Best companies hiring English speakers in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the main hub for English-speaking jobs in the Netherlands. It is home to some of the most international companies in Europe, especially in technology, fintech, and digital services.
If you are an expat trying to build a career in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is usually the easiest entry point.
Why Amsterdam is different
Unlike smaller Dutch cities, Amsterdam has a deeply international workforce. In many companies, employees come from 50 to 100 different nationalities, and English becomes the default working language.
This is especially true in fast-growing tech companies and global headquarters.
Top employers for English speakers
One of the strongest employers for international talent is Booking.com. It is known for hiring globally and maintaining English as its primary working language. Roles in software engineering, data science, product management, and operations are regularly open to expats.
Another major employer is Adyen, a global fintech company headquartered in Amsterdam. While Dutch can sometimes be preferred, many technical and engineering teams operate in English.
Other well-known international companies include global consulting firms, logistics companies, and SaaS startups based in Amsterdam’s tech ecosystem.
Startups also play a major role. Companies like Bunq, Picnic, and MessageBird often operate in English-first environments, especially in engineering and product teams.
What types of roles are most accessible
English-speaking roles in Amsterdam are most commonly found in:
- Software engineering and development
- Data analysis and data science
- UX and product design
- Digital marketing and growth roles
- Customer support in international teams
These roles tend to prioritize skills over language, especially when the company already operates globally.
What to watch out for
Not every job posted as “international” is fully English-friendly. Some companies still use Dutch internally for communication or documentation.
A good rule is to check:
- What language is used in job descriptions
- Whether the team is international
- Whether the company is an IND recognized sponsor if you need a visa
The hidden advantage of Amsterdam
Amsterdam also has a strong recruitment ecosystem. Many companies do not hire directly but work through recruiters who specialize in expat placements.
If you understand this system, you significantly increase your chances of landing interviews.
Where salaries fit into the picture
Amsterdam salaries are generally higher than the rest of the Netherlands, but so is the cost of living. Tech roles are especially competitive and well paid, which we will explore in the next article.
Continue here:
PART 3: Salary expectations in NL tech market
