Live and work 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.
Popular cities in the Netherlands
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, where especially knowledgeable employees in medicine, technology, IT and marketing are warmly welcomed.
Geographically, the Netherlands is very special because part of the northern Netherlands is below sea level and is therefore protected by dikes, dams and pumping stations. The people of the country have roots in many parts of the world, and especially the big cities are diverse and full of international life and atmosphere – something you will quickly experience if you choose to work in the Netherlands.
Quick facts about working in the Netherlands
- Average working hours per week: 36 to 40 hours, 7 to 8 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 or 6:00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 20 days / 4 weeks
- Commute: Mostly by bike or train/tram
- Work culture: Flat hierarchy
You will have colleagues from everywhere, but you will speak in your own native language, supporting customers from your country.
Quick info about the Netherlands
Typical food
Pea soup, pancakes, stroopwafels, thick Dutch fries, apple pie & raw herring
Population
~17.5 million people
Location
The Netherlands is situated between Belgium and Germany in Western Europe, and with access to the North Sea.
Languages
Dutch
Famous people
Vincent van Gogh, Anne Frank, DJ Martin Garrix
Currency
Euro (€)
Avg. working week
36 to 40 hours
7 to 8 hours daily
Healthcare
Dutch healthcare is ranked high on a global scale. Health insurance is self-paid.
Other countries nearby
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.
Still not convinced about the Netherlands?
A lot of people associate the Netherlands with the beautiful tulip fields. The country’s relatively mild coastal climate provides optimal growing conditions for the flowers, which tourists make pilgrimages to Holland from near and far to see. The Dutch wind turbines are also a well-known landmark, which has functioned both for grinding grain and as pump turbines in low-lying areas. Furthermore, The Netherlands is probably best known for its largest city, Amsterdam:
Amsterdam is one of the world’s most famous cycling cities and its many canals and atmospheric streets. Amsterdam has also been repeatedly voted one of the world’s most innovative cities and one of the best cities to live in. Culturally, the city offers both the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House, and it is one of Europe’s most important trading cities.
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.
The Netherlands is definitely for you if you want to enter a well-organized labor market in a beautiful country that has an international outlook. In the big cities, you get the real big city feelings with lots of pace and exciting job opportunities, and you have gorgeous landscapes just a few minutes out of these cities.
