Employment for Expats
Expats are an essential component of the Dutch workforce. Expat Survival Guide assists you in your first essential steps in The Netherlands; including the most relevant information about “Employment for Expats”.
It’s always good to know that..:
- The Dutch workforce is internationally oriented, highly educated and multilingual.
- Unemployment is very low at this moment.
- Demand for highly skilled workers remains high, and incentives for international employees include the 30 percent ruling tax benefit.
- While it always helps to learn the language when settling in a new country – and will certainly do your job prospects no harm – you don’t necessarily need to be a fluent Dutch speaker to secure a role in the Netherlands.
- There are no work restrictions for students who are EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.
- It is standard practice to get extra wages as a ‘holiday allowance’ plus four weeks of paid leave.
- It is common practice in the Netherlands for a fulltime employee to be entitled to approximately 25 holiday days per year in addition to Dutch public holidays.
- Many international companies have headquarters in the Netherlands.
You can find the following subchapters & information about “Employment for Expats” in Expat Survival Guide 2025:
- Work permit conditions
- Applying for a work permit
- Highly skilled migrants
- Self-employed/entrepreneurs
- Dutch American Friendship Treaty
- Students
- Working holiday schemes
- Changing jobs
- Contracts and employment law
- Social Security
- Voluntary work
- Job hunting
- Skills in demand
- Cultural competency
- Working with Agencies
- The interview process
- Culturally correct CVs
At “I am not a Tourist”, we’re passionate about helping expats thrive. Whether you’re brand new to the Netherlands or you’ve been here for a while, we’re here to help you make the most of your expat experience.
ENJOY living, working and studying in the Netherlands!