The Netherlands has long been an attractive destination for foreign workers, and the country is about to make it even easier for international talent to live and work there. In a major policy shift, the Dutch government has announced that starting in 2024, many foreign nationals will no longer require a work permit to be employed in the Netherlands.
This groundbreaking change is part of the Netherlands’ ongoing efforts to address critical labor shortages across a wide range of occupations. According to government data, there are currently over 195 professions in the Netherlands that are facing acute skills gaps, with more than 70,000 open positions that need to be filled immediately. And with the Dutch language not being a barrier for many international workers, the stage is set for a surge of foreign talent to help meet the country’s workforce needs.
In this in-depth blog post, we’ll explore the details of this landmark immigration update, as well as share exclusive information on new opportunities for foreign workers to secure jobs in the Netherlands through our consulting services at Globy. So if you’ve been dreaming of living and working in the Netherlands, read on to discover how these changes could help make that a reality.
No Work Permit Required for Certain Groups of Foreign Nationals
The centerpiece of the Netherlands’ new immigration policies is the elimination of work permit requirements for specific categories of foreign citizens. According to the official government website, employers in the Netherlands will no longer need to obtain a work permit for certain groups of workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
The five groups that are now exempt from the work permit mandate are:
1. Individuals with a residence permit that allows them to work, such as an asylum seeker permit.
2. Self-employed foreign citizens who have a residence permit for self-employed persons.
3. Foreign nationals starting a new business who have been granted a startup permit.
4. Highly skilled migrants who qualify for the Netherlands’ highly skilled migrant (HSM) visa.
5. Foreign citizens living outside the Netherlands who are performing a specific short-term task, like attending a business meeting or repairing equipment, for less than 90 days.
This is a major shift that will dramatically simplify the process for these categories of workers to gain employment in the Netherlands. Instead of navigating the bureaucratic hurdles of the work permit system, eligible foreign nationals will only need to secure a valid residence permit or visa to start working.
The government’s goal is to make the Netherlands more attractive and accessible for international talent, while also helping domestic employers find the skilled workers they desperately need. And for those foreign nationals who don’t fall into the exempted groups, there may still be alternative pathways to consider.
Consulting Opportunities for Foreign Workers in the Netherlands
In addition to the work permit changes, there’s another exciting development that could help open doors for foreign job seekers in the Netherlands. Our team at Globy has recently secured exclusive consulting contracts with a growing number of Dutch employers who are actively seeking to hire international talent.
As a mission-driven organization focused on empowering global mobility, Globy has been working hard to forge these types of partnerships. We recognize the challenges that both employers and job seekers often face when it comes to navigating the complexities of work visas and immigration requirements. By acting as a trusted intermediary, we’re able to streamline the hiring process and make it easier for qualified foreign nationals to secure employment in the Netherlands.
Here’s how it works: Globy first connects with companies in the Netherlands that are struggling to find the skilled workers they need. We then take on the responsibility of identifying suitable candidate profiles from our extensive talent pool and presenting them directly to our client employers. This allows the businesses to focus on evaluating the candidates’ qualifications, while Globy handles all the administrative tasks like work permit applications, visa processing, and relocation support.
And the best part? There’s no cost to the job seeker. Globy’s consulting services are fully funded by the participating employers, meaning qualified applicants can access these opportunities at no personal expense. All you have to do is submit your profile, and our team will work to match you with relevant job openings.
Current Opportunities in the Netherlands
So what kinds of roles are available through Globy’s consulting services in the Netherlands? At the moment, we’re primarily focused on blue-collar positions across a variety of industries, including:
– Cleaning (net salary of €1,300 per month)
– General labor (net salary of €1,200 per month)
– Loading and unloading (net salary of €1,150 per month)
– Farm work (net salary of €1,100 per month)
– Truck driving, forklift driving, painting, masonry, and carpentry (net salaries ranging from €1,150 to €1,350 per month)
It’s important to note that these salaries are listed as the net amount you’ll receive after taxes, and the employers cover all additional costs like accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, and medical care. So you can expect to have a significant portion of your earnings available for savings and personal expenses.
While these roles may not be considered “white-collar” positions, they still represent excellent opportunities for foreign workers who may be struggling to find employment in their preferred field. Many of our past clients have taken on these types of jobs as a stepping stone, using the income and work experience to then transition into their desired career path once they’ve established a foothold in the Netherlands.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. Globy is also in the process of expanding our consulting services to include opportunities in the healthcare sector, with plans to soon offer positions for nurses, doctors, and other medical support staff. We’re even looking to break into the tech industry in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates on those high-skilled roles as well.
The Benefits of Working with Globy
So why should you consider working with Globy to secure a job in the Netherlands? There are several key advantages:
1. No cost to you: As mentioned, Globy’s consulting services are fully funded by the participating employers, so you won’t have to pay a single euro out of pocket.
2. Visa and relocation support: Globy handles all the administrative tasks related to work permits, visas, and relocation logistics, taking the stress and hassle off your plate.
3. Guaranteed employment: When your profile is selected by one of our client companies, you’re essentially guaranteed a job offer, provided you meet the basic qualifications.
4. Competitive salaries and benefits: The positions we offer come with attractive net salaries and comprehensive benefits packages that cover your living expenses.
5. Pathway to long-term residency: Many of these roles come with work permits that can eventually lead to permanent residency in the Netherlands after 5 years.
6. Personalized guidance: Globy’s team of immigration and career experts will provide you with one-on-one support throughout the entire process.
To get started, simply fill out the application form in the description below. Our team will then review your profile and be in touch if we have any suitable opportunities that match your skills and experience.
A Land of Opportunity for Foreign Talent
There’s no doubt that the Netherlands is positioning itself as a premier destination for international workers. With its thriving economy, world-class infrastructure, and high quality of life, the country has a lot to offer those seeking new professional and personal horizons.
And now, with the impending elimination of work permit requirements for certain categories of foreign nationals, the path to living and working in the Netherlands is about to become even smoother. Combined with Globy’s unique consulting services that connect qualified candidates directly with eager employers, there has never been a better time to explore opportunities in this dynamic European nation.
So whether you’re a highly skilled professional, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for a fresh start, the Netherlands could be the perfect fit. Take the first step today by submitting your profile to Globy and let us help make your global mobility dreams a reality.
