Jobs in the Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship

In simple terms, a company, university, or research institution in the Netherlands wants to hire an international worker and is willing to support their visa application.

This means the employer values your skills and contributions so highly that they are ready to act as a guarantor for your work visa, making it possible for you to legally live and work in the country.

Sounds like a great opportunity, right?

However, there is one important thing to know on how to find a job in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship. In the Netherlands, not all employers have the ability to sponsor a foreign worker for a job. In most situations, an employer must first be officially recognized as a sponsor by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

We will explain exactly what it means to be a “recognized sponsor” and how you can find one later on.

Steps on How to Find Jobs in the Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship

In reality, the process of finding a job in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship is more challenging than it appears. 

Sponsored job opportunities in the Netherlands are quite limited due to a highly skilled Dutch workforce and a labor market that extends across nearly the entire European Union.

But don’t lose hope. While it may be difficult, securing a sponsored job in the Netherlands is achievable by following the right steps. 

Below are the best steps to follow on how to find a job in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship:

1. Understand the Dutch Job Market

Before applying for jobs, learn about the job market. Some industries hire international workers more than others. Fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance often need skilled employees.

Check which skills are in demand. Research job trends and understand what Dutch employers look for. This helps you focus on the right opportunities.

2. Search for Companies That Offer Visa Sponsorship

Not all companies provide visa sponsorship. You need to find those that do. Many big companies in the Netherlands sponsor visas for skilled workers.

Visit official job websites like:

• LinkedIn Jobs (Search for jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship)
• Indeed Netherlands (Use keywords like “visa sponsorship” in your search)
• Glassdoor Netherlands (Look for international job listings)
• Undutchables (A job site for non-Dutch speakers)
• NL Times Job Board (A site for ex-pats and international jobseekers)

Make a list of companies that offer visa sponsorship. Check their career pages and apply directly on their websites.

3. Prepare a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume should match Dutch job standards. Keep it short and professional. Use clear headings and bullet points. Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements.

Your cover letter should explain why you are a great fit for the job. Mention your willingness to relocate. Also, say that you need visa sponsorship. Keep it simple and convincing.

4. Apply for Jobs in the Right Way

Applying for jobs blindly may not work. You need a strategy. Use job sites, company websites, and LinkedIn. Customize your resume for each job. Write a fresh cover letter for every application.

Some jobs have many applicants. Make sure your application stands out. Use the right keywords from the job description. This helps recruiters notice your resume fast.

5. Network with Professionals in Your Industry

Networking is a great way to find jobs. Many jobs are not posted online. They are shared through connections.

Join LinkedIn groups related to your industry. Connect with Dutch professionals. Attend online job fairs and webinars. Talk to people who work in the Netherlands. They might help you find hidden job opportunities.

6. Check If You Qualify for the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

The Netherlands has a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa for foreign workers. If you qualify, companies may find it easier to sponsor you.

Check the official Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) website. They have a list of recognized sponsors. These companies can legally offer visa sponsorship. Applying to them increases your chances.

7. Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

Many recruiters in the Netherlands use LinkedIn to find workers. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete. Add a professional picture. Write a good summary of your skills and experience.

Use keywords like “Looking for job opportunities in the Netherlands”. This helps recruiters find you easily. Stay active on LinkedIn by posting and engaging with job-related content.

8. Learn Basic Dutch (If Possible)

Most jobs in the Netherlands require English. But learning basic Dutch can give you an advantage. It shows employers that you are serious about moving.

Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel to learn simple Dutch phrases. This is helpful for daily life and job interviews.

9. Be Ready for Interviews

Once you start applying, be ready for interviews. Many Dutch companies conduct online interviews. Prepare well and practice common questions.

Dress professionally, even for video interviews. Speak clearly and show confidence. If the employer knows you need visa sponsorship, explain why you are the right person for the job.

10. Follow Up on Your Applications

After applying, don’t just wait. Follow up with recruiters or hiring managers. A polite email or LinkedIn message can show your interest.

If you don’t get a response, don’t give up. Keep applying and improving your resume. Finding a job takes time, but with effort, you will succeed.

Following these steps will help you find a job in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship. Stay patient and keep trying. Soon, you will secure a great opportunity and start your journey in the Netherlands!

Visa Options For Finding a Job in the Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship

1.  Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)

A Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa is one of the most common ways to obtain a sponsored job in the Netherlands.

This visa is designed for individuals from outside the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland who possess high levels of education and are considered valuable contributors to the Dutch knowledge-driven economy. 

Common professions under this category include (but are not limited to) university lecturers, IT project managers, scientific researchers, and doctors in training.

To qualify as a highly skilled migrant, applicants must:

• Secure a job with an employer recognized as a sponsor.
• Receive a salary that meets the required minimum and is competitive based on market standards.

2.  Other Paid Employment (Andere arbeid in loondienst)

If an applicant does not meet the criteria for the highly skilled migrant visa, their employer may attempt to apply under the category of other paid employment, known as andere arbeid in loondienst.

However, this route is more challenging, as the employer must prove that there are no suitable candidates available within the local labor market to fill the role.

To verify this, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) consults the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). If the UWV determines that there are qualified jobseekers within the Netherlands for the position, it will notify the IND, leading to a rejection of the application.

That being said, some professions are exempt from this labor market assessment. Examples include top athletes, spiritual ministers, musicians, and chefs specializing in Asian cuisine. These professionals still require a residence permit but do not need approval from the UWV.

If you find that you’re not eligible for a highly skilled migrant visa or another type of paid employment visa, don’t worry. There are still other options to consider:

3. European Blue Card

This visa is similar to the highly skilled migrant (HSM) visa and is designed for highly educated individuals. However, many prefer the HSM visa due to its lower salary threshold, faster approval process, and fewer documentation requirements.

4. Intra-Corporate Transferee (Directive 2014/66/EU)

If you work for a company outside the EU and are being transferred to a branch in the Netherlands as a trainee, manager, or specialist, this visa may be an option.

5. Researcher under Council Directive (EU) 2016/801

Despite its lengthy name, this visa is straightforward, as it’s for researchers employed by a recognized sponsor who receives funding through a salary or grant.

6. Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons (zoekjaar)

If you’ve graduated from a Dutch university, earned a master’s, post-masters, or PhD from a recognized foreign institution, or conducted scientific research in the Netherlands, you might qualify for this visa. It allows you to live and work in the Netherlands for up to a year while searching for long-term employment.

What is a Recognized Sponsor—and Why Does It Matter?

We had mentioned earlier that one important thing to know on how to find a job in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship. In the Netherlands, not all employers have the ability to sponsor a foreign worker for a job. 

In most situations, an employer must first be officially recognized as a sponsor by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This is very critical because recognized sponsors play very critical roles in visa applications.

A recognized sponsor is an organization that has applied for and been approved by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service), which allows them to benefit from an expedited visa process when hiring international employees.

If you’re applying as a highly skilled migrant or researcher, your employer must be a recognized sponsor. However, for visas like the Intra-Corporate Transferee, European Blue Card, or other paid employment categories, the employer only needs to be a standard sponsor rather than a recognized one.

There are already many recognized sponsors in the Netherlands. According to the IND, these include:

• Over 80 recognized educational institutions
• Over 30 recognized sponsors for au pairs
• More than 9,000 companies that can sponsor highly skilled migrants or other workers
• Over 140 recognized sponsors for research under the Public Register Researcher Directive EU 2016/801

Some large companies or those that frequently hire international employees may already be recognized sponsors. If not, they must apply for approval and pay a substantial fee to obtain this status.

What Companies Function as Recognized Sponsors in the Netherlands? 

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) of the Netherlands maintains a Public Register of Recognised Sponsors, which includes thousands of organizations authorised to apply for residence permits on behalf of foreign employees or students. 

This register covers major companies such as Allianz, Booking.com, bunq, Shell, Johnson & Johnson, and Netflix. 

To determine if a specific company is a recognized sponsor, you can consult the IND’s Public Register, which is organized by residence purposes:

• Regular Labour and Highly Skilled Migrants: This section lists companies authorized to sponsor employees under standard labor agreements or as highly skilled migrants. 
• Au Pair and Exchange: This category includes organizations that facilitate cultural exchange programs and au pair placements.
• Educational Institutions: Here, you’ll find institutions accredited to sponsor international students.
• Scientific Researcher Directive (EU) 2016/801): This part lists entities recognized to sponsor researchers under the specified EU directive.

The Public Registers are updated monthly. If a company is not listed, it may not yet be recognized or could be pending approval. For the most current information, it’s advisable to check the register after its next update. 

A Word of Advice from Us

Getting a job in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship is possible. You just need the right steps and determination. Start by searching for jobs on trusted websites. Then, make sure your resume and cover letter stand out.

Networking is also very important. Connect with employers and professionals in your field. Stay consistent and keep applying for jobs that match your skills.

Now, you know how to find jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship. Follow these tips, stay focused, and never give up. Soon, you will land your dream job and begin an exciting new chapter in the Netherlands!