How to get a job in the Netherlands as an expat
If you are looking to move to the Netherlands for work, you are not alone. Every year thousands of expats relocate to cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven in search of better career opportunities and an international work environment.
The good news is that the Dutch job market is one of the most open in Europe for English speakers. The challenge is that this openness is often misunderstood. While many people in the Netherlands speak English, not every company is equally accessible to non-Dutch speakers, and knowing where to look makes a huge difference.
Why the Netherlands is attractive for expats
The Netherlands has a highly international economy. Many global companies have headquarters or major offices in Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. English is widely used in tech, finance, logistics, and startups, especially in roles where teams are already international.
Industries like software engineering, data science, digital marketing, UX design, and product management are particularly strong for English-speaking professionals. Large companies such as Booking.com and Adyen operate in highly international environments where English is often the primary working language.
At the same time, smaller companies or traditional industries may still require speaking Dutch, especially for client-facing roles.
The most effective job search strategy
The biggest mistake expats make is applying randomly on job boards without targeting English-friendly employers. A more structured approach works much better.
Start with these channels:
LinkedIn Jobs is the most important platform for professional roles. Many recruiters actively search for international candidates here.
Company career pages are crucial for tech companies. Many English-speaking roles are posted directly on their sites before appearing anywhere else.
Expat-focused job boards such as IamExpat Jobs and Undutchables often filter for English-speaking positions.
Recruitment agencies are extremely important in the Netherlands. Agencies often act as gatekeepers for international candidates.
Understanding visa and work requirements
If you are from outside the EU, most companies will need to sponsor your visa. This is usually not a problem in tech and high-skilled worker sectors, but it does limit your options in smaller companies.
Many employers in the Netherlands are recognized sponsors under the IND system, which allows them to hire international talent more easily.
CV expectations in the Netherlands
Dutch-style CVs are slightly different from many other countries. They are usually short, clear, and focused on impact. A one or two-page CV is standard.
Employers expect:
- Clear work history with measurable results
- Technical skills or tools used
- English proficiency (always assumed in international roles)
Cover letters are still important in many cases, especially for non-tech roles.
The reality of English-only jobs
While English-speaking jobs exist, they are not evenly distributed. Tech and international companies dominate this space, while traditional sectors may still expect Dutch.
This is why targeting is more important than volume when applying.
If you want a deeper breakdown of which companies actually hire English speakers, the next article goes into detail on exactly that.
Continue here:
Part 2: Best companies hiring English speakers in Amsterdam
