How to land a sponsored job in the Netherlands [2023 guide]

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When considering getting a visa for the Netherlands, the thought may have crossed your mind: “Can I just get a sponsored visa for my work?”

It may seem like an easy route; find a job, snap up an easy visa, and maybe even have your employer pay for your relocation costs to Holland.

In practice — unfortunately, it’s not that easy. 

Sponsored jobs are few and far between in the Netherlands, thanks to a highly proficient workforce of Dutchies, and a work pool that includes almost the entire European Union. 

However, don’t despair. It is possible to find success in landing a sponsored job in the Netherlands. If not, there are almost always other ways to find work in the Netherlands!  

We teamed up with our friends at Undutchables for this article, because they’re the experts when it comes to getting employed in the Netherlands! If you’re looking for a job in the Netherlands we highly recommend getting in touch. 🇳🇱 🎉

What is a sponsored job?

Let’s jump into the basics first. A sponsored job refers to employment where your employer also helps with your work visa.

Essentially, a company, university, or research institution in the Netherlands wants you, an international, to come and work for them. 

This employer loves you so much and thinks you’ll do such an amazing job that they’re willing to vouch for you at immigration just to get you a visa to work in the country.

Pretty sweet deal, right? 

photo-of-woman-applying-for-sponsored-job-in-the-netherlands-confident-at-job-interview-smiling
The handshake that could confirm your brand new job — AND your visa. Image: Freepik

READ MORE | 10 things to know before finding work in the Netherlands as an international

But there is one main caveat: in the Netherlands, not every employer can sponsor someone for a job. In most cases, they first must be considered a recognised sponsor by the Dutch immigration department (IND).

We’ll tell you exactly what a “recognised sponsor” is (and how to find one) later.

What is the benefit of getting a sponsored job in Holland?

By gaining a sponsored job in the Netherlands, your life will generally be a lot easier compared to taking another visa route (unless you’re from an EEA country or Switzerland).

To start, if you become employed by a recognised sponsor, you’ll enjoy a fast-tracked application for your work visa from the IND (Dutch Immigration Department). It will only take around two weeks to get a visa, instead of three months!

For you, that means less waiting around to get your visa, and a quicker chance to jump straight into your new job (and new Dutch life!)

There are other benefits too. For example, if you arrive to work for a recognised sponsor and you’re considered a Highly Skilled Migrant or have a European Blue Card, your employer has to give you a pretty decent wage:

Visa/Permit TypeMinimum Salary (2023)
Highly skilled migrants 30 years or older​€5,008 gross per month
​Highly skilled migrants younger than 30 years​€3,672 gross per month
​Reduced salary criterion€2,631 gross per month
European Blue Card€5,867 gross per month

Compare those numbers to the Dutch minimum wage of €1,934.40 gross per month in 2023 and you have yourself a pretty attractive salary!

Is it difficult to get a sponsored job in the Netherlands?

This is the bad news — it’s not particularly easy to snatch up a sponsored job in the Netherlands.

Some jobs are easier than others: for example, those arriving as an au pair often work through an agency that is a recognised sponsor, and there are typically more jobs available for au pairs than other professions. 

photo-of-man-with-sponsored-job-relaxing-in-office-with-bike-in-background
Dutch jobs are renowned for having great work-life balance, good social lives, and casual atmospheres. Image: Freepik

READ MORE | The work-life balance in the Netherlands is the best in the world

However, if you’re in a field that has a lot of competition, particularly in the local market, some employers don’t want to go through the hassle of applying for sponsorship when they have a willing market of workers right in front of them. 

Considering the Schengen agreement made it possible for anyone in the Schengen Zone (26 European countries!) to live and work in the Netherlands, this (unfortunately) happens more often than you think. 

How can I get a sponsored job in the Netherlands? 

However, if you think you’ve got a competitive edge or are trained in a much-needed workforce, you may have better luck. So what options will you have? Let’s take a look.

Highly-skilled migrant (Kennismigrant)

A highly skilled migrant (HSM) visa is one of the most common options for sponsored jobs in the Netherlands. 

This visa is for people who are not from the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland, but who are highly educated, and who are deemed to contribute to the Dutch knowledge-based economy. For example (but not limited to), a university lecturer, a scientific researcher, or a doctor in training. 

To be eligible as a highly-skilled migrant, the migrant needs to: 

Other paid employment (Andere arbeid in loondienst)

If you don’t qualify as a highly-skilled migrant, your employer can also apply under other paid employment — or andere arbeid in loondienst

This is difficult because the employer must prove that no one in the local labour market can fill the position they are offering you. 

The IND will seek confirmation of this from the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). If the UWV decides that there are suitable job seekers in the Netherlands for the position, it will advise the IND of this — and your application will be rejected. Ouch!

However, there are some exceptions to the labour market test. For example, top athletes, spiritual ministers, musicians, or chefs for Asian restaurants don’t need to be referred to the UWV.   

photo-of-hiring-manager-interviewing-candidate-for-sponsored-job-netherlands
A sponsored job can be a little more work for the company — but we’re sure you’ll make it worth it. 😉 Image: Freepik

Other visa options for a sponsored job

If you find that you’re not eligible for a highly skilled migrant visa or a different paid employment visa, don’t stress. You can also consider: 

  • A European Blue Card — similar to the highly skilled migrant visa, the European Blue Card is for people who are well-educated. However, most people prefer the HSM visa for the lower minimum salary, a quicker approval process, and fewer document requirements. 
  • Intra Corporate Transferee (Directive 2014/66/EU) — for employees at a company outside the EU who are being transferred as a trainee, manager, or specialist to a branch in the Netherlands. 
  • Researcher within the meaning of Council Directive (EU) 2016/801 —  despite the long name, this is pretty simple: this visa is for researchers who are employed by a recognised sponsor and who will be paid with a grant or salary. 
  • Orientation year highly educated persons (zoekjaar)  — if you have graduated from a Dutch university, obtained a master’s, post-master’s, or PhD from a designated foreign higher education institution, or performed scientific research in the Netherlands, you could be eligible for a zoekjaar visa. With this, you can live and work in the Netherlands for up to one year while trying to find a more long-term option. 

What is a recognised sponsor — and why is it important? 

We’ve been throwing around this “recognised sponsor” term throughout this article, so you’ve probably figured it’s pretty essential — and you’re correct. 

A recognised sponsor is an organisation who has applied to and been accepted by the IND and therefore benefits from streamlined visa applications for their international employees. 

If you’re applying as a highly-skilled migrant or a researcher, your employer must be a recognised sponsor. 

photo-of-people-working-in-dutch-office
There are over 9000 companies in the Netherlands that can sponsor visas. Image: Freepik

However, if you apply as an Intra Corporate Transferee, European Blue Card, or for other work in paid employment, your employer doesn’t need to be a recognised sponsor, but can just be a sponsor

There are plenty of recognised sponsors already. According to the IND, there are:

  • over 80 recognised sponsors which are registered educational institutions
  • over 30 companies recognized as sponsors for au pairs. 
  • over 9,000 companies who can sponsor labour or highly skilled migrants
  • over 140 recognized sponsors for research purposes under the Public Register Researcher Directive EU 2016/801.

Some major companies or companies that hire internationals regularly may already be a recognised sponsor. Otherwise, they need to apply, be approved, and pay a significant fee. 

Can my employer become a recognised sponsor?

Almost any company can apply to be a recognised sponsor, but they do have to fulfil some requirements.

There’s a long list of conditions to become a recognised sponsor, including things like being listed on the Commercial Register and being in good financial standing. 

There’s also a hefty fee — €4326 in 2023. However, that fee is reduced to just €2162 if the company has less than 50 employees. 

Does my company need to be the recognised sponsor? 

Actually, no. If you want to be sponsored for a job in the Netherlands, your employer doesn’t have to be the registered sponsor. Instead,  you can go through an umbrella company, or in some rarer cases, a recruitment agency. 

How to use an umbrella company or recruitment agency as a recognised sponsor

An umbrella company is a company who “hires” you on behalf of your actual employer. These are often considered as support (or workarounds) for visa, tax, or payroll issues. 

Your potential employer may suggest using an umbrella company, or you could also suggest it as an option.

These companies act as your employer, apply to the IND as a recognised sponsor, and then have a contract with the company you want to work with for you to work at that company instead.

Of course, there are some fees involved with this, so you and the company should keep this in mind if you choose this option.

photo-of-man-with-sponsored-job-in-netherlands-smiling-holding-coffee
The work-life balance in the Netherlands is among the best in the world — just look at this guy! Image: Pexels

Recruitment agencies generally work in a similar way. However, getting a sponsored job directly through your recruitment agency is less common. 

What companies are recognised sponsors in the Netherlands? 

There are thousands of companies that are already recognised sponsors by the IND. These include major companies like Allianz, Booking.com, bunq, Shell, Johnson & Johnson, and Netflix. 

If you’re curious to know if your potential company is already a recognised sponsor, you can check out the IND’s Public Register to find full lists of recognised sponsors in the Netherlands. 

READ MORE | 13 companies in the Netherlands that hire internationals

What other options do I have to get a work visa in the Netherlands?

If none of the above options tickled your fancy, don’t stress. Even if you can’t land a sponsored job, there are still plenty of other visa options to work in the Netherlands

Looking for the perfect non-Dutch speaking job in the Netherlands, check out Undutchables! They’re the expert recruitment agency for internationals in the Netherlands and are super helpful for anything to do with working in Holland. Search for a job in the Netherlands here.

Were you lucky enough to land a sponsored job in the Netherlands? Share your experience in the comments below!

Getting a sponsored job in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

How do I get work sponsorship in Netherlands?

To get a sponsored job in the Netherlands, you’ll need to first find a company that is authorised to sponsor your visa. You can apply to that company for a job, then they’ll submit your paperwork to the Dutch immigration department.

Can a company sponsor me to work in Netherlands?

Yes! Companies in the Netherlands can sponsor workers to come to the country. There are certain conditions placed on this, like higher minimum salaries and sometimes a requirement that the job is so specialised someone already living in the Netherlands can’t perform the same job.

How can a foreigner get a job in the Netherlands?

A foreigner can get a job in the Netherlands by getting a visa that allows them to work in the country. This could be a highly-skilled migrant visa, a European Blue Card, a Zoekjaar (Search Year) visa, or more.

Which companies in Netherlands sponsor visas for foreign workers?

There are over 9000 companies that can sponsor a visa for workers abroad. Some of the biggest ones include Allianz, Booking.com, bunq, Shell, Johnson & Johnson, and Netflix.

Can I apply for a work permit in Netherlands without a job offer?

To apply for a standard work permit in the Netherlands as a non EU/EEA/or Swiss citizen, you’ll typically need a job offer first. There are a few exceptions, like the zoekjaar visa that allows you to stay and work in the Netherlands after graduating from a Dutch university or a recognised foreign higher education institution for up to a year while looking for work, or a Working Holiday Visa if you’re under the age limit and part of an authorised country.

Feature Image: DutchReview

Feature Image:DutchReview
Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺https://gallivantations.com
Sam has over six years experience writing about life in the Netherlands and leads the content team at DutchReview. She originally came to the Netherlands to study in 2016 and now holds a BA (Hons.) in Arts, a BA (Hons) in Journalism, and (almost) a Masters in Teaching. She loves to write about settling into life in the Netherlands, her city of Utrecht, learning Dutch, and jobs in the Netherlands — and she still can’t jump on the back of a moving bike (she's learning!).

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55 COMMENTS

  1. I kindly need a job in Netherlands,i did diplomain hospitality industry and very willing to get sponsored to Netherlands, if only ill get some to hold my hand ,ill be highly appreciative,very focused and determined with my my work,thank you.
    Kind regards,
    Mercy kimaru.

  2. Please am from Nigeria base in Dubai,UAE,
    I really need to come to Netherland to start a new life, and settle down, but I do not see any agency or employer to sponsor my visa, I thank you a lot for this clear info.

  3. I’m from Nairobi,Kenya. I’ve done Procurement and logistics and been looking for sponsored jobs with visa in The Netherlands and this country has always been my dream job destination. kindly can someone hold my hand to reach my dream..thanks.

  4. Hi Hollend brothers.
    I am very much like Dutch people and language. How to learn? Now I have to plan to move netherland. But I have to work and earning money for my survival. So need job.
    My only one son got admission in Eindhoven tech university for doing master degree MS.
    kindly advise or guidance.
    krishnamurthy
    +91 9840622779

  5. Dear Katrien Nivera
    My daughter is working in multi national advertising company as a copy writer in India. she has done her post graduation from UK, she is looking for some English copy writing jobs in Netherlands with sponsorship visa, if you could help or guide us, we’ll be thankful to you always.

    • My name are Okeh Kelechi Jonathan, I hold certificate in Urban and Regional planning (B.Urp) and Management Proficiency, IAM looking for jobs in Netherlands with sponsorship visa , IAM writing from Nigeria eager to relocate at any moment.

  6. My name Harrison mwangi.currently working as order picker in warsaw poland.i have a valid class D work visa.can someone help me with work permit for the Netherlands. Thanks all

  7. Ich suche für einen pakistaner einen Helferjob es wäre dringend und ich wäre dankbar wenn ihn irgendj jemand behilflich sein könnte

  8. Hi
    I’m a mother of a 28 yr old boy who is currently a Truck driver in Zimbabwe, hw would like to migrate to Netherlands, if he can a sponsored Visa will be to happy, thanks

  9. Hie l am a single mother aged 27 l would like to migrate to Netherland l would like to be sponsored with visa as domestic worker

  10. please my name is jenny from nigeria,i hold ond in computer science,i am currently looking for a caregiver job in netherland to enable me move to netherland with my family, pls kindly assist me .thanks

  11. Hello
    l am 23 years having a certificate in tourism and hotel management, however l also did agriculture , the area of interest was coffee, vanilla and cocoa production both farm and industrial part of it. l would love to work ,increase my knowledge, and search for my family

  12. Hello my name is Reagan am from uganda and am amachanic I would like to get an opportunity and work with international experts in Netherlands I pray my dream come So help me God

  13. I am hard working and I love to know different languages like my daad and am sure I will be agood citizen my God bless the uganda and the Dutch thankyou

  14. Hello ,I am srilankan ,i want agriculture ,horticulture farming job sponsorship company . i like work nedhorland agriculture sector . I have a srilankan agriculture diploma knowledge and working skills .thanks all.

  15. I’m from Sri Lanka and worked in South Korea as a machine operater at plastic injection moulding company ,name of Golden Plastic in Puchon city. Then I have experience as a carpenter also have a valued A grade Sri Lankan driving license. I’m willing to contact a sponser.

  16. My name is Shadrack Sesay. I am from Sierra Leone and looking for a cleaner visa sponsor job in Netherlands.

  17. Hi,l am a male aged 51 years old and been hoping against hope to get Employed in the Netherlands,lmLove the Netherlands for sure ,l have a diploma in Business Administration,and an Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies and Business.l also am a holder of a Diploma in Nursing and Patient Care,and a diploma in Nursing leadership and Management, please help me find work in the Netherlands

  18. I am Clementina from Nigeria…I need a fashion designer related job with sponsorship visa in Netherlands

  19. I am a Nigerian but living in the UK.
    I am a British Citizen. I was married to a Dutch man for 20years who passed on 2 years ago and l am thinking of relocating to leave and work in the Netherlands. I have a BSc honours degree in Psychology and l am newly qualified as an MSc degree in Project Management. Please how can l get the Dutch resident permit. l have all my late husband document with me my marriage certificate and his birth certificate and passport are with me. We got married here in the UK. please how can l register my marriage certificate at the town hall in the Netherlands to enable me apply for a resident permit. please advise. I am also looking for a sponsor visa in the Netherlands for a job.

  20. I am a 45 year old Zimbabwean man currently working in Cape Town as a heavy vehicle Truck Driver, seeking a visa sponsored job

  21. Hi, I am Adedeji Patrick Adewale from Nigeria. I need a marketing related job with sponsorship visa in Netherlands.

  22. Helo everyone. Hopefully everyone will be well. I have done Bachelor in English and I have also experience of cooking also. I am also a former. I also have done job in a call center as a agent on voice. I need a sponser visa of Netherland in any company,which is willing to take me. I am very hard working and always passionate about my work.

  23. I am ojo oluwaseun jacob.i need marketing job in Netherlands because in different marketing in Nigeria.earliest reply.

  24. Hi,I’m Umar Adamu from Nigeria, I have 14 progressively working experience in Procurement and Logistics and Supply management and my wife has Bsc Chemistry we are looking for sponsors in Netherlands to work and build our family we will be glad if you can help. Kind regard.

  25. I am 39 year old Nigeria man currently working in Dubai.. have worked in Dubai for almost 20 years now.as a heavy vehicle Truck Driver, seeking a visa sponsored job

  26. Now i working at a star hotel in Mumbai india,i like come to netharland in hotel industry work visa,but i don’t know how it possible

  27. Hi,
    Hope my email find you well.i am Richard,im interest for Netherland work visa, seeking for a visa sponsored.I Have four years exsperience for driving .heavy velicle truck, minibus, small car and etc.
    Looking forward to hear from you
    Thanks,
    Richard.

  28. I am a lady aged 33 from Zimbabwe ..holding a care giver certificate looking forward to get a sponsored visa in Netherlands .Thank u

  29. looking forward to work with you, I’m a hard working person loyal and faithful. talented in food preparation and kitchen handling

    • Looking forward to work with you,lm 44yrs old hard working Zimbabwean lady holding carer certificate and work as a carer in south Africa 11 yrs experience

  30. Hey my name is Colin Wilson I would like to relocate to the Netherlands from Australia and I don’t any certificate or degrees but I willing to learn how do I go about it
    Sorry I done my email wrong

  31. Hi
    I’m in the Netherlands on a Zokiar visa, set to expire in July. My company is in the process of becoming an IND-recognized sponsor, but the IND’s investigation might take up to 6 months—beyond my permit expiration. Is there a way for me or my company to temporarily extend my permit for about 3 months while we wait for the IND’s response? or is there agents which make contract with my company and become my sponsor in this duration?

  32. I am Andrew Adeyemi a Nigerian with a Higher Diploma in Building Technology and 15years in the Construction industry. I need a company to sponsor my visa to Netherlands. Thanks

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