By Ekaterina Kalinina, In-house Legal Consultant at EP Advisory
What is working in the Netherlands like? Is it currently easy to find a job with a visa there? The Netherlands is renowned for its high standard of living, job opportunities, rich culture, and social security. There’s no better time for moving to the Netherlands and start your expat journey. Are you ready to build an international career in one of the most prosperous countries in Europe?
But before you pack your bags, there are some important things to keep in mind. Our career guide, fully updated for 2026 with the latest IND salary thresholds, will help you navigate all the essential steps for getting a work visa in the Netherlands. We’ll cover everything related to moving to and working in the Netherlands, from initial costs to visa types, and whether you’ll need career coaching.👇🏻
Can you find a job in the Netherlands with English?
If you have been thinking about getting a work visa in the Netherlands, you may know that you don’t need to know Dutch to move to the Netherlands. Locals, especially in Amsterdam, speak English fluently. While cultural shock is inevitable, knowing a language commonly taught from an early age will ease the adaptation process.
Most companies in the Netherlands operate in the international market, so English is often sufficient for securing employment.
How does the Dutch work culture differ from other countries?
The Dutch corporate culture highly values work-life balance. For instance, with your manager’s approval, you can finish your workday earlier. On sunny days, you might take a half-day off to spend time with your family. Or you could ask for a shorter working week; many Dutch employees work part-time.
Dutch work culture is known for its emphasis on work-life balance and direct communication. Employees often work flexible hours, and there is a strong focus on efficiency during working hours to ensure ample personal time. Hierarchies are generally flat, and everyone’s opinion is valued, making it essential to be prepared for open, direct feedback.
However, it’s essential not to idealise the Netherlands too much. The Dutch mentality might not resonate with everyone; they are very direct. If you’re used to a different cultural approach, it might take some time to adjust.
What is the average cost of living in the Netherlands?
The cost of living in the Netherlands is high, especially in Amsterdam. Rent is the biggest expense. In the second quarter of 2026, new free-sector tenants in Amsterdam paid an average of €28.69 per m² a month, about €1,430 for a 50 m² flat, and the national average rent for new tenants was €1,882 a month (Pararius, Q2 2026). Compulsory basic health insurance adds about €157 a month (Vektis). Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Eindhoven cost 21–29% less per m² than Amsterdam.
What is the average salary in the Netherlands?
Want the full picture, pay by sector plus what is left after taxes and living costs? See our dedicated guide: Salaries in the Netherlands.
Housing in the Netherlands isn’t cheap, but salaries are quite high. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the average gross salary across all jobs, including part-time jobs, was €40,790 per year in 2025, before holiday pay and bonuses, or about €3,368 per month. Full-time employees averaged €58,960 a year. The most typical (modal) income in 2026 is around €48,000 per year including holiday pay, according to the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB).
Pay differs a lot by sector. CBS full-time averages for 2025 were about €6,980 a month gross in finance, €5,705 in ICT and €4,858 in industry, before holiday pay and bonuses. Note that these market salaries are a different thing from the IND visa thresholds below. The visa threshold is a legal minimum your employer must pay, not an average.
The Dutch are very open and straightforward, both in personal life and at work. They might come up to you and say, “This report isn’t good; it needs redoing.” But this doesn’t mean they are being confrontational; they’ll likely offer help right after. This openness can be disconcerting at first, but you’ll come to appreciate communication without hidden meanings.
Career coach @ EP Advisory | Career in the Netherlands
The 30% ruling: part of your salary tax-free in 2026
If you move to the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, you may qualify for the 30% ruling: one of the biggest financial perks of Dutch relocation. In 2026, your employer can pay up to 30% of your salary as a tax-free allowance, which significantly increases your net income. From 1 January 2027, the rate becomes a fixed 27%.
To qualify in 2026, your taxable salary must be at least €48,013 per year (or €36,497 if you are under 30 and hold a master’s degree). The allowance is capped: it only applies to salaries up to €262,000 per year. The ruling lasts up to five years. You must also have lived more than 150 km from the Dutch border for at least 16 of the 24 months before you start the job.
Now that we’ve covered work, what about leisure? Those who love traveling and outdoor activities will enjoy it here. You can easily spend weekends in Germany or Belgium, or explore the local streets and go for a bike ride. Despite the developed transport network, bicycles remain the main mode of transport in cities.
The Netherlands offers every opportunity for a quality life, leisure, and career. read below about how to get a work visa in the Netherlands.
How can I get a work visa in the Netherlands?
To obtain a work visa in the Netherlands, expats must have a valid reason for moving. The most common reasons for obtaining a residence permit are employment, education, and business. After five years of residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Applications for residence permits in the Netherlands are handled by the national Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Most non-EU nationals also need an MVV, a long-stay entry visa valid for 90 days. It is usually applied for in the same procedure as the residence permit. Let’s explore the types of work visas available in the Netherlands.
What are the main types of visas available for moving to the Netherlands in 2026?
The Netherlands offers several types of visas depending on your purpose for moving:
- Single Permit (GVVA) Visa: Combines a residence permit and work permit for non-EU citizens planning to work for more than three months.
- Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) Visa: Open to professionals in any field whose salary meets the threshold, hired by an IND-recognised sponsor.
- EU Blue Card: A residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries.
- Entrepreneur Permit Visa: For those planning to launch an innovative business in the Netherlands.
- Student Visa: For international students enrolled in Dutch universities.
Single Permit (GVVA) Visa
To work in the Netherlands, non-EU citizens who are not on another route, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant permit or the EU Blue Card, usually need a Single Permit (GVVA), a document that combines a residence permit and a work permit. It is required if you plan to work in the country for more than three months.
Your future employer applies for the Single Permit with one application to the IND. The IND asks the employment agency UWV for advice, and the permit is only granted if these requirements are met:
- Your future income meets the government’s set level. Check income requirements for 2026 here.
- Your employer could not find a suitable employee in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. That means recruiting there for at least three months, and registering the vacancy with UWV at least five weeks before applying.
There is no separate work permit to wait for first. UWV has five weeks to give its advice, and if you need an MVV entry visa, it is usually applied for in the same procedure. If your employer is new to the process, you can read the UWV guide to the GVVA together.
🇳🇱 2026 requirements for GVVA visa in the Netherlands:
- Employment Contract: You need a job offer from a Dutch employer. The IND sets no minimum contract length.
- Income Level: Your salary must match the market rate or the collective agreement for the job. The legal floor is the statutory minimum wage: for the second half of 2026, that is €2,337.00 gross per month excluding holiday allowance (source: IND required amounts, 2026).
- Employer Requirement: Your employer must show that they could not find a suitable candidate in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. That means recruiting there for at least three months and registering the vacancy with UWV at least five weeks before applying (UWV).
Who Doesn’t Need to Obtain a GVVA?
- Highly Skilled Migrants and EU Blue Card holders
- Holders of an orientation-year permit
- Entrepreneurs with a startup visa
- Family members of residence permit holders in the Netherlands with the right to work
Other groups have their own rules. Students may work up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August, but their employer needs a work permit (TWV) for them. Trainees, artists, religious workers and refugees also fall under separate rules.
Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) Visa
This is a national programme for highly skilled professionals and one of the most popular work visas in the Netherlands. The Highly Skilled Migrant permit is issued for the length of your employment contract, up to five years. It is common among IT professionals, such as programmers, analysts, architects and engineers, and it is open to any profession that meets the salary threshold.
🇳🇱 2026 requirements for work visa (Highly Skilled Migrant visa) in the Netherlands:
- A corresponding salary level, which depends on the employee’s age and is indexed annually. As of 2026, it is €5,942 gross per month for those aged 30 or older and €4,357 per month for those under 30. If, within the last three years, you graduated from a Dutch university or took a master’s or PhD at a top-200 university abroad, you might qualify for a lower threshold of €3,122 per month (the same group can use the orientation year).
- The company you plan to work for must have special accreditation to invite workers from abroad. The list of such employers is in the IND public register of recognised sponsors. Your employer may also apply for this license specifically for you, and we have had cases where this has happened!
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Blue Card
The Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries to work in the EU. Denmark and Ireland are not included in the Blue Card scheme.
The Blue Card is considered a permit for highly skilled professionals, essentially those who have completed a higher education course lasting at least three years, or who have at least five years of relevant work experience at that level (three years within the last seven for IT managers and specialists). The salary requirement for the EU Blue Card in 2026 is the same as for the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, €5,942 gross per month, with a reduced criterion of €4,754 for recent graduates. To see where the Dutch bar sits versus the rest of Europe, see our comparison of EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2026.
Income Requirements for Blue Card and Highly Skilled Migrant Visas (2026)
The main advantage of the Blue Card is EU mobility. If you plan to move to another EU country later, time spent on Blue Cards in different EU countries can be added up toward EU long-term resident status. You need five years in total, with the last two in the country where you apply. Since the EU updated the Blue Card rules in June 2024, the entry barrier has also dropped: a six-month contract is now enough, and your employer does not have to be a recognised sponsor.
To obtain a Blue Card, you need:
- An employment contract for at least six months.
- A set level of salary: €5,942 gross per month in 2026, or €4,754 for graduates who completed a higher education programme within the last three years.
- A higher education diploma, or at least five years of relevant work experience (three years within the last seven for IT managers and specialists). A diploma from outside the Netherlands must be evaluated by Nuffic.
- Qualification verification, if necessary (for doctors, lawyers, etc.).
🇳🇱 2026 requirements for Blue Card in the Netherlands:
- Salary Requirement: The minimum salary requirement for the Blue Card in the Netherlands is €5,942 gross per month (€4,754 under the reduced criterion for recent graduates).
- Contract Duration: You must have an employment contract for at least six months.
- Higher Education Diploma or Experience: Your degree must be equivalent to at least three years of higher education. Five years of relevant work experience can replace it (three years within the last seven for IT managers and specialists). If your degree was not obtained in the Netherlands, it needs to be validated through the Dutch system, such as Nuffic.
Type of highly skilled migrant/European Blue Card with the right required amount (gross per month) for 2026
| Type highly skilled migrant/European Blue Card | First residence permit highly skilled migrant/European Blue Card | Application extension residence permit highly skilled migrant/European Blue Card for the same employer | When changing employer (sponsor); |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrants reduced salary criterion | € 3,122.00 | € 3,122.00 | € 3,122.00 |
| Highly skilled migrants younger than 30 years | € 4,357.00 | € 4,357.00
This amount also applies when the highly skilled migrant has turned 30 years or older. Has the highly skilled migrant changed employers since the first permit was issued? Then this must have happened when the highly skilled migrant was still under the age of 30. |
• Highly skilled migrant is still younger than 30: € 4,357.00
• Highly skilled migrant is now 30 years or older: € 5,942.00 |
| Highly skilled migrants 30 years or older | € 5,942.00 | € 5,942.00 | € 5,942.00 |
| European Blue Card | € 5,942.00 | € 5,942.00 | € 5,942.00 |
| reduced salary criterion European Blue Card | € 4,754.00 | € 4,754.00 | € 4,754.00 |
Income requirements for Blue Card and Highly skilled migrants visas (2026): https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements#application-for-a-residence-permit-to-work-in-paid-employment
Orientation year for graduates visa
You can obtain a student visa to study in the Netherlands. After graduating from a Dutch university, students have three years to apply for the Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons programme. This program allows graduates to seek employment in the Netherlands for a year. Master’s and PhD graduates of top-200 universities abroad can apply too. After the orientation year, recent graduates can switch to a Highly Skilled Migrant visa at the reduced salary threshold of €3,122 per month (2026).
Entrepreneur permit visa
The startup visa is for those planning to launch their own innovative business. You must work with an experienced mentor, called a facilitator. The start-up permit lasts one year. After that, you can switch to the residence permit for self-employed persons.
🇳🇱 2026 visa requirements:
- Collaboration with a Facilitator: You must work with an approved facilitator who supports startups.
- Innovative Business Idea: Your business idea must be innovative, with a well-structured business plan.
- Financial Requirements: There is no specific income requirement, but you must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay.
Essential start-up personnel visa
This pilot programme has been extended and now runs until 1 June 2028. Growing innovative startups (up to 15 employees) can attract up to five foreign employees each, welcoming both beginners and experienced professionals. The permit is issued for up to three years, and the employee must receive at least a 1% share in the company.
Self-employed visa
This program is for self-employed entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. It is issued for two years with the possibility of extension. To obtain the visa, you need to prepare a business plan that includes your professional experience, the nature of your business, and its value to the country’s economy. The plan is assessed with a points system. To qualify, you need at least 30 points in each of the three areas, or at least 45 points each for your personal experience and your business plan.
Research permit
As the name suggests, this visa is for researchers and scientists. It is issued for up to five years and does not require as high a salary as, for example, the EU Blue Card.
Intra-corporate transferee
This applies when you are transferred to a Dutch branch from a group company outside the EU. You need at least three months’ prior service with the company. The employer does not have to be a recognised sponsor. The permit lasts up to three years for managers and specialists, or one year for trainees (IND).
How do I move to the Netherlands for studies?
Moving for studies is one of the best options for immigration to the Netherlands . It offers the opportunity to obtain a prestigious diploma recognised worldwide and start an international career. After graduation, you can apply for the orientation year within three years and spend a year looking for work in the Netherlands.
Dutch universities offer a wide range of English-taught programmes. For example, the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), the business school of Erasmus University Rotterdam, offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including MBA, Executive Education, and PhD courses.
Tuition for students from outside the EU/EEA usually runs about €9,000–20,000 a year for a bachelor’s and €12,000–30,000 for a master’s. EU/EEA students pay the statutory fee of €2,694 in 2026-27 (Study in NL). Scholarships are available for the most talented students.
Current scholarships are listed on the Study in NL website, where you can also find general information about studying in the Netherlands.
Highly talented students can also apply for government-backed grants in the Netherlands, such as:
- NL Scholarship (formerly known as Holland Scholarship): For students from outside the EEA who meet the university’s requirements and do not already hold a degree from a Dutch institution. Participating universities change each year; the University of Amsterdam, TU Delft and Leiden University are not taking part in 2026-27. The scholarship offers a one-time payment of €5,000 in the first year of your studies.
- Erasmus+ and other EU-funded programmes: Grants and exchange funding available through Dutch universities for students from partner countries.
Dutch universities also offer both merit-based and need-based scholarships:
- Merit-based scholarship from the University of Amsterdam: For non-EU students admitted to an eligible English-taught master’s programme; the faculties select the candidates. It covers one year, and renewal is only possible on two-year master’s programmes, based on first-year results.
- Scholarships from Delft University of Technology: The best-known is the Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship for excellent master’s applicants.
- Need-based scholarship at University College Utrecht: The UCU Rosemary Orr Scholarship waives the campus fee for on-campus housing for students with demonstrable financial need. It is for bachelor’s students at University College Utrecht and does not cover tuition. You must provide information about your finances to apply.
- Scholarships at the University of Twente: The University of Twente Scholarship is for non-EU/EEA students admitted to a master’s programme. Awards range from €3,000 to €22,000.
Moving to the Netherlands for work: How to find a job and get an offer?
Many believe that employment opportunities abroad have drastically reduced in recent years. The experience of our clients proves otherwise: with the right strategy, offers keep coming, the market has changed, not closed. And if you are comparing destinations, see our guides on moving to Germany and jobs in Norway.
If you already have work experience and a job offer that meets the salary threshold, your employer can apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit, or you can go for a Blue Card. The Highly Skilled Migrant route is open to any profession that meets the salary bar, not only IT.
It’s more challenging for specialists whose work is tied to a specific language, such as editors or copywriters. To increase your chances of employment, consider developing skills in a related field, such as targeted advertising or trying your hand at SMM and PR.
Another immigration option available to Russian-speaking professionals from many countries is relocation within a company. Many international companies have offices in the Netherlands. The most obvious examples are Big 4 and Big 3 consulting firms, Heineken, and Booking.com. Relocation will be easier for middle and senior-level professionals with in-demand skills, such as developers or UX designers.
Career coach @ EP Advisory | Career in the Netherlands
How do I get a work visa for the Netherlands?
Job search websites/Job boards
The most popular options to find a job with a work visa in the Netherlands include:
Local portals:
Other options: the staffing agency Randstad and the job board StepStone.
For IT jobs: Ictergezocht.nl. And if you would rather keep your current location for now, check our guide to remote jobs in Europe.
Job listings for expats: Undutchables.nl, Togetherabroad.nl.
Recruitment agencies
Here are two recruitment agencies in the Netherlands that place international candidates:
Social media: LinkedIn and Facebook
Job hunting through social media can be more effective than through career websites.
Follow the pages of companies and communities that interest you. Stay updated on news and announcements, and share your own experiences. Engage in case studies and interact with colleagues, one professional comment might catch a recruiter’s attention and lead to further communication.
Try finding acquaintances and former colleagues who could recommend you for a position at your desired company. In Europe, job placements often rely heavily on networking and recommendations.
Reaching out to recruiters
Don’t hesitate to contact recruiters or even company leaders where you’d like to work, even if there are no current vacancies. They might return to you with an offer when a suitable position opens.
You can find a recruiter’s contact details on the company’s website or use services like Hunter.io by entering the company’s domain.
A brief message of 5-7 sentences with an attached CV will suffice. Keep it concise: quickly explain how you can benefit the company.
Networking offline
Attend thematic events, network, and make new contacts. You can find such meetings in specific Telegram channels or on websites like Meetup.
Improving your CV to find a job with a work visa in the Netherlands
Here are some tips on how to create an effective CV that won’t be overlooked by recruiters and help you find a job with a work visa in the Netherlands:
- Your CV should have a minimalist design, with consistent fonts and text divided into sections. While it may seem obvious, many applicants underestimate the importance of harmonious formatting and go overboard with creativity. The simpler, the better: avoid bright colors, graphic elements like stars, underlines, etc.
- Measure twice, cut once: always check your CV for grammatical errors. You can use tools like Grammarly for this.
- It’s important to fill out your CV so that the recruiter understands who you are and what you’re about within the first 10 seconds. Review the key requirements for the positions you’re applying for and create a list of keywords to include in your description. For example, if the job posting for a marketing role mentions “performance,” ensure that word is in your CV. The more such matches, the easier it will be for the recruiter to see that you’re a perfect fit for the job.
- Include not only your responsibilities but also your achievements using the structure “skill – activity – result.” For example: “Created a landing page with a 50% conversion rate, generating an additional €100,000 per annum in revenue for the company.” Pro tip: If you are looking for a job in the EU, convert all the currencies in your CV into Euro (€). It will make it easier for recruiters to read.
- Make sure to save your CV with your name in PDF format, so the formatting doesn’t change when opened on another device. For example: John_Doe.pdf.
Applying for jobs with work visa in the Netherlands
The most important thing when applying is to slightly tailor your CV to each job ad. To do this, you should:
- Highlight the exact requirements mentioned in the job description.
- Reflect relevant achievements from your previous position.
- Write a cover letter or at least a brief message demonstrating your interest in the job and your value.
Remember: searching for a job is a full-time job
Consistency is key in job searching. Set aside specific times for it: for example, half an hour each weekday and several hours on weekends.
Don’t send out hundreds of identical applications: focus on quality over quantity. We also recommend keeping a spreadsheet of all your applications so that when a recruiter calls, you don’t find yourself thinking, “Wait, did I apply there?”
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Be prepared for rejections
Rejections are inevitable, but they’re not a reason to get discouraged. Be patient and keep searching.
If you keep getting rejected, analyse your applications and learn from your mistakes. You can also ask recruiters for feedback. Send a short email like: “Good afternoon. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated in helping me grow professionally. Could we have a quick five-minute call?”
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EP Advisory helps with your career in the Netherlands
Dreaming of moving to the Netherlands and building an international career there? A good first step is your CV: check it for free and fix each problem before you apply to Dutch employers.
