The Netherlands has long been a country where people from different regions seek stability, normal conditions, and opportunities for professional development. Despite its easy association with windmills, canals, and tulips, the Netherlands is a modern state with a strong economy and high demand for workers from abroad. Working in Europe attracts Ukrainians for various reasons, but it is here that foreigners often find decent pay and clear employment rules.
Yes, it is realistic to find a job in the Netherlands, and the market is quite open to candidates from other countries. Companies are actively looking for people in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technical, and service areas. The demand is explained by the fact that local residents do not always want to work in physical professions or are looking for other opportunities. This creates a shortage of workers, which employers compensate for by attracting foreigners.
The Netherlands is one of those countries where not only language skills are important, but also the desire to fit into the team and work responsibly. Many companies are willing to train candidates in basic processes if they show interest and have minimal experience. That is why Ukrainians quickly find jobs that match their skills, even if they have never been to Europe before.
There are two ways to look for a job in the Netherlands: independently or through a recruitment agency. Each option has its advantages, and the choice depends on how much time and resources a person is willing to spend. Both methods work, but they differ in the level of support and the speed with which you can get real results.
You can apply independently through company websites, international job search platforms, and local resources. The candidate has complete control over the process but prepares the documents on their own, monitors responses, and communicates directly with the employer. This is suitable for those who already have experience, know languages, or have worked in similar conditions. The advantage is that you can choose vacancies without intermediaries and flexibly plan your search process.
A recruitment agency takes care of most of the organization: selecting vacancies, preparing documents, explaining conditions, and sometimes accommodation and transfers. It is important to only use reputable companies to avoid dubious offers. A reliable agency saves time, helps avoid mistakes in the employment process, and often has direct contracts with Dutch employers. This removes unnecessary stress, especially if a person is planning to work in another country for the first time.
The country adheres to a clear system, so the requirements for employees are transparent. Most companies expect:
Living conditions are often specified separately. The employer or agency may offer their own accommodation, but sometimes you have to find it yourself. In the Netherlands, demand for rental accommodation is high, so it is best to clarify the issue of accommodation immediately.
Among Ukrainians, the most sought-after jobs are in warehouses, logistics, and manufacturing facilities – these are stable sectors that are constantly expanding. Food factories, greenhouses, agriculture, and seasonal jobs are also actively recruiting employees. Many companies in the Netherlands operate with high quality standards, so they are eager to hire disciplined workers. Many facilities have automated processes, which makes the work easier even for those who are new to the field.
Technical specialties, IT, and engineering are worth mentioning separately. Salaries are significantly higher here, but deeper language skills and relevant experience are required. The social sector is also open to foreigners – they are looking for caregivers, employees for institutions for the elderly, and assistants in domestic processes. Demand for these professions is growing due to a shortage of local personnel and an increase in the number of institutions working with the elderly.
The country is actively developing environmental technologies, energy conservation, and logistics, so demand for workers in these fields also remains very stable.
Salaries in the Netherlands depend on the field and experience. For basic positions, the pay starts at around €12-14 per hour, and with bonuses for shifts, night hours, or high productivity, the amount can easily rise to €16-18.
Warehouse and manufacturing jobs usually offer formal employment, a clear schedule, and the opportunity to work extra hours, which significantly increases earnings. Shifts can be day, evening, or night, and some companies operate on a 40-50 hour per week basis with the option of overtime.
Salaries are significantly higher in technical, engineering, and IT fields: specialists can expect to earn €3,000-5,500 per month, depending on their experience and language skills. In these fields, the schedule is usually standard – a five-day work week – but sometimes flexible start times or remote work are allowed. Companies often add bonuses such as paid courses, insurance, accommodation compensation, or travel expenses. Dutch employers pay a lot of attention to safety, workplace conditions, and process organization, and this is noticeable during work.
Many companies operate according to modern standards, so employees receive clear requirements, schedules, and transparent payment rules. For Ukrainians, this seems fair and understandable, because there are no hidden conditions – everything is spelled out in the contract and confirmed by the actual salary.
When looking for a job, it is easy to make mistakes that delay the process or reduce your chances of success. The most common situations are:
It is easy to avoid this: read the conditions carefully, ask questions, clarify the schedule, pay, and accommodation, and realistically assess your capabilities. If the process seems complicated, a recruitment agency can take care of most of the organizational issues.
It is realistic to find a job here, especially if you prepare your documents, improve your language skills, and determine the direction in which you want to develop. The Netherlands is one of the countries where Ukrainians are eagerly welcomed into the team, and the labor market here is moving forward at a rapid pace. The right search and attention to detail create every opportunity for successful employment and a confident start in this country.
