High Demand Netherlands Jobs 2024 With Approved Employers List and Dutch Work VISA

Dr. Philip MorganApril 5, 2024

5 minutes read

The recent news about skill shortages in the Netherlands has led to significant changes in their immigration policies. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) is now allowing employers in the Netherlands to recruit internationally qualified and skilled workers for various job positions. This development opens up new employment opportunities in the Netherlands for those considering immigration.

In order to hire a foreign employee, Dutch companies must apply to be recognized as sponsors by the IND. Visa sponsorship jobs are available in both the private and public sectors, with a higher prevalence in the private sector due to a greater need for foreign skilled workers to address specific skill shortages.

This article aims to provide comprehensive information about visa sponsorship jobs in the Netherlands, including average salary expectations and cost of living.

Labor Market Jobs in the Netherlands in 2024

The Dutch labor market is experiencing significant growth, with over 350,000+ new jobs created annually as of 2024. Key job roles include IT/AI engineers, production workers, industrial technicians, hospitality staff, production planners, truck drivers, shelf stackers, warehouse workers, janitors, and customer service workers.

You will be excited to know that many of these positions do not require a formal educational degree. For those with relevant experience or qualifications, exploring opportunities through the Arbeidsmarktinformatie platform can be a valuable step towards starting a career in the Netherlands.

Dutch Work visa Types Offered to Skill shortage job applicants

In the Netherlands, two primary work visa types are available for skill shortage job applicants:

Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) Visa: Suitable for highly qualified professionals with in-demand skills. Applicants must have a job offer from a recognized Dutch sponsor and earn a salary meeting the minimum threshold for their specific role (often above €4,844 per month in 2024). Relevant qualifications and experience for the job are also necessary.
Orientation Year (oriëntatiejaar) Visa: Designed for highly educated individuals who want to find a job in the Netherlands within a year. It allows a one-year stay to search for a job with a recognized sponsor. Qualifications include having a completed university degree or equivalent, sufficient financial resources for self-support (approximately €880 per month), and adequate health insurance

Now let’s take a look at all the most important skill shortage vacancies in the Netherlands in 2024:

1# ICT Skill Shortages in Netherlands

Job seekers interested in the ICT sector in the Netherlands should be aware that there are significant skill shortages in several key areas. If you have expertise in any of the following professions, you may find ample opportunities in the Dutch job market:

- Software Developers: Particularly those with skills in back-end, front-end, full-stack, mobile app development, and cloud computing. A degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering, coupled with programming skills in Java, Python, or C++, can make you a desirable candidate.
- Data Analysts and Scientists: Professionals in data warehousing, business intelligence, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization are in high demand. A background in Statistics, Mathematics, or Computer Science, along with proficiency in R, Python, or SQL, is usually required.
- Cybersecurity Professionals: Those specializing in network security, information security, penetration testing, incident response, and cloud security are sought after. Qualifications often include a degree in Computer Science or Information Security, knowledge of IT infrastructure, and relevant certifications like CISSP, CISA, or CEH.
- IT Project Managers: Experience in managing software development and IT infrastructure projects, particularly with Agile methodologies, is valuable. A degree in Business Administration or Project Management, along with strong leadership skills, is typically needed.
- Cloud Engineers: Expertise in AWS, Azure, GCP platforms, cloud infrastructure design, and deployment, as well as cloud security, is crucial. A degree in Computer Science or IT, along with experience in cloud computing, is often required

2# Healthcare Sector Jobs in the Netherlands

The healthcare sector in the Netherlands is currently experiencing high demand for professionals, with competitive salaries being a significant draw. Particularly in demand are nursing roles, where salaries can range between €4,000 and €8,000 euros per month in some hospitals. However, the sector also seeks other skilled professionals, including doctors, specialists, and medical technicians, reflecting a broader need in the healthcare system.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, consider applying to renowned institutions such as BovenIJ Ziekenhuis, Alrijne Hospital Leiden, and Slingeland Hospital. These hospitals are known for their high standards of care and offer promising opportunities for healthcare professionals. With the healthcare sector’s expansion, now is an opportune time to explore these rewarding career paths in the Netherlands

3# Skill Shortages Trades in Netherlands

Trades such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, selling products, and painting are also among the skill shortages in the Netherlands. Individuals with mid-level educational qualifications such as MBO-2/3/4, HAVO, diploma, or VWO, and relevant experience in these fields may be eligible for the “Highly Skilled Migrant” program (HSMP). This program is designed for non-EU/EFTA nationals who can contribute to sectors where there is a scarcity of skilled workers in the Dutch labor market.

To qualify for the HSMP, applicants typically need to have a job offer from a recognized employer in the Netherlands and meet specific salary thresholds. The application process for this visa category is generally initiated by the employer, who must be a recognized sponsor. The program allows for a residence and work permit, often combined into a single permit, valid for up to five years with the possibility of extension. It’s important to note that some nationalities may not require a separate entry visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands but will still need a residence permit for a longer stay.

Where to find skill shortage jobs and trades in Netherlands 2024?

To find jobs and trades in skill shortage areas in the Netherlands, consider the following resources:

Official Government Resources:

- UWV (Dutch Unemployment Agency): Offers a section for “Vacancies with high labour market tensions,” listing in-demand jobs across sectors. Visit UWV for more details.
- Government.nl: Provides information on in-demand occupations and future-proof careers, with a “Job market monitor” for labor market trends and shortages. Check their insights at Government.nl.
- EURES Netherlands: Part of a European network assisting job seekers in finding work across the EU, with a focus on sectors with skill shortages. Visit EURES Netherlands for more information.

Specialized Resources:

- TechLeap: Focuses on the Dutch tech sector with a job board for tech jobs and events for IT professionals. Visit TechLeap.
- DutchTechScene: Offers news and job listings about the Dutch tech scene. More information can be found at DutchTechScene.
- Buildbase: Specializes in construction and engineering jobs in the Netherlands. Visit Buildbase to find latest construction-related jobs in Netherlands.

List of Companies in Netherlands Allowed to Hire Foreigners in 2024

In 2024, several Dutch companies have been authorized by the Dutch government to hire international workers on work visas. This opens up opportunities for skilled professionals from around the world to work in the Netherlands. Here is a summarized list of some notable companies authorized for this purpose: