Thinking of taking a job in the Netherlands? Good for you, that’s a courageous move and I’m proud — now let’s get down to business and talk Dutch salaries.

Did you know that the Netherlands is the eighth highest-paying country in the world? Yep, that’s a real advantage of life here.

However, before your eyes turn to € signs and you sign that contract, there are a number of important things you need to know about salaries in the Netherlands.

Take it from someone who has lived and worked here for the past six years.

Salaries in the Netherlands 

While the Netherlands may rank as one of the best-paying countries in the world, it’s important to note that the amount that you get paid, of course, depends on the type of wage you are receiving.

Let’s start with discussing wages in the Netherlands. 

What’s the minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2024? 

What may be a surprise to some is that the minimum wage in the Netherlands actually varies based on your age.

As of January 2024, hourly minimum wage for a person over the age of 21 in the Netherlands is €13.27.

What’s the average salary in the Netherlands in 2024?

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, it is expected that in 2024, the average annual salary will stand at €42,236.

In 2023, people in the Netherlands enjoyed a net salary of €3,086 per month. In 2024, you can expect to pocket at least an extra €79.17 per month due to tax benefits, which means you will pay less income tax.

However, life is often, well, not average — and the same goes for your salary. Depending on your job, your salary is going to be higher or lower than this number. 

Inflation and Dutch salaries in 2024

The past few years have seen the cost of living in the Netherlands skyrocket to new heights. With living costs rising by as much as 14.5% towards the end of 2022, many of us entered 2023 with an intense need for a pay raise. While inflation has calmed down a bit since then, many of us could still do with a pay raise in 2024.

READ MORE | ​​The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2024

Thankfully, as we have seen, the Dutch government addressed this by raising the minimum wage in the Netherlands by 10.15% — but what can we expect in 2024?

Well, according to the Central Planning Bureau, it is forecasted that those with an average wage will see their net income rise by an average of 5.6% in 2024.

Minimum wage workers will see their salaries rise the most this year. In fact, according to the ADP, anyone in the Netherlands who works a 40-hour week on minimum wage can expect to receive four extra hours worth of pay per week.

In particular, it appears 2024 is a good year to work in catering and construction. With catering staff set to receive a wage increase of between 8 to 12% and construction workers pocketing an extra €205 per month on average.

What’s the difference between Bruto salaris and Netto salaris? 

Once you’ve dressed to impress and knocked the socks off your Dutch employers during your interview, you will be offered a salary. 

But before you get too excited about the numbers, you will be hearing two different figures: these will be your Gross and Net salary — and it’s important you know the difference! 

What is Bruto salaris in the Netherlands? 

One will be the amount that you will get paid before tax and other deductions — this is your Bruto salaris and you won’t get to keep it all. 

What is Netto salaris in the Netherlands? 

Netto salaris represents the money you get to keep after tax and all other deductions.

Picture one of those cycle bins that catch cyclists’ rubbish as they zoom by. Ok great, now think of your Netto salaris as how much money actually hits the back of the net and lands in your bank account. 

How much of your salary will be taxed in the Netherlands? 

Now, after all that talk of Netto and Brutto salaries, you’re probably wondering just how big a bite the Dutch tax system will take out of your wages. 

In the Netherlands, there are two different tax brackets in 2024. Depending on your home and work income, you will be taxed a certain percentage. Let’s lay them out for you. 

What’s included in your Dutch salary? 

Yes, taxation is high in the Netherlands — but being employed in the Netherlands also has its perks — namely, a number of benefits. 

Holiday pay (vakantiegeld)  

In the Netherlands, you will receive at least 8% of your gross wage in holiday pay.

Employers will usually pay this to you as a lump sum between May and June, however, it can also be distributed a little at a time each month, depending on your contract. 

‘The 13th month’ 

In any job, there is always the chance that you may receive a bonus. But in the Netherlands, some companies offer what has been coined the ‘13th month’ under certain contracts (spoiler: the better ones.)  

If your salary includes a ‘13th month’, then you will essentially receive an extra month’s pay! It is usually given before the holiday period in November or December and also equals to 8.33% of an employee’s salary. 

Sick leave

In the Netherlands, most work contracts will also cover you for sick leave. Under Dutch law, your employer should pay you 70% of your wages if you are sick during your contract. 

If you are sick for a long period of time, you don’t have to worry about your employer dropping you.

In fact, under Dutch law, an employer should pay sick leave for up to 104 weeks of sickness. 

A great work-life balance 

Ok, this is not exactly a monetary benefit that can be found in your Dutch salary — but it’s certainly a benefit that I enjoy. In the Netherlands, a good work-life balance is highly valued.

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

This means that you’re not expected to bring your work home with you “as part of the company culture”, and it’s great.

How to understand your Dutch payslip

Once you have found yourself a job and a salary to go with it, you may need a hand understanding that pesky payslip! And we don’t blame you. As an international in the Netherlands, it can be a bit overwhelming. 

Luckily, we’ve broken down all that difficult vocab for you.  

All caught up on your Nederlands? We’re proud of you. Now there’s only one thing left to do:

How have you experienced working in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

* Note: Adams Multilingual Recruitment cannot provide visas to internationals who are looking for work. You must hold an EU or EEA citizenship or an EU work permit to benefit from their services.

When moving to a new country, there are a lot of things you may not think about at first — even though they will greatly affect you. An example? The local employment laws.

We’re sorry for coming at you with such Dutch directness, but it’s true: the intricacies of Dutch labour law aren’t always easy to wrap your head around (especially as non-Dutch-speaking expats like us ).

That’s why I asked the experts! From sick leave to dismissal and from obligations to rights — I sat down with GMW lawyers to discuss the most important things to know as an international working in the Netherlands. 

Meet the experts

Founded in 1989, GMW lawyers is a law firm based in The Hague offering various legal services. 

I had the pleasure of meeting two of their best employment lawyers, Godelijn Boonman and Seliz Demirci, at their charming office to chat about Dutch labour law.

Having worked in employment law for more than 33 years, Godelijn tells me that she “prefer[s] working with internationals because it always brings me to another country.” After all, “employment law is employment law,” she smiles, “but it’s the people with whom I work that make all the difference.”

Seliz, who also specialises in employment law, agrees: “Working with internationals is refreshing. It’s nice to get an international perspective on how we do things here in the Netherlands.” 

Now, the question is: How do they do things here in the Netherlands? What do expats need to know? What should we be wary of? I asked all the questions; here’s what Seliz and Godelijn had to say.

So, what do internationals need to know about working in the Netherlands?

Naturally, working conditions, culture, and employment law vary greatly per country. That’s why it’s a great idea to read up on the local legislation before accepting a job abroad. 

When it comes to the Netherlands, you’ll be happy to hear that your working conditions will most likely be similar — or better — than those in your home country. 

“Overall, we have a very strong protection of employees in the Netherlands”, says Godelijn — “not like in the US and the UK, for example. Internationals are usually happily surprised.”

In the Netherlands, your employer can’t fire you ‘just because’

Firstly, you should know that you can’t get fired just because your boss’s cat got sick in their bed that morning. Your boss needs to provide a solid case for why you should be let go. 

“What makes a big difference in the Netherlands is our closed dismissal system,” Seliz explains. “We have nine legal grounds stipulated in law — and an employer needs to stand on at least one of them (or a combination of them) to be able to let someone go.”

Each of these legal grounds also comes with specific obligations for the employer. “For example, if an employee underperforms, the employer has to give them a chance to improve.” 

“That means you cannot fire someone just because you don’t like them”, she tells us. 

READ MORE | Divorces in the Netherlands: all you need to know

In general, employees in the Netherlands aren’t fired willy-nilly, and if you have a permanent contract and don’t agree with the dismissal proposed by your employer, then the only way you can be let go is in court.

The only exception to this rule is if you are a statutory director, in which case the shareholders can dismiss you without first going to court.

You can get sick pay for a very long time

Another important thing to know about your work rights in the Netherlands regards your right to sick leave (ziekteverlof in Dutch). 

“The internationals I speak to are always surprised by this,” says Seliz.

Why? Well, in the Netherlands, your employer is obligated to pay you a whopping two years of sick leave if you fall ill and cannot do your job. 

By law, your Dutch employer must continue paying at least 70% of your salary (of a maximum monthly wage, which is now € 5,969 gross) — and many employers even choose to pay the full amount during the first year of illness!

Working from home is not a right in the Netherlands

I’ll be honest: For the longest time, I was convinced that the right to remote work was legally prescribed in the Netherlands — but it’s not.

Yup, although the Netherlands is often dubbed the “WFH capital of Europe”, and almost 75% of employees in the Netherlands work remotely at least some of the time, “it is not a legal right to work from home in the Netherlands”, says Godelijn. 

That being said, there’s no need to worry. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, most employers in the Netherlands allow their workers to work from home on at least a part-time basis. 

Let op: working from home means working from home, as the lawyers tell me — unfortunately, you can’t just bog off to Thailand for 8 months and work from there. 

The Dutch government had previously proposed a “working from anywhere” law. However, this was rejected.

Cultural differences will affect you in the workplace 

It’s no myth that the Dutch are famously direct. “That’s the first thing internationals have to be aware of”, Godelijn laughs. At the same time, Dutch work culture is very non-hierarchical.

In the workplace, this combination can be lethal — or, well, it can end in conflict. Godelijn explains: “A lot of Dutch people need to learn that their jokes can harm people, even if they think it’s just a joke.” 

“A Dutch employer once called me about a joke that was made on the work floor. A person had made fun of an Asian employee for not being able to pronounce the English “r”-sound.” 

She adds: “The Dutch person just didn’t understand how that was a problem. To him, it was ‘just a joke’.” That’s how cultures can clash and situations can get sticky. 

Seliz agrees: “Internationals often say that Dutch people make a lot of silly jokes. We want to keep things gezellig — but in other countries, jokes aren’t made that freely, especially not at work”.

At the same time, Seliz and Godelijn agree that “internationals can sometimes be a little sensitive.” 

“Yes, sometimes things should be done differently,” Godelijn says, “but a lot of the time, it’s not as serious as internationals make it out to be. Both sides need to adjust to each other.”

If your one-year contract doesn’t get extended, your employee rights are limited

Although, in most ways, the Netherlands is a true haven when it comes to employment law, one big issue still affects many international people in the Netherlands: temporary contracts.

Especially for internationals who have moved their whole life to a different country, not knowing for how long they will be employed can be a very stressful situation.

But why are temporary contracts such a big thing here? 

“It’s probably because of the many employee-friendly clauses in Dutch employment law”, Godelijn thinks. “Because employees are protected in such a high way, employers are often wary when starting with new employees.”

She explains: “Legally, companies can offer three one-year contracts before someone has to be given a permanent contract, but decent employers usually don’t wait out the three years. They should do one year and then move onto the permanent contract.”

The bad news? If a one-year contract runs out, “there are no legal obligations because the contract ends by operation of law.” 

That means there will be no severance pay other that the statutory one, which amounts to 1/3rd of a month’s salary per worked year. Even if you are sick, your employer can simply let your contract run out. 

What is your experience with the Dutch job market? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Looking for a cosy spot to work or study in Amsterdam? We’ve found the best of the best.

Let’s be honest; sitting at the same desk and staring at the same walls every day for hours on end messes with your focus.

But if you’re living in Amsterdam, you have a ton of great options for studying and working outside of your home. Our team often come from Amsterdam and collaborated on this article to bring you the best of the best.

Oh, and it goes without saying, but all of these spots have top-quality coffee to help you power all your tasks!

1. Volkshotel: the student hotspot

The Volkshotel is a trendy spot for students in Amsterdam and at the top of our list. Located in central Amsterdam, just a stone’s throw from the UvA, the hotel has a werkplaats (working area) with plenty of indoor and outdoor study spaces and huge windows.

The best part? Big tables with loads of plugs.

Have a group project or need to schedule a work meeting? The Volkshotel has lots of meeting rooms that you can book for group sessions.

They even have work cabins! How gezellig is that? But heads up: you have to pay for the work cabins, and the prices can vary depending on the size. If you want free, it’s best to stick to the werkplaats.

2. Coffee & Coconuts: for film buffs

A former cinema built in the roaring ’20s, Coffee & Coconuts is now home to a huge, spacious café. It’s great place to study or work, especially if you want the feeling of an open space.

Coffee & Coconuts offers a menu of mostly organic and locally sourced food, as well as freshly roasted beans from all over the world. All-day breakfast, anyone? And if you’re there until later in the day, you can switch from coffee to cocktails too.

This place is especially great for group projects or small meetings, as they have big tables and an inspiring atmosphere to get those creative juices flowing.

3. OBA: the cheapest place to study or work in Amsterdam

A free place to work or study in Amsterdam? With no pressure to purchase an overpriced coffee? That’s the magic of public libraries!

Amsterdam’s OBA is a huge library network. We particularly like OBA Oosterdok, a multi-level library close to Amsterdam Centraal with stacks of study nooks and desks.

You can just walk in, set up your laptop, and start ticking things off your to-do list. The Wi-fi is free — no library card needed!

4. Coffee Bru: colourful and cosy

This is the perfect coffee spot for socialising, meetings, and alone time. Coffee Bru has comfortable seats and a quirky atmosphere. They’ve nailed the perfect combination between loads of colour and just enough wood and plants to keep the place feeling gezellig.

On top of the friendly service, they have an amazing rotation of weekly filter and espresso roasts. You can even choose from two locations just 1500 metres away from each other — so if one is full, you can just hop on over to the other!

5. Startup Village: free coworking space

If you’re on the hunt for a dedicated coworking space with heaps of innovative people in a unique location, Startup Village in Amsterdam’s Science Park is the place.

Better yet? It’s coworking space is completely free!

But don’t stress; you won’t have to get through the day uncaffeinated. The nearby cafe Traiteur Ted’s will give you your coffee bean fix.

6. Back to Black: for pet parents

So you want to leave your house but don’t know anywhere that will let your dog, cat, bunny, hamster, or lizard join you? Well, Back to Black is a lover of all our fluffy (or scaly) friends!

As for the actual coffee, Back to Black boasts its own roastery and produces high-quality, sustainable coffee, which you can also purchase by bag to take home. They also offer barista and latte art workshops, so you know they’re not messing around!

The comfy layout is perfect for studying, with tons of seating to work solo, in a group, or with your dog.

7. Bocca: the minimalist’s dream

Looking for a clean, minimalist atmosphere for your focused work sessions? Bocca’s got your back. And they’re serious about coffee: they manage the entire coffee chain and doing it sustainably.

The café charges €6 per hour to get some work done there, but you do get a drink that’s included in the price.

8. Rum Baba Cafe: for a chiller workday

They call themselves “your happy eclectic home away from home”. Rum Baba is undeniably gezellig, and get this — they have their own bakery just a few doors down for your sweet tooth.

There’s plenty of seating, including a long wooden table perfect for groups. On sunny days, you can also work outside and take in that sweet vitamin D.

9. The Coffee Virus — A Lab: a coworking haven

A hidden gem, The Coffee Virus is discretely located in one of Shell’s old laboratories. It’s famous for its great coffee and amazing chai tea and offers a relaxed environment for studying or working in Amsterdam.

This cafe’s focus is to create nice and cosy spots to meet other entrepreneurs following the same paths as you. The Coffee Virus wants you to build some connections while having some yummy food and coffee!

10. Espressofabriek: something for everyone

Espressofabriek is known as the ideal meeting place in the heart of Westerpark. It has a spacious room with plenty of seating, perfect for silent studying.

There are three different locations in Amsterdam, so you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy!

11. White Label Coffee: focus on fair trade

This café has four locations in Amsterdam, each with long tables perfect for studying and several nice plants for all you plant lovers! Just don’t get too distracted snapping photos.

White Label Coffee focuses on quality in every aspect. From making the best cup of coffee to paying producers fairly in Rwanda and Brazil (cheers to fair trade!).

12. Lot61: serious about coffee

Their motto, “Stay caffeinated”, is something we can get behind. We will definitely need their delicious brews while we sit in their cafés for hours on end.

The nicest part of the place — you can watch them hand roast your coffee beans on their huge Probat roaster in the middle of the café. They have limited space for seating, so get there early for a morning study session. The coffee and rustic atmosphere are worth it!

13. Monks Coffee Roasters: good in the mornings

While all these places have delicious coffee, Monks Coffee Roasters also serves a mean brunch. Suddenly, sending emails at 9 AM doesn’t feel so bad with their pancakes or tacos sitting next to your laptop!

They also have loads of comfortable seating areas for you to focus on work whilst enjoying a nice cup of coffee. If you’re REALLY into coffee, they have a wide range of choices from Aeropress to French press.

14. Coffee Room: for late-workers

This is one of the few cafés in Amsterdam that stays open until the wee hours of the morning (ahem, 7 PM). If you’re in the zone while you work, you get to enjoy the lovely vibes of this café for a whole extra hour or two.

They’ve got big tables, small tables, a terrasje, counters, and a very eclectic collection of comfy vintage chairs. Oh, and a mezzanine! It’s the perfect level of seriousness (a lot of people around you will be hyper focused) and relaxed (a great playlist and super friendly staff).

15. Yusu Coffee: all things matcha

Yes, they do serve coffee, but they also make mean matcha and matcha-flavoured cakes, cookies — you name it! Plus, the whole vibe of the place is just… *chef’s kiss*.

Comfy couches, massive windows, and consistent colours (the green plates and cups are enough to make you feel like an influencer).

The modern look of the place is bound to motivate you enough to act like you have your life together and you definitely know what you’re doing at work. Not to mention, the staff are super friendly, and you can bring your pets!

We’re absolutely looking forward to grabbing a coffee at one of these places and procrastinating while pretending to work. Hopefully, you’ll do better. Good luck!

What are your favourite places to study or work in Amsterdam? Tell us below!

There are holidays of cultural, religious and historical significance throughout the year in the Netherlands — but when should you officially celebrate? No worries, we’ve got the full guide to all public, national, and school holidays in the Netherlands for 2024.

So, get ready to jot some of these dates down in your calendar — you surely don’t want to miss King’s Day in the Netherlands or have your mom remind you about Mother’s Day.

Public holidays in the Netherlands in 2024

Whether you’re already looking forward to holidays or trying to find out when you can get a day off work, we’ve compiled a list of official holidays in the Netherlands for this year. Relax, sit back, sharpen your pencil, and grab your agenda.

• January 1, 2024: New Year’s Day
• March 29, 2024: Good Friday
• March 31, 2024: Easter Sunday
• April 1, 2024: Easter Monday
• May 5, 2024: Liberation Day
• May 9, 2024: Ascension Day
• May 19, 2024: First day of Pentecost
• May 20, 2024: Second day of Pentecost
• December 25, 2024: Christmas day
• December 26, 2024: Second day of Christmas

Other noteworthy national dates

Even if they’re not national days off, they’re certainly just as important.

• March 31, 2024: Daylight Savings Time starts (set your clocks forward!)
• April 1, 2024: April Fools Day
• May 4, 2024: National Remembrance Day
• May 12, 2024: Mother’s Day
• June 16, 2024: Father’s Day
• July 1, 2024: Keti Koti
• October 27, 2024: Daylight Savings Time ends (set your clocks back!)
• December 5, 2024: Sinterklaas

School holidays in the Netherlands

These dates include primary, secondary, and special education — independent schools set their own specific dates.

READ MORE | Going camping with kids: the ultimate Dutch holiday guide

When it comes to school holidays in the Netherlands, it’s key to remember that the holidays are generally divided into three regions (North, Middle, and South) so that the whole country doesn’t go on holiday in the same week.

Spring holiday 2024 (voorjaarsvakantie, carnavalsvakantie, or krokusvakantie)

• North: February 17 – February 25, 2024
• Central: February 17 – February 25, 2024
• South: February 10 – February 18, 2024

May holidays 2024 (meivakantie)

• North: April 27 – May 5, 2024
• Central: April 27 – May 5, 2024
• South: April 27 – May 5, 2024

Summer holidays 2024

• North: July 20 – September 1, 2024
• Central: July 13 – August 25, 2024
• South: July 6 – August 18, 2024

Autumn holidays 2024 (herfstvakantie)

• North: October 26 – November 3, 2024
• Central: October 26 – November 3, 2024
• South: October 19 – October 27, 2024

Christmas break 2023-2024

• North: December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• Central: December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
• South: December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025

What will you be doing over this year’s holidays? Letting the kids escape, or escaping the kids? Tell us in the comments below!

Considering the minimum wage in the Netherlands and how your potential salary compares is essential before you accept a job offer in the Netherlands.

But first, you have to know what minimum wage is, how it works, and if it’s even enough for you.  

I’ve worked since arriving in the Netherlands at the start of 2023 and have done the research so you can easily understand how minimum wage in the Netherlands works.

Here’s the quick guide to the Dutch minimum wage in 2024. 

Minimum wage in the Netherlands as of January 1, 2024

The Dutch government re-evaluates and adjusts the minimum wage every six months. 

Here’s the gross minimum wage of the Netherlands as of January 1, 2024.

Up until January 1, 2024, the Dutch minimum wage was based on a month, week, or year amount.

However, as of 2024, the Dutch government switched to an hourly minimum wage. This made it simpler to calculate and fairer for employees who, depending on their industry, worked between 36 and 40 hours per week for the same monthly wage.

Minimum wage for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

If you are a Highly Skilled Migrant who is living and working in the Netherlands, you get a stack of benefits — including your salary. 

READ MORE | Can I work in the Netherlands? Complete guide to work permits and visas to land a Dutch job

Your employer has to pay you a minimum wage that’s higher than the normal minimum wage to meet the requirements for your permit. 

Here’s how much you need to earn for a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa.

How does minimum wage work in the Netherlands?

Living in the Netherlands has many benefits — bike-friendliness, great work-life balance, and all the stroopwafels you can fit in your mouth. 

While the Netherlands also has the second-highest minimum wage in Europe, some things can be confusing to understand about wages.

Although the Dutch government now states minimum wage per hour, most employment contracts will state your monthly salary. You’ll need to divide your monthly salary but your contracted monthly work hours to find your hourly rate.

READ MORE | Finding a job in Amsterdam: the ultimate guide 2024

Gross pay and net pay

You might be a bit bewildered when you get paid and the amount that lands in your bank account is substantially less than what you were expecting. 

Why is this? It’s because the minimum wage is your gross pay (bruto salaris). You’ll still be taxed and have other deductions on that amount. The amount you receive in your account is your net pay (netto salaris).

Number of hours in a full working week in the Netherlands

So you know about some perks of working in the Netherlands, such as the weekly borrel and the lack of hierarchy, and now all about the minimum wage. 

READ MORE | 11 jobs that are so Dutch they could only exist in the Netherlands

Do you know how many hours you have to work to receive minimum wage for a full-time job, though? A full working week in the Netherlands usually has 36, 38, or 40 hours. 

It differs depending on the position and industry, but any of the above is considered working full-time. 

READ MORE | 7 things you need as a freelancer in the Netherlands

Not everyone works full-time, though. The Dutch love their work-life balance, so many people in the Netherlands have four-day work weeks. 

In 2022, the average weekly working hours in the Netherlands was just 30 hours. That leaves more time to sit on terrasjes sipping wine.

Average salaries in the Netherlands

While the Netherlands is one of the world’s best-paying countries, the amount you get paid depends on the type of wage you earn, the industry you work in, years of experience, and other factors.

READ MORE | How to land a sponsored job in the Netherlands [2024 guide]

The average salary in the Netherlands for 2022 was around €35,000 per year, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). 

However, when looking for a job in the Netherlands, it’s good to remember that, like with everything, average is not what everyone gets. There are, naturally, always lower salaries and higher salaries.

If you’re wondering how your salary compares to others your age, check out the average yearly salary for different age groups.

Helaas, in 2022, there was also a gender pay gap of 34.7% in the Netherlands. Men earned an average of €47,930 per year, while women earned €31,290. 

Luckily, the gender pay gap is decreasing every year. Hoera for equal pay! (Well, at least some time in the near future, we hope. )

Extra salary benefits in the Netherlands

On top of your salary, your payment package will likely include some extra benefits. For example, you might be able to negotiate:

• Vakantiegeld
• Thirteenth month (a month’s salary paid at the end of the calendar year)
• Stock options
• Transport costs
• Gym membership

You’ll also almost always have sick leave and holiday leave.

What do you think of the minimum wage in the Netherlands? Do you think it’s high enough? Tell us in the comments!

Minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2024: Frequently asked questions

Finding work in the Netherlands as an international and expat: it’s not an easy task sometimes, I’m not going to lie to you. However, preparing well in advance will help you massively when it comes to sealing your perfect job in the Netherlands.

So, how do you prepare yourself for finding work in the Netherlands as an expat? Well, as someone who has been there, here are 10 major things you need to know.

1. Finding a job in the Netherlands is hard

I’m going to be honest here first and foremost:

Is finding a job in the Netherlands hard for international folks?

Hell yes, it is.

Finding a job in the Netherlands as an international can be hard. Combine this with the fact that it’s one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, and you’ve got a ton of people all frantically looking for jobs.

Talk to any international in the Netherlands and they’ll all tell you the same — the struggle is real.

However, that’s certainly not to say all hope is lost and you’ll never find a job in the Netherlands.

There are plenty of Dutch companies who hire internationals. Expats become employed every single day, and some are even lucky enough to score a job the first time around.

It’s important to understand that finding a job in the Netherlands is difficult but certainly not impossible.

2. You don’t always have to speak Dutch when working in the Netherlands

Struggling with Dutch and think you have no chance? No worries.

Naturally, being fluent in Dutch opens up many opportunities, but if you’re new to the Netherlands, you can still get a job.

Many international companies work only in English, and some companies even ask for other languages, such as French and German instead.

So before you start breaking down in tears over that failed Duolingo attempt, get googling for those international jobs here in the Netherlands.

There are websites that have a search option where you can input the type of work, the preferred language and the location, and it will then show you all of the jobs in your language and location.

Now you can breathe a sigh of relief (in English)!

3. You don’t have to be living in the Netherlands to find a job (but it’s easier if you’re here!)

It’s not unheard of for an international to secure a Dutch job from overseas, particularly for sectors that are in high demand, like engineers, tech, and health professions.

After all, interviews can be done online, or some companies will even fly you over on their own dime if they think that you’re a great fit.

If you’re not in an in-demand field, you may have a much harder time (or have to shell out for some plane tickets and a hotel to attend your interviews).

4. Some recruitment agencies in the Netherlands actively seek out internationals

What really surprised me during my search for work was that some recruitment agencies are out there purely to seek out internationals and employ them.

You become employed by these agencies, which will then place you in the workforce until your contract ends. Then you can be directly employed by the company if you’re the perfect fit.

You don’t have to pay a fee for these recruitment services either, which makes it even better!

It all just makes sense — with online recruitment, you can do it from the comfort of your own home and have access to many different jobs at your fingertips.

5. You need to prepare well in advance

Preparing in advance is key if you’re planning on working and living in the Netherlands. Sorting out that work visa should be at the top of the list (if you’re an EU national, you can skip this step, you’re all good).

This, along with booking an appointment to register at your local municipality keeps everything legal. 

Opening a bank account should be one of the next steps, and you have a couple of options when it comes to choosing a Dutch bank and opening a Dutch bank account so you can collect your new Dutch salary. 

You can even open a bank account before you arrive in the Netherlands!

Also, be aware, if you are working and living in the Netherlands, you must take out Dutch health insurance — this is compulsory!

We know what you’re thinking: there’s so much to organise.

We understand, but it’s worth it, and let’s help you set up! Here’s a checklist to get you started:

• Sort your visa/work permit
• Find a place to live AND find a job (that’s easy, right?)
• Register at your local municipality
• Open a bank account
• Sort your Dutch health insurance

6. The CV and interview process in the Netherlands may be different from what you’re used to

Scoring a job in the Netherlands by perfecting that CV/resume and attending that dreaded interview may be different from what you’re used to, depending on where you’re from.

In the Netherlands, I learned that CVs should be no longer than two pages. You also don’t have to include your picture on your CV; however, many people still do this (insert awful passport-style photo here).

The interviews are just as nerve-wracking as in other countries, but all follow a similar structure.

Dressing for your interview all depends on what job you’re going for, and dressing for interviews in the Netherlands is certainly lax in comparison to other countries.

For example, in the UK, you are generally expected to go full suit and tie with polished shoes. Whereas in the Netherlands, it’s important to look smart, but you don’t have to go overboard.

7. Working from home is common in the Netherlands

This article was brought to you by me, sat in my bed with a cup of hot chocolate, and that’s not unusual — even before the pandemic years.

Working from home can be common practice for some workplaces, and I personally love it.

The Dutch workplace is known for being less rigid when it comes to working, and generally, if you need to be at home, depending on your job, you can spend that one less day at the office and work from the confines of your own home instead.

The Dutch value their hard work, but also their spare time too. Working doesn’t have to be at the office and living doesn’t have to just involve work.

READ MORE | 7 ways a Dutch job is different

Many people (especially women) work part-time in the Netherlands and/or work mainly or solely from home. So, if you’re liking the idea of a home-office situation, then you may have just got lucky. Gezellig!

8. You need to get your head around the tax system

The Netherlands is known for its notoriously high tax on almost everything.

Before you start working in the Netherlands, you need to be aware of what contributions you need to make, how much you’ll actually get paid, and what rights you have when working in the Netherlands. 

How much income tax will I pay in the Netherlands?

In 2024, all people working in the Netherlands must pay at least 36.97% in income taxes (including national insurance contributions) if you earn under €75,518.

If you earn above this amount, you must pay €49.50% of your salary in income tax.

This will be deducted from your pay before it is paid out to you. You will also have to pay additional taxes if you are particularly wealthy and/or have a large amount of savings.

9. Your travel costs are covered most of the time

The majority of companies will reimburse your full travel costs to you monthly, so you don’t have to worry about a long commute eating up half of your wages.

Many other companies offer other reimbursements, such as paying a percentage of your gym or club memberships, to encourage their employees to stay healthy physically and mentally outside of the workplace.

Other companies offer bonus money if you don’t call in sick (not always great when you’re forcing yourself to go in and infecting everyone), but it encourages the workforce not to be tempted to call in sick for silly reasons.

In my experience, companies in the Netherlands treat their workforce very well, and you will be rewarded for your hard work. If not, it’s time to change that job of yours.

10. Borrelen makes everything worth it

Who doesn’t love a free beer and some bitterballen after all that “finding a job and starting a new job” stress? Well, this is something you’ll enjoy at many Dutch workplaces.

Usually, towards the end of the week, either once per week or per month, you and your colleagues will go borrelen.

This is where you’ll have an opportunity to stop working (always nice) and engage in awkward conversations with your coworkers over a beer and some bitterballen.

Great for reducing that work stress as, in general, it’s always good fun — not so good for that waistline, but at least all that cycling will help. Proost!

Are you looking for work in the Netherlands as an international? Or do you have tips? Share in the comments below!

The hunt for a great, English-speaking job in the Netherlands isn’t always easy — but it’s much quicker if you know the right places to look. 

So, where should you be looking? At companies that hire expats, of course! Here are some of the biggest Dutch employers of internationals in the Netherlands — so you can find the perfect job for you.

1. Booking.com

Love to travel? Well, you’ll probably have a desk job, but it might as well be at one of the world’s leading travel marketplaces, Booking.com. If you haven’t used the website, it connects travellers with accommodation providers, flights, and car rental companies.

The company must be doing pretty well because it’s grown from a one-person startup to a global website available in 43 languages. 

With that impressive resume, it makes sense that the company has a huge range of positions available, many at their headquarters in Amsterdam and many available in English — or other languages!

2. ASML

Ever heard of ASML? Us neither! ASML designs and manufactures lithography machines that help make computer chips — so you could be using the product of an ASML machine to read this article!

Plus, they’re kind of a big deal, employing over 14,000 people at their headquarters near Eindhoven and 28,000 worldwide. 

Computer chips are a pretty lucrative business, so ASML is almost always hiring — and with offices in 16 countries, they love internationals. In fact, at the time of writing, there were over 143 open positions at their Dutch office!

3. bunq

Is working in a fresh, fun company with a startup culture important for you? Then bunq (yes, with a lowercase ‘b,’ nail that on your cover letter ) could have the job for you!

This neo-bank has a certified ‘unicorn’ status, joining companies like SpaceX, Reddit, Airbnb, and Buzzfeed. 

The sweet thing about working for a startup is that it’s often full of perks. Employees at bunq Netherlands enjoy a €2,500 study budget every year, three days of study leave, 32 days off, discounts on gym memberships, free lunch, and more.

It’s also perfect for internationals because if you have a visa requirement they’re happy to help out — rare!

4. Guerilla Games 

If you’re the kind of person who says “game on” to new challenges, working at Guerilla Games could be right for you.

Gamers might recognise titles like the ‘Killzone’ or ‘Horizon’ series. If they don’t ring a bell, no sweat! You can still get a job at Guerilla Games even if you don’t have gaming industry experience. There are roles in animation, production, operations, art, and more!

Particularly awesome is that they’re committed to internationals, offering relocation allowances, free accommodation for the first two months, assistance applying for work permits and the 30% ruling, and even Dutch lessons — leuk!

5. Mollie

Mollie is one of the Netherlands’ largest payment service providers. We can hear you asking: what the hell does that mean? Yeah, we had to Google it too, but it turns out it’s what you use every time you buy something online to make your payment.

In fact, Mollie manages payments for over 110,000 companies across Europe!

Mollie is yet another FinTech ‘unicorn’ company after raising a huge amount of funding — and they’re pouring it into hiring in a big way.

There are stacks of roles available, so you’re bound to find one that works for you! (Mollie also calls itself ‘the most attractive company to work for in Amsterdam’ — but we’ll let you be the judge of that. )

6. Philips

Lightbulb moment — why not work at Philips? You may know this electronics company as a multinational conglomerate, but it was founded in the Dutch city of Eindhoven in 1891!

Today, it employs more than 11,000 people across the country, and being a multinational they’re very happy to hire internationals.

The company boasts the largest research and development site in the world in Eindhoven, headquarters in Amsterdam, and extra locations throughout the Netherlands.

Whether R&D, marketing and e-commerce, software development, or service is your game, Philips could be your next Dutch workplace!

7. ING

If a traditional bank is more your style, perhaps you should consider a career with ING. As one of the big four banks in the Netherlands, over 39% of Dutchies carry the signature bright orange card in their wallets. 

The nice thing about working for a big bank is there is no shortage of roles, and many of them are open to expats in the Netherlands. If you have kids you’ll also love that ING was ranked as the fourth most family-friendly employer in the Netherlands — nice!

8. Unilever

Ever bought a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, Dove moisturiser, Vaseline, a Magnum ice cream, or a nice, cold Lipton’s ice tea? Then you’re already a customer of Unilever — so why not work with them too?

This multinational is technically headquartered in London, but up until 2020 was also considered Dutch — thanks, Brexit!

Regardless, there are still 2,500 employees who call the Netherlands their home, and you could be one of them. There are various locations all over the Netherlands, and many of the global functional roles are run out of the country.

Plus, there’s a hair salon at the Rotterdam office where they test products — but you can also pop in for a quick haircut!

9. Heineken

We’re pretty sure Heineken needs no introduction and that you’ve probably cracked open a cold one now and then — but instead of spending your money on Heineken, you could be paid by the beer giant instead! (We’re pretty certain real euros, too, not just beers).

If you’re not a beer fan, no worries — Heineken owns more than 300 brands worldwide. 

It’s still a Dutch company, so you may have to hunt a little to find an English job — but we promise they do exist! And if you haven’t graduated yet, no problem: there are heaps of internships available that might just lead to a position later. 

10. FrieslandCampina

You may not have heard of FrieslandCampina, but you’ve probably consumed one of their products because they’re sold in more than 100 countries. It’s a Dutch multinational based in Amersfoort but with offices in different parts of the Netherlands. 

A large portion of their jobs are in Dutch, but with a little hunting, you can also find some English-speaking roles too! 

11. ABN AMRO

What’s one more bank on the list? ABN AMRO is another of the Dutch big four banks and also has a pretty big English division. Here, you can find roles in a whole range of departments: as a risk analyst, in compliance, or in IT.

Two things stood out to us about working at ABN AMRO: a personal development budget of €1,000 every single year (maybe you can use it on a Dutch course?) and an extra 11% of your salary that can be spent on additional fringe benefits. Sweet!

12. TikTok

Already spend your day scrolling through TikTok? Here’s your chance to work for the social media company instead! TikTok’s Amsterdam office is often on the lookout for various roles speaking all sorts of languages: English, French, German, and more.

The head office is run out of Amsterdam with employees reporting a great team atmosphere and a lot of care and attention paid to employees — nice!

13. NIKE

Now here’s a job where you can wear sneakers to work: colossal sports brand NIKE’s European headquarters are just 20 minutes from Amsterdam!

Not only that, but their office is hella cool, boasting a cafeteria and food trucks, running track, sports courts, football field, employee shop, fitness centre, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and kids summer camp on site!

It’s also crammed full of internationals through transfers or local hires.

Other places to find work as an international

Is your dream job not on the list? Finding work in the Netherlands can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. It’s also worth checking out other industries that employ many internationals: for example, universities, hotels, or international schools. 

Got any other tips for companies that hire internationals in the Netherlands? Drop them in the comments below!

Coughs, splutters, headaches, injuries, burnout, and chronic illnesses: all things that might force you to take sick leave in the Netherlands.

But before you call in sick to your Dutch workplace, you’re probably not quite ready to give up a day’s wages just yet. 

No stress! Unlike other countries (cough, the US, cough!) the Netherlands understands that part of being human is falling ill — so your time off sick is generally paid. 

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

But how much, when, and how often? Great questions! Here’s what you need to know about sick leave in the Netherlands. 

Sick of waiting? Jump to a section below!

• How does sick leave work in the Netherlands?
• What if I’m sick for a long time?
• What if I’m sick while on holiday?
• Maternity and partner/paternity leave in the Netherlands
• Sick leave in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

How does sick leave work in the Netherlands?

Sick leave (ziekteverlof) in the Netherlands is surprisingly simple: if you are sick, you are paid a minimum of 70% of your wage. 

If 70% of your wage would put you below minimum wage, you’ll receive minimum wage instead. 

However, it is common for Dutch workplaces to pay more than 70% (woo!). In fact, most of them will pay up to 100% for the first year of being sick. The amount you will receive will be detailed in your employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. 

Waiting days

Some Dutch workplaces include “no-pay waiting days” (loonvrije wachtdagen) — these are the first one or two days of your sickness when the employer is not obliged to pay wages. 

This refreshes every four weeks, so if you become sick on February 1, and are sick again two weeks later on February 14, you don’t need to sit out your waiting days again. 

Check your contract or your collective bargaining agreement to see if you have a waiting day clause. 

How much sick leave can you claim?

Here’s the great thing about sick leave in the Netherlands: unlike other countries where you might have, say, 10 days of sick leave, in the Netherlands, you can claim sick leave from your employer for up to two years. 

Of course, no one wants to spend two years sick. But it is great peace of mind knowing that if the worst does happen, losing your income isn’t something you’ll need to worry about.

If you’re still sick after two years, your employer doesn’t have to continue paying your wages.  However, you will likely become eligible for a benefit from the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). This is an autonomous government authority that deals with labour law. 

Who gets sick leave?

You get sick leave, and you get sick leave, and you get sick leave! 

Most people are eligible for sick leave in the Netherlands. Naturally, however, it depends on how you are employed. 

Permanent contract

This is the easiest: you’ll be paid a minimum of 70% of your wages by your employer for a maximum of two years. 

Temporary contract

This works the same as the above: a minimum of 70% of your wages paid by your employer for a maximum of two years. 

If your contract expires while you’re sick, your employer will (naturally) stop paying your wage. Instead, you’ll be passed over to the UWV who will continue to pay your wages and help you re-enter the workforce. 

If you’ve been sick for more than six weeks when your contract expires, you and your workplace will prepare a reintegration report outlining what the issue is and what they have done so far to help you reintegrate to work. 

On-call, zero-hour, and min-max contracts

If you work on one of the above contracts, it works a little differently. Generally, if you become ill in the middle of your shift, you’ll be paid 70% of your wages until the end of your shift. 

If you remain ill after a shift, your employer won’t pay any wages unless you are on a min-max contract. Instead, you’ll be referred to the UWV. 

Freelancers (ZZPers)

Gosh, it’s great being your own boss — until you fall sick, of course. If you’re a freelancer, the only sick leave you’ll generally receive is what you can afford to pay yourself. 

Otherwise, it’s worth taking out illness and/or disability insurance from the UWV. You’ll pay a set premium per month, but you’ll be covered if the sick hits the fan. 

What if I’m sick for a long time?

Has your sickness gone beyond a sniffle? Then you’ll probably need a bit more time off — and that’s okay!

Provided you’re on a permanent or temporary contract, you don’t really have to stress. You’ll continue to be paid a minimum of 70% of your wages for a maximum of two years.

After two years, you may become eligible for disability benefits from the UWV. 

Returning to work after being sick

The Netherlands places a lot of emphasis on sick leave being a recovery period so you can return to work. 

If you’re sick for a long period, you and your employer will draw up a reintegration plan. Yes, that means a lot of boring paperwork — but at least you’ll get paid!

The reintegration plan includes a: 

• problem analysis,
• action plan,
• first-year evaluation,
• current opinion of the company doctor or health and safety service, and
• final evaluation (you complete this together with your employer).

What if I’m sick while on holiday?

Fighting the flu in France? Battling a bug in Britain? Struck down with an STI in Spain? 

What a waste of your hard-earned vacation time!

But have no fear: working for a Dutch company is here! And working for a Dutch company means one nifty thing: you can claim being sick on holiday as sick leave, instead of holiday leave. 

That means that if you planned your holiday, flew to your magical destination, and then got sick, your planned vacation days can be converted into sick days. 

READ MORE | 7 ways a Dutch job is different

To take advantage of this, typically you’ll need to: 

• report your illness to your employer as soon as possible and at least within 24 hours,
• provide an address and/or telephone number where you can be reached,
• reach out to a doctor at your holiday location and keep evidence of it,
• advise if you can’t travel home due to sickness and keep evidence as to why you cannot travel,
• contact your employer when you return home and potentially be consulted by the company doctor. 

Rough that you’re sick on vacation — but at least you can reallocate those vacation days for later!

Maternity and partner/paternity leave in the Netherlands

Got a notification from PostNL that you have a little bundle of joy on the way? Wat leuk! 

While maternity and paternity leave aren’t considered sick leave in the Netherlands, here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect.

READ MORE | Everything you need to know about maternity leave in the Netherlands

If you’re pregnant, you have a right to at least 16 weeks of leave. This is typically taken as six weeks of pregnancy leave before the due date and at least 10 weeks of maternity leave after childbirth. 

If you’re the partner of someone giving birth, you get a minimum of one week off in the first four weeks after the birth. During this time, you’ll be paid 100% of your salary. 

READ ALSO | Becoming a father? Here’s everything you need to know about paternity leave in the Netherlands

As a partner, you can also choose to take extended partner leave. This is up to five weeks of unpaid leave in the first six months after birth. During this time, you can claim benefits from the UWV for up to 70% of your salary. 

In addition, it’s also possible to take up to 26 unpaid weeks of parental leave until the child is eight years old (and even apply to have nine paid weeks at up to 70% in the first year)!

Got a question about sick leave in the Netherlands? Discuss it in the comments below!

Sick leave in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions

Moved to the Netherlands and need a DigiD? The process of getting a DigiD can be a lengthy and confusing one.

If you need some help navigating the waters of Dutch bureaucracy, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out how you can set up your own DigiD in the Netherlands — you can thank us later.

What is a DigiD?

A DigiD (Digital Identification) is an online identification you can use for websites and services of the Dutch government. It’s basically like having your own digital passport. Your DigiD account is linked to your BSN, you may log in with a username and password, the DigiD app or with your ID card.

Do I need a DigiD to live in the Netherlands?

Basically, everything you do in the Netherlands revolves around DigiD, so it’s definitely worth getting one.

Your workplace may ask for it and if you plan on studying in the Netherlands — for example, you want to apply for a master’s — you may need it for things like Studielink. DigiD is also needed if you want to apply for different types of allowances or do your taxes.

However, it’s not like you are going to be kicked out of the country if you don’t have one of these. For example, many international students on Erasmus exchanges are not required to have a DigiD. With that being said, life with a DigiD is certainly simpler.

How do I get a DigiD?

Applying for a DigiD is actually a rather easy process, but receiving one can take a bit of time. To get started, head to the government’s DigiD website. You can switch the website to English and click on “apply” or “activate.”

These steps will take you to the DigiD application form (now available in English), where you have to start by filling in your BSN number (the number you receive upon registering at your local municipality), date of birth, postal code, and house number.

Once you’ve filled in the form, you will have the option to choose different security verification measures.

READ MORE| Registration in the Netherlands: the complete guide [2021]

Text message authentication

You can choose to have text message authentication. This is not mandatory, but we recommend it just to save time, as some services do ask for text messages for security reasons, and it makes everything else much easier too.

This part is easy, too — just click “Ja” if you do, or “Nee” if you don’t. Again, click that “next” or, as the Dutchies say, “volgende” button and move on to the next page.

Your DigiD account: username and password

Now it’s time to create your DigiD! On this page, you will have to choose your username and password. Your username should be easy for you to remember (and none of that cringe stuff we used to do with our email names back in the 90s).

Always remember that this is also case-sensitive and you shouldn’t include spaces.

Your password should also be easy for you to remember (yet not so much so that people can guess it). You then need to retype the password.

If you want to be able to recover your password by text message or email, then tick the box underneath called “wachtwoordherstel.” Congratulations, you’ve got a DigiD! (…almost!)

Security validation for the DigiD

You’ll now find that your phone is going off. Unfortunately, it’s not your date texting you back, it’s DigiD. This is the code you should put into the form before continuing to the next page.

You’re also going to have a new email in your inbox, which isn’t from your crush either. It’s DigiD again!

Receiving your DigiD authentication code

Next, you will have to wait to receive a letter to your address stating yet another code for you to put into the system. It should arrive at your address within 5 working days, however, for some people, it could take longer.

I’ve received my code for DigiD by post, now what?

Congrats, you’ve received your letter! Now you’re nearly done. Just head to the DigiD activation page (the same one as last time) and put your activation code into the box provided.

Now you can click “activeren” or “activate” to confirm and voila, you officially have your DigiD!

Tips when you have a DigiD in the Netherlands

Once all the hard work is done and you finally have a DigiD, there are a number of things that you should be aware of.

Ssshh, it’s a secret

First things first, your DigiD is strictly personal — you must not give out your details to anyone. If someone knows your DigiD, you should apply for another one.

It may need updating

If you do not use your DigiD for 3 years, then it will expire, meaning that you will have to apply for another one. Not sure when that will be? This information can all be found in your account!

Install the app!

DigiD has an app that helps to reduce the number of steps needed to authenticate an action. Instead of putting in your password, you can use a simple pin code, or you can scan a QR code on your computer screen.

Setting up the app is an easy process, and you can find all the necessary information on the Dutch government’s website!

Have you applied for a DigiD and do you find it useful? Tell us in the comments!

We’ve previously discussed what happens if you lose your job in the Netherlands, but what about the unemployment benefit front?

We all need cash when we lose our jobs; it’s a stressful time. The good news is that you can apply for an unemployment benefit in the Netherlands, AKA the WW-uitkering (sponsored by the good bureaucrats at the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (UWV) — try saying that 10 times fast!)

Don’t sweat it if you’re an international, you aren’t going to be left behind either. Read on to learn all there is to know about WW-uitkering. But first, are you eligible? Let’s see.

Am I eligible to claim unemployment benefits in the Netherlands?

• Internationals can apply!! As long as they are legal residents of the Netherlands ().
• You must have worked at least 26 weeks out of the last 36 weeks before you’ve lost your job — then you’re eligible for basic benefits covering three months of salary (de wekeneis, and not the full paycheck — more on that later on).
• You can apply for unemployment benefits at uwv.nl. You will need a DigiD for the online application. If you don’t have one, you can send your application by post. To do this, you must personally register as a jobseeker at one of UWV offices.
• If you lose more than five hours of your workweek, without access to financial compensation, you can apply for WW-uitkering. This is also the case if you only work ten hours a week.
• External factors must be the reasons for losing your job. So, you can’t apply for unemployment benefits if you’ve been fired for personal misbehaviour.
• You also can’t quit your job just to collect unemployment benefits.
• You can apply only if you are immediately available for another paid employment (so no taking a six months trip to Thailand first).

How much money is the unemployment benefit in the Netherlands?

Your benefit will be 75% of your daily wage, only for the first two months. After this period it will go down to 70%. Your payment is every four weeks. A Rekenhulp (calculation aid) to determine your exact brutto unemployment benefit on the official WW-uitkering website.

How long can you have the unemployment benefit for?

How long someone is eligible to receive unemployment benefits in the Netherlands is determined by personal circumstances and history of past employment.

Generally, a distinction is made between eligibility for wekeneis or jareneis.

De wekeneis

As stated above, you can apply for benefits if you have worked 26/36 weeks prior for a period of three months up until a year. This is known as de wekeneis, a form of short-term support for unemployment.

De jareneis

You are eligible for long-term support of unemployment (de jareneis) when you’ve worked four years out of five before you lost your job.

This also counts if you were working in another EU country, as long as you can provide evidence. This is a lengthy process because you need to wait for the country to get back to the UWV — bug the hell out of them.

What is Werk?

Werk is the official platform where you have to be registered while on your benefits. The website helps with the job search and demonstrates that you are available and actively looking for employment.

It also includes options to request other benefits and promotes training programs to help you become more employable.

Do you have experience with unemployment benefits in the Netherlands? Help each other out and share it in the comments!