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Country card | The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a gateway to Europe. 

With its strategic location, world‑class infrastructure, and strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, the country has become a thriving hub for international talent and startups, attracting global companies and driving innovation across sectors. 

  • Language and employability: Although many jobs are available in English, learning Dutch can significantly improve your job prospects, workplace integration, and networking opportunities, especially for internships, part‑time jobs, and graduate roles. Even basic Dutch (A1–A2 level) can make a difference and is often appreciated by employers. 
  • Dutch culture: Direct communication, punctuality, and a healthy work‑life balance are highly valued in Dutch workplaces. Teamwork, informality, and egalitarianism are also common, meaning hierarchies tend to be flat and everyone is encouraged to speak up. 
  • Networking: A strong network can be a gamechanger when looking for internships, thesis projects, or your first job. Career events, LinkedIn, company presentations, and alumni networks are key entry points into the Dutch labour market. Many internships and entry‑level jobs in the Netherlands are filled through networks rather than public job postings. A strong LinkedIn profile and proactive networking can significantly increase your chances. 
  • Legal status: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a visa or work permit to live and work in the Netherlands, thanks to freedom of movement within the EU. Registration with the local municipality (BSN) is required once you start living and working in the Netherlands. 
  • Living costs: Monthly living costs typically range from €1,300–€1,900 in smaller cities and €1,800–€3,000+ in larger cities (such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, or The Hague), mainly due to high housing costs. Main expenses include rent (€600–€2,300, depending on city and housing type), groceries (€250–€450), transport (€50–€150), and mandatory Dutch health insurance (€130–€170 per month). 
  • Accommodation: Finding accommodation can be challenging, especially in larger cities. Begin your search as early as you can (at least 4-6 months in advance) and use official platforms to avoid scams. 

Starting salaries in the Netherlands vary significantly depending on the sector and type of organisation. In corporate sectors such as consultancy, finance, or tech, entry‑level salaries typically range between €2,600 and €3,500 gross per month, while roles in the public sector, NGOs, or social impact organisations are often lower, usually around €2,400 to €3,000. In many sectors, salaries are regulated through a CAO (Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst) – a Collective Labour Agreement that defines salary scales, benefits, and working conditions. Each role is placed in a specific salary scale with a minimum and maximum level, meaning your salary can grow step by step based on experience and performance. Understanding whether a role falls under a CAO helps you set realistic expectations about your starting salary and future growth. 

Understanding what a typical entry-level salary looks like for your industry will help during negotiations. Some industries in the Netherlands (like tech) have higher starting salaries, while roles in marketing or social sciences may be more modest. 

Resources: 

The Netherlands has a strong, internationally oriented economy, with several key industries offering great opportunities for students and graduates: 

💻 High‑Tech & Innovation 
A global leader in semiconductors, AI, and engineering (e.g. ASML, Philips, NXP Semiconductors, VDL Group, Signify (Philips Lighting)). Strong demand for technical and data skills. 

🚢 Logistics & Trade 
With the Port of Rotterdam (Europe’s largest), the Netherlands is a gateway to Europe and a hub for supply chain and international trade. Among the companies located in the Brainport area are Tesla, CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, DHL Supply Chain, Bol.com. 

🌱 Sustainability & Energy 
Rapid growth in renewable energy, circular economy, and climate innovation, creating new roles in sustainability-related fields: Eneco (renewable energy), Vattenfall (energy transition), Lightyear (mobility innovation) and TNO (applied research). 

🧪 Life Sciences & Health 
A leading sector in biotech, pharmaceuticals, and medical innovation, with strong links to research universities (Philips Healthcare). 

🌍 Consultancy & Business Services 
Many international firms offer roles in strategy, finance, and operations – popular among graduates from research universities (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Accenture, Capgemini, BMC). 

🎨 Creative & Digital Industries 
Amsterdam is a leading hub for media, design, marketing, and digital platforms, with many international companies operating in English, while Brabant region offers exciting opportunities at the intersection of creativity, technology, and innovation (DEPT Agency, SendCloud). 

Dutch internships are available throughout the year and typically last around five months, although many organisations offer flexible starting dates and durations. 

Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, you can find opportunities in both full-time and part-time roles, related to gaining work experience or research. Spoken languages are Dutch and English, making them accessible to both local and international students. 

Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid. When compensation is provided, students can generally expect a monthly allowance of €400 to €700, depending on the organisation and the role. 

There are several ways to find internship opportunities. Popular job platforms, career events, and professional networking are all valuable resources for connecting with employers and discovering suitable positions. 

More information can be found on:  

Explore Dutch culture through the eyes of expats and discover what it’s truly like to live and work in the Netherlands – from everyday adventures to real‑life challenges: 

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