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Jobs In Netherlands for Indian Students: Discover Top Jobs & How to Apply

Updated on 18 February, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

According to 2022 statistics, some of the top employment sectors for jobs in the Netherlands are health and social work activities, wholesale and retail, renting, and other business support sectors. If you are an international student looking to start your career, these are some of the sectors you can look at. Read on to find eligibility criteria, work permits, and other rules and regulations for international students to work in the Netherlands.

Work Permit for International Students in the Netherlands 

There are different types of work permits for those interested in working in the Netherlands, such as a Highly Skilled Migrant visa, Residence Permit for Orientation Year, Single Permit: GVVA visa, Residence Permit Researcher Visa, Residence Permit Self-Employed Person, International Trade Regulation visa, Paid employment: Residence Permit Only Visa, Residence Permit for Work Experience under EU Program, etc. 

A ‘Residence Permit for the Orientation Year’ is recommended for international students who want to work in the Netherlands right after graduation or post-graduation. If you are enrolled in a Dutch university and have a valid residence permit, you can follow the below steps to apply for a Residence permit for orientation year work visa: 

  1. Go to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website and click on the “residence permit for orientation year.” 
  2. You must fill in the application and add these details (V-number, Dutch citizen service number, your name, date of birth, country, place of birth, nationality, email ID, phone number, civil status, home address, and travel document. 
  3. You should get tested for tuberculosis (TB) test. 
  4. You must submit the required documents, such as a copy of your passport, Appendix Antecedents Certificate, and your educational qualification. 
  5. You need to pay the fees, i.e., EUR 228 (INR 20,588). After the payment, your application will be processed.
  6. Your application will be delivered to IND. If your application is approved, you will get an email from IND. 

The requirements for a work visa in the Netherlands will vary depending on the type of Dutch resident permit you are applying for. However, you need to meet numerous standard requirements to obtain a work visa in the Netherlands, which include:  

  • You and your employer must have an employment contract (written contract) in the Netherlands.
  • You should get at least the minimum wage that is set forth for employees who are above 23.
  • Your employer is required to provide proof that your employment position could not have been filled by a Dutch or other EU/EEA citizen.

Eligibility Criteria for Jobs in Netherlands 

When applying for the ‘Residence Permit for the Orientation Year’, the following criteria must be met-

General Criteria: 

  • You must carry a passport or a valid travel document. 
  • You should not have any criminal background and fill in the Appendix Antecedents Certificate. 
  • You should get tested for tuberculosis (TB) test. 

Specific Criteria:  

  • You should have conducted research in the Netherlands within the past 3 years under the EU Research Directive or had a residence permit for highly skilled migrants.
  • You should have earned a Master's degree in the past 3 years through an Erasmus Mundus program.
  • You should have completed one of the following within the past 3 years:
    • Accredited Bachelor's or Master's degree program in any recognized university in the Netherlands 
    • One-year (minimum 10 months) post-master's program in the Netherlands.
    • Dutch study program under the Cultural Policy or Development Cooperation programs.
    • Master's, Doctoral, or post-master's program at a recognized foreign university.
  • Minimum score of 6.0 on IELTS (Academic or General Training) or another approved test (TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge).
  • Your qualifying program (post-master's, master’s, or doctoral course) must have been in English or Dutch.

Rules & Regulations to Work in Netherlands 

Here are some of the rules and regulations that international students should abide by while working in the Netherlands: 

  • To work legally in the Netherlands, you must have a work permit or a single permit. 
  • You should not apply for the work permit yourself, as your employer is responsible for applying for your work permit.

Types of Jobs for International Students in Netherlands 

Below is the list of the most popular jobs in the Netherlands for international students, along with average annual salaries. 

JobAverage Annual Salary
Software DeveloperEUR 44,806 (INR 4,043,825)
Pharmacist EUR 42,000 (INR 3,782,142)
Instructional Designer EUR 49,896 (INR 4,493,184) 
Operations Manager EUR 54,864 (INR 4,940,558)
Sales Director EUR 100,715 (INR 9,069,486)
Civil Engineer EUR 40,370 (INR 3,635,358)
Product Development Engineer EUR 49,414 (INR 4,449,780)
Tax Associate EUR 44,004 (INR 3,962,604)
Financial Analyst EUR 48,723 (INR 4,387,554)
Lab Technologist EUR 34,200 (INR 3,079,744)

*As per Payscale

How to Find a Job in the Netherlands 

Here are different ways you can search for jobs in the Netherlands and apply to work in the Netherlands. 

Go Through EURES and Werk.nl Websites 

The best way to find jobs in the Netherlands is through the EURES and Werk.nl websites. These websites contain hundreds of active job vacancies from employment companies, trade unions, temporary work agencies, etc. You can simply post your CV, check the available jobs, and apply immediately. 

Contact Local Recruitment Agencies 

There are multiple recruitment agencies in the Netherlands, so it is best to contact these agencies to check for any vacancies that are suitable for your qualifications. 

Explore Networking Sites 

Now and then, new job vacancies are posted on networking sites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Freelancer, and many more. You can register your account, fill in your educational details, add experience, and set alerts for job opportunities in the Netherlands.

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FAQs

What are the different types of work permits in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, there are 2 primary types of work permits. TWK, also known as tewerkstellingsvergunning, is a work-only permit. GVVA, also known as gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid, is a combined work and residence permit.

What are the general residence permit requirements to obtain a work visa in the Netherlands?

The general requirements for residence permit to obtain a work visa in the Netherlands include: 

  • You should possess a valid travel document or a passport. 
  • You should not have any criminal background or be involved in illegal activities. 
  • You must take a tuberculosis (TB) test after entering the Netherlands.

Who can apply for a residence permit for the orientation year as a highly educated migrant seeking employment?

Here are the people who can apply for a residence permit for the orientation year: 

  • International students who are currently enrolled in any Dutch-recognized university 
  • International students who completed graduation from a recognized university outside the Netherlands 
  • International students who conducted research in the Netherlands.

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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