19 May 2023 door Abmi Handayani

If you’re a non-EU citizen considering to work in the Netherlands, there are several must-knows that can help you navigate the employment landscape in this country. As the largest share trading centre in Europe, the Netherlands is known for being one of the best countries in Europe for internationals to work. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the key things you need to know when working in the Netherlands as a foreigner.

1. Work Permits and Visas

If you’re a non-EU citizen, you’ll need a valid work permit and visa to work in the Netherlands. The type of work permit and visa you need will depend on your job, qualifications, and the length of your stay. The Dutch government has strict regulations in place to ensure that only qualified and skilled professionals are allowed to work in the country. You can find more about this topic on the official Dutch government website. 

 

2. Language Requirements

Although English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, it’s always a good idea to learn Dutch if you plan on working here. Many Dutch companies prefer to hire employees who can speak Dutch, especially for customer-facing roles. Learning Dutch will also help you integrate better into Dutch society and make it easier for you to build your professional as well as personal network. 

 

3. Taxation

The Netherlands has a progressive tax system, which means that the more you earn, the more you pay in taxes. If you’re working in the Netherlands, you’ll need to register with the Dutch tax authorities and obtain a tax number. You’ll also need to file a tax return every year. To learn more about the Dutch system, read this explanation on the official Dutch government website. 

 

4. Working Hours

The standard working week in the Netherlands is 38 hours and most Dutch companies have a flexible working policy. In the transport and logistics in particular, the working hours varies between 8 to 40 hours or more per week. When you work over the required hours or in the weekend, the employee has right of the overtime payment. Depending on your situation, it can be a great way to earn some extra euros! 

 

5. Salary and Benefits

The Netherlands has a minimum wage that is updated twice a year to keep up with inflation. The minimum wage in 2023 is EUR 1.934,40 gross per month on the basis of a full time week. However, many companies offer higher salaries and a range of benefits, such as health insurances, pension plans, and bonuses. To have a look at the salaries of positions in the sector, check out our vacancies. 

 

6. Dutch Workplace Culture

The Dutch workplace culture is generally egalitarian and informal. It’s common for employees to address their managers by their first names, and for there to be an open-door policy. The Dutch value honesty and directness, so it’s important to be honest and straightforward in your communication with your colleagues.

 

7.Housing

Finding housing in the Netherlands can be a challenge, especially in the larger cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Renting an apartment or house can be expensive, so it’s important to budget accordingly.

Here at Sterk Talent we often receive inquiries about housing. Unfortunately our recruitment agency doesn’t provide housing or accommodation for the candidates. So it is important to sort your accommodation before applying as this could bring some effects to the administration process of your application. 

 

To wrap up, working in the Netherlands can be an exciting and rewarding experience for foreigners. However, it’s important to  be aware of the work permit and visa requirements, language requirements, taxation, working hours, salary and benefits, workplace culture, and housing options. By taking these factors into account, you can make the most of your time working in the Netherlands.