Finding a job in the Netherlands: ‘Expats are more than welcome’

The Dutch job market is booming. The unemployment rate is at an all-time low, and the number of vacancies has been increasing for six years in a row.* But the abundance of career opportunities is not the only thing that makes the Netherlands attractive to expats. The Netherlands is known for its tolerance, good work-life balance and exceptional cheese. Still not convinced? We’ve also got over four hundred different beer brands.

Dan Nguyen manages a team of recruitment consultants at Walters People, and regularly helps expats to find a job in the Netherlands. According to her, international candidates are welcomed with open arms: ‘This is a great time for expats to relocate to the Netherlands.’

Where to start?

If you are contemplating on relocating to the Netherlands, the first step is to register at the municipality and get a citizen service number (BSN). Dan: ‘You need to have a BSN in order to be permitted to work, open a bank account, make use of a health care institution and to apply for benefits or an allowance. For professionals coming from other European countries, this is easy to arrange.’

Dan advises expats to start looking for a residence prior to applying for a job. ‘In today’s labour market, application processes take hardly any time. Finding a new job is often only a matter of days, and your new employer will probably ask you to start right away. Finding a place to stay might take longer, so it’s advisable to do this first.’

‘Expats often start working in a customer service position,’ says Dan. ‘This is an easy start for them. After a few months – when they’ve gotten familiar with their new surroundings and with the Dutch language – they can switch to a position that is more in line with their experience and career goals.‘

Good work-life balance

‘Expats appreciate the work-life balance in the Netherlands,’ says Dan. In countries such as Spain or France, working until 7 or 8 pm is no exception. In the Netherlands, the majority of fulltime jobs are between 36 and 40 hours a week. Higher weekly hours are often compensated with extra vacation days, called ‘ATV dagen’. On top of that, many companies offer their employees flexible working hours. Dan: ‘It’s quite common for employees with a 36-hour contract to work 4x9, and have an extra day off.’

Getting used to the Dutch directness

Dutch people are famous for being frank and direct in their communication. This is something expats might have to get used to when they first start working in the Netherlands. Dan: ‘Dutch people do not beat about the bush. They will tell you exactly what they think. Although their blunt comments can come across as rude, they are usually well-intended.’

If you are considering permanently settling in the Netherlands, this is something you will have to adjust to. Even in business, Dutch people appreciate honesty and prefer to cut to the chase, instead of engaging in endless chitchatting. Once you have learned not to take other’s opinions too personal, this can actually be a positive thing, according to Dan. ‘When doing business with Dutch people, you know exactly where you stand.’

Feeling at home

In Dan’s experience, it usually does not take long for expats to feel at home in the Netherlands. Dan: ‘Expats often tell me how Amsterdam feels like a little village to them. Because the city is relatively small, you can travel everywhere by bicycle. For many expats, this is a big plus.’

Amsterdam boasts an internationally oriented workforce: about 5% of the population exists of expats.* The city hosts many large multinationals, in which English is the main language. Almost everyone in Amsterdam speaks English, which makes it easier for expats to build a network. Dan: ‘The most important advice I can give expats, is to get out there and get to know new people. There are lots of expat communities that can support you and help you make your move a success.’

*Source: Centraal Bureau de Statistiek (CBS)

More information

Do you want more information about finding a job in the Netherlands? Please reach out to us at netherlands@robertwalters.com or tel. +31 (0)20 644 4655.