Living and working in the Netherlands
The Netherlands or Holland is known for being one of the lowest lying countries in the world. It is also known for bikes and fried cheese. But what else? And what is it like to live there?
Here we will try to give you a little more of a local point of view on the cool country.
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Latest available jobs in the Netherlands
Dutch Agent for Service and Desk Operations – Netherlands
Do you speak Dutch and are you looking for an exciting and fast-paced job in tech and software support? Then we have good news - contact us and apply today.
Dutch Social Advertising Specialist, iGaming – the Netherlands (hybrid)
Do you speak Dutch fluently, and do you want an exciting job in sunny the Netherlands in a rapidly growing industry? Then this position might be for you. Contact us and apply today!
Dutch Online Sales & Meeting Booker, B2B – Utrecht
Do you speak Dutch and are you ready for a cool sales job in Utrecht? The job is in sales and meeting booking and you don't need experience.
Currency
The Euro (€) has been the official currency in the Netherlands since 1991
Famous people
Some famous Dutch people are Vincent van Gogh, Anne Frank, DJ Martin Garrix
Population
The Netherlands has ~17.5 million, residents, many living in Amsterdam
Typical food
Pea soup, pancakes, stroopwafels, thick Dutch fries, apple pie and raw herring
Avg. working week
The Netherlands has a 36-40 hour work week, 7-8 hours daily, 5 days a week
Location
The Netherlands is situated between Belgium and Germany in Western Europe, and with access to the North Sea
Languages
The official language is Dutch, and they use the Latin script
Healthcare
Dutch healthcare is ranked high on a global scale. Health insurance is self-paid
All you need to know about working in the Netherlands
Growing sectors in the Dutch labour market include energy, IT, health, logistics, and various service sectors. The Dutch work life provides good opportunities to work from home, having flexible working hours, etc. The unemployment rate is among the lowest in Europe at 4.1% in 2026.
Holland is probably best known for its largest city, Amsterdam. It’s one of the world’s most famous cycling cities, and with its many canals and atmospheric streets, it is also a popular destination. Amsterdam has also been repeatedly voted one of the world’s most innovative cities and one of the best cities to live in. There are many jobs to apply for, where you don’t need to speak Dutch. Amsterdam is leading the way for employment. With really low unemployment rates, this port city has a lot to offer for expats, with more than 50% of the population coming from abroad. The leading fields in the job market of Amsterdam are tech, marketing, communications, engineering, and sales.
Taxes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a progressive tax rate. This means that the more you earn, the higher the percentage of income tax is. These are the tax rates in the Netherlands:
- Up to €38.883: 35,75%
- €38.884-€78.426: 37,56%
- Over €78.426: 49,50%
What you need to fix when you start working in the Netherlands
There are a couple of things you need to take care of when you decide to make the move and start living and working in the Netherlands:
- Register at your local municipality; you’ll receive a BSN (Burger Service Number), which is essential for almost everything
- Health insurance; this is mandatory and must be arranged within 4 months
- Apply for a DigiD; you use this for fixing taxes, healthcare, and government services
- Get a local bank account; needed for salary payments
- Get a local SIM card
Popular cities in the Netherlands
Speak to one of our recruiters
Mandy
Life in the Netherlands
Canals, dikes, clogs and tulips. Things you often find on postcards from Holland, but which are nowhere near telling the whole story of the beautiful, cycling-loving country. The Netherlands offers many job opportunities in an international work environment. Especially knowledgeable employees in medicine, technology, IT and marketing are in demand.
Taste the Dutch specialties
Dutch cuisine is dominated by slightly heavy and very filling dishes. Popular ingredients are potatoes, cabbage and various types of sausage. However, you will also find quite a few more spicy dishes whose ingredients were introduced into the country during the colonial era and have since become a regular part of Dutch cuisine. If you are looking for something for the sweet tooth, try the Dutch waffles called stroopwafels. A freshly baked waffle smeared with caramel syrup. We’ve listed the 13 must-try foods in the Netherlands, so make sure to try them!
Finding accommodation in the Netherlands
There are many opportunities to have a thorough look at from home. Facebook groups for expats in the Netherlands can be a great place to start, just as you can search on local housing portals. Expect this for the average monthly renting prices in the Netherlands:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,600-€2,500
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €1,000-€2,000
- Room in a shared apartment: €600-€1,300
Cost of living in the Netherlands
The Netherlands can be quite expensive, especially compared to Eastern-Europe or Southern-Europe. Especially in Amsterdam the cost of living will be high, while life in rural areas will be a bit cheaper. We list the most important costs of living in the Netherlands for expats:
- Groceries: €250-€400 a month
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €12-€25
- Coffee in a café: €2,50-€4
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €4-€8
- Gym membership: €20-€60 a month
- Cinema ticket: €10-€15
Still not convinced about the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a hub for international work environments and they lead the way for the future. So if you want to enter a well-organised labour market in a country that has a very special geography and a population with an international outlook – this is a perfect match. In the big cities, you get real big city feelings with lots of fast-paced living and exciting job opportunities. And just a little drive outside of the big city you will find relaxing spots and proximity to the sea.
Other than that it is definitely worth mentioning King’s Day, which is celebrated the 27th of April every year. The Dutch people as well as tourists dress up in orange and celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. It’s a national holiday and the streets are packed with lots of music, dancing, flea markets and fairs. It’s a huge deal and a must to attend – one huge orange open party.
FAQ
No, as an EU citizen, you generally do not need a work visa to work in the Netherlands. EU citizens have the right to freedom of movement within the European Union, including the right to work in any EU member state without a work permit.
However, there are some requirements and procedures that you need to follow when working in the Netherlands as an EU citizen. These include:
Registering with the local municipality: Within a certain period after your arrival in the Netherlands, usually within four months, you need to register at the municipality where you will be residing. This registration process is known as “gemeentelijke basisadministratie persoonsgegevens” (GBA) or “personal records database.”
Obtaining a citizen service number (BSN): Once you register at the municipality, you will receive a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer or BSN). This number is essential for various administrative and employment-related processes in the Netherlands, such as opening a bank account and signing an employment contract.
Showing proof of identity: When working in the Netherlands, you need to carry a valid identification document, such as a passport or national identity card, to prove your identity and EU citizenship.
Adhering to employment regulations: While there is freedom of movement for EU citizens, you still need to comply with Dutch employment regulations. This includes following labor laws, paying taxes and social security contributions, and having the necessary qualifications or permits required for specific professions (if applicable).
It’s important to note that even though EU citizens have the right to work in the Netherlands without a work visa, there may be additional requirements for certain professions or specific circumstances. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements and regulations related to your situation and consult with the Dutch immigration authorities or seek professional advice if needed.
It is not necessary to learn Dutch in order to land a job in The Netherlands, but if you plan to make a living in this country we recommend you to start learning the language properly. Prices for dutch courses varies from €290 – €340 per week, however HERE you can find more alternatives to learn dutch.
Since The Netherlands is situated in a temperate zone it has chilly winters (mean temperature of 3°C) and mild summers (mean temperatures of 17°C). It’s also worth mentioning that the coastal parts have more hours of sunshine compared to the inland regions.
The Netherlands consists of 12 provinces in total but the country is commonly referred to as “Holland”. The two provinces of Noord- and Zuid-Holland together is what Holland consists of, whereas the 12 provinces together are the Netherlands. Dutch people often refer to The Netherlands as Holland because it is simply more well-known.
If you’re just moving around the city or in nearby areas most people people use bikes, buses and in some cities metro and tram. For longer distances train is recommended.
As mentioned above healthcare is self-paid in the Netherlands. It is financed by a combination of social security contributuins, mandatory health insurance, and other fees. These other fees are deductible in the sence that you pay some of the amount first and then the insurance provider pays the rest.You can read more about their healthcare system by clicking here.
