in Saudi Arabia. I have 3 years experience in farm work.

I'm looking for job opportunities in Europe with visa sponsorship. I don't have money for job seeker visa.

My goal is to get a work visa and build a future in Europe.

Any advice, company names, or recruitment agencies that hire people from Bangladesh/KSA will be really helpful.

Thank you.

Hello,

I am a bit stuck in my current company and was hoping I could get some career advice based on the IT scene in NL.

I am looking for some perspective.

My situation -

Here on partner visa (I'm non EU)

15+ year IT experience

Working on a permanent contract in a non IT company (QA lead for ERP)

5800 Gross per month

Permanent contract

Dutch level beginner - B1 level by next year

I am deeply unhappy with my current employer. It is a toxic blaming environment and there's no clear goals or objectives due to poor management.

I have spent 3 years in this company and have had 4 different managers so far (all of them left).

Due to Dutch constraints, I am getting auto rejected from applications for another job.

What would you do in my position?

1. Wait out until Dutch proficiency and then apply

2. Upskill to another niche tech (if yes, then which one?)

3. Look for another position in the company

4. Wait for market to improve and casually apply meanwhile

I'm looking for some constructive feedback. The current situation is stressful and I feel a bit harmful also for my career.

Hi everyone,

I am looking to relocate to the Netherlands and would love some realistic advice from people working in the Dutch MedTech, Pharma, or Life Sciences sector regarding visa sponsorship (Highly Skilled Migrant scheme).

My Background:

- Education: Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.
- Experience: Hands-on experience in Medical Device Sales, Product Specialist support, and Hospital Account Management.
- Languages: Fluent English and Thai (currently no Dutch).

What I already understand:

- Local hospital-facing roles (e.g., selling directly to Dutch doctors/nurses) and academic hospitals almost always require fluent Dutch.
- Small domestic companies rarely sponsor visas.
- The company needs to be a registered IND sponsor.

My Goal:
I am targeting international MedTech, Pharma, or Biotech multinationals (or regional European hubs) where English is the primary working language—focusing on roles like Product/Application Specialist EMEA, Inside Sales / Account Manager (International Markets), Regulatory Affairs Associate, or QA Specialist.

My Questions:

1. Which MedTech or Biotech multinationals in the Netherlands (Amsterdam/Utrecht/Leiden/Eindhoven regions) are most open to sponsoring non-EU professionals with a B.Sc. and commercial/technical background?
2. Are there specific recruitment agencies or specialized headhunters in NL that handle sponsored placements for international MedTech profiles?
3. Which specific job titles in the sector typically have English as the sole requirement?
   I would really appreciate any practical insights, realistic feedback, or company recommendations from anyone in the field.

Thanks in advance!

I am currently looking for jobs in the NL. I’ve heard from several people that it’s quite normal here to contact the hiring manager or the person listed as the contact for a vacancy before/after applying, either to introduce yourself, ask a question, or simply show your interest.

I’m wondering how common this actually is and whether it’s considered helpful or annoying. Does contacting the hiring manager make you more likely to stand out, or is it better to just submit your application? And if a phone number is listed, is it normal to call?

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who hire or have experience recruiting in the Netherlands.

Ik ben voor mijn relatie vrij vaak periodes van 4-6 weken achter elkaar bij mijn partner in het buitenland (binnen Europa). Dan ben ik weer een tijdje thuis in Nederland (bijv 4 weken). Ik ben dus niet rond aan het reizen, maar echt op 1 vaste plek waar ik ook een thuiskantoor heb. Ik ben zo ongeveer 60% van de tijd in Nederland.

Wat voor functies/banen zouden in mijn leven passen? Of is dit iets wat ik gewoon moet bespreken met een toekomstige baas als ik de baan aangeboden krijg?

Het is dus niet dat ik 100% remote wil werken. Ik ben namelijk meer dan bereid om naar kantoor te komen, alleen zijn er vrij lange perioden waarin dat niet kan. Ik kan dan wel gewoon volledig blijven doorwerken vanuit huis.

Het soort werk maakt me niet heel veel uit, ben universitair opgeleid maar ook zeker bereid iets te doen waar je aan MBO/HBO voldoende hebt. Geen customer support/callcenter.

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I’m currently based in Dubai and have 10+ years of experience in digital marketing, including agency leadership, performance marketing, integrated campaigns, P&L/commercial management, client leadership and team management. I’ve worked across international brands including L’Oréal, GSK, Reckitt, Tetra Pak, Panasonic and BAT.

I’ve been actively exploring opportunities in Dubai since last 5 months, but nothing has turned concrete so far. Rather than continuing to apply indefinitely without changing the strategy, I’ve started researching the possibility of relocating to Europe, particularly Ireland and the Netherlands, or other part of the europe.

I’m still relatively new to these markets, so I’d really value some practical advice from people who actually work there:

• How is the current market for senior digital/performance/marketing managers?

• Which types of companies are more open to hiring candidates relocating from the UAE?

• How realistic is sponsorship for someone with my background?

• Is it better to secure a job from Dubai first, or does being physically in the country materially improve the chances?

• Are there particular industries or roles I should target based on my experience?

I’m not looking for generic “apply on LinkedIn” advice, would genuinely appreciate insights from people who have gone through the process or recruit in these markets.

Nationality: Pakistan

Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone,

I am a non-EU citizen looking to secure an internship in a European country, and I would love to hear from anyone who has successfully navigated this process.

The legal and logistical side of things feels a bit like a "chicken-and-egg" problem, so I have a few specific questions for those who have done it:

What came first? Did you find the internship first and then apply for the visa, or is there a specific visa you used to move first and look for a role locally?

Company sponsorship: Did your employer have to sponsor your visa explicitly, or did you use a student visa/working holiday agreement?

No-job-required visas: Are there any specific visas you know of that allow non-EU citizens to enter a European country to look for an internship before securing an official offer?

Your strategy: Which country did you end up in, and what platforms or approaches worked best for you?Any insights, advice, or personal stories about your timeline and process would be incredibly helpful. Thanks in advance!

Note: I am an architecture student, but I would love to hear anyone's experience regardless of your field!

Hellu everyone ! I’m currently finishing my MSc and I’m hoping to move to the Netherlands after graduating. I don’t speak Dutch yet and I’m eligible to apply for the orientation year (zoekjaar) based on my degree, but I’m currently still living in the UK and would ideally like to secure a job before moving.

I’ve mainly been applying for junior roles in business analysis, consulting, operations, project management and business development. I’ve only recently started applying, but I’m already noticing that quite a few roles either require Dutch or prefer candidates who already have the right to work in the Netherlands.

I’d really love to hear from other internationals who were in a similar position, especially non-EU graduates.

What helped you actually get interviews? Did you apply before or after getting your zoekjaar? Were there particular companies, industries or job sites that were more open to English-speaking international candidates? And did networking on LinkedIn make much of a difference?
Any advice or experiences would be really appreciated. Thank you!

How can I get an internship in the Hague as a data scientist

Hey everyone,
I have a situation I’d really appreciate some advice on.
I graduated from a university in the U.S. in 2024 with a master’s degree, with a focus on data/ML. Before moving to the U.S., I worked in India for around 4 years, primarily in data analytics/data science-related roles. I also gained some professional experience in the U.S. after graduating.
Unfortunately, I was laid off a few months ago. I didn’t have significant financial liabilities or student loans, and given the uncertainty around the visa situation and the job market, I decided to return to India about 2 months ago.
Now I’m considering the Netherlands because, based on my U.S. master’s degree, I’m eligible for the Dutch Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa.
For the past 2 months, I’ve been applying quite extensively to jobs in the Netherlands, mainly in data analytics/data science and adjacent roles. I’ve received some responses, but one of the recurring reasons for rejection seems to be that I’m currently outside the Netherlands and would require relocation.

So I’m wondering whether it makes sense to actually move to the Netherlands on the Orientation Year visa and conduct my job search from there.
For context, I have around 6 years of total professional experience across India and the U.S., along with a master’s degree from a top U.S. university.

For people who have gone through the Orientation Year visa recently, or who are familiar with the Dutch job market:

1. Do you think moving to the Netherlands first would significantly improve my chances of finding a job?
2. How realistic is it to find a role in data analytics/data science with my background?
3. Is the current Dutch job market receptive to candidates with international experience?
4. Any other advice for someone with my experience?

I’d really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who have recently gone through the zoekjaar process or are hiring in the Netherlands.
Thanks!

Hey everyone!

I’m currently based in Thailand and looking into options to move to the Netherlands. I have a Bachelor’s degree and a solid background in B2B Customer Support, E-commerce Operations, and Sales (including medical sales and managing international client support). My English is fluent, but I don't speak Dutch.

Since I'm Non-EU, I know I need a company that is an IND Recognized Sponsor.

I was wondering if anyone here has advice on:
- Which types of companies or industries in NL are most open to sponsoring non-EU candidates for English-speaking Sales, Operations, or Support roles?
- Any recruitment agencies or job boards specifically tailored to expats/internationals that are actually useful?
- What the reality is for non-tech/non-software roles getting sponsored right now?

Would love to hear any tips, experiences, or recommendations!

Thanks a lot!

Hello everybody!

I'm Russian and I have a question for you! I am currently studying at the Academy of Tourism and International Relations, and I want to work in this profession in the future. I want to move to the Netherlands after my studies. Please tell me, those who live or have lived in the Netherlands or have some experience in this country, is it worth moving to this country? I've just heard some pretty big downsides about this country. What's the problem with housing and bureaucracy? It's very scary to make a mistake. I will be glad if someone answers! 🙏

My long-term but temporary job ended last week and I have started job hunting. Two roles that I’m interested in indicated a start date in September. I’ve a long holiday planned in November— would that be a hard no from the employer if I disclosed it at the interview? What if I’m offered a job (offers are legally binding?) and inform the company afterwards? I fully intend it to be an unpaid holiday btw.,

Hi everyone,
I’m 25 years old and currently looking for an opportunity to relocate to the Netherlands.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering and practical experience in several technical and industrial roles, including:
Mechanical Engineering
CNC operation
Technical Writing
Electrical work / building automation
Mechanical maintenance and manufacturing
AutoCAD and technical documentation
I’m particularly interested in opportunities around Eindhoven, Veldhoven, Tilburg, Rotterdam or Amsterdam, especially in manufacturing, high-tech, semiconductor, mechanical assembly, maintenance, CNC or engineering.
I’m a non-EU citizen, so I would need a company that can support the required work permit/visa process. I’m aware that this makes the search more difficult, but I’m very motivated to relocate and build my career in the Netherlands.
I’ve already applied to several Dutch companies, including positions in the high-tech/manufacturing sector, but I’m looking for advice from people who are already working in the Netherlands.
Does anyone know companies, recruiters or job agencies that are open to hiring non-EU technical/engineering candidates?
Any advice, contacts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi everyone!

I wanted to share my experience in case it can help other non-EU professionals who are or have been in a similar situation.

I am a non-EU professional who came to the Netherlands to pursue a Master's degree. During my studies, I also had a part-time job for approximately three months under my student residence permit. Shortly after graduating, I found a full-time job and initially switched to the orientation year visa.

Today, I received the confirmation that my application for the 30% ruling was approved.

One of the main arguments in my application was based on the decision ECLI:NL:GHAMS:2019:4616, from 2019. Based on this case, I argued that, despite having lived in the Netherlands as a student, I had not established permanent or long-term ties with the Netherlands and that the centre of my personal and economic life remained in my country of origin.

I submitted extensive evidence to support this, including:

- Bank transactions from my account in my country of origin;

- Phone bills showing that I had maintained my original phone number, despite also having a Dutch number;

- Payments of professional association fees in my home country, related to a professional qualification that has no practical use in the Netherlands;

- Evidence regarding my part-time student job. I explained that this employment was inherently temporary and connected to my status as a student. The position did not provide any possibility of remaining in the Netherlands through an employer-sponsored residence permit.

My application was quite extensive: 7 pages of legal/factual arguments plus approximately 45 pages of supporting documents.

It took approximately two months for the Belastingdienst to assess my application and issue a positive decision.

I am sharing this because, when I was researching the 30% ruling, it was difficult to find information about successful applications from people who had already lived and worked in the Netherlands as international students. In my case, having studied here and having had a part-time job did not prevent me from qualifying for the ruling.

Of course, every case depends on its individual circumstances, and this is not legal or tax advice. But if you know someone in a similar situation who believes they may not qualify simply because they studied or had a student job in the Netherlands, please share this information with them.

The financial impact of the 30% ruling can be significant, so it may be worth looking carefully at your individual circumstances rather than assuming you are automatically ineligible.

I have a career gap of 3 years, I initially took a break but due to some circumstance and relocation of my partner, my gap increased and now I am starting to apply for jobs but I think my gap might be the issue that I am not even getting calls. Any suggestion on how to cover the gap, maybe a way to explain it.