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Imagine living in a small Dutch city with beautiful canals and colorful tulip fields all around you! This is what living and working in the Netherlands could look like. Whether you are considering a career shift or a quest to find fun international jobs, working in the Netherlands should be an option for you.
This post explores what you need to know to work in the Netherlands—exploring everything from Netherlands welder jobs to corporate jobs! Let’s get started!
The Dutch Job Market
The Dutch economy is massive and diversified, making it possible for a person to get to work in almost any field. They have some of the best businesses and hence, are one of the most sought-after countries in the international market.
There are jobs in technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance; a plethora of options. If you are a welder or have specialization in similar areas, the Netherlands should be the pick for you. The manufacturing and construction sector is a powerhouse in the country.
Working Culture
The Dutch way of working is quite renowned, especially for its work-life balance and flexibility. In the Netherlands, most people’s working hours average around 36–40 hours a week. But more importantly, the work-life balance is great!
There is a lot of free time that a person can use to get to know the place. The vast landscapes, places to explore, outdoor sports, and cultural richness are very exciting! Also, the Dutch are known to use simple language and to be quite specific about what they want so they expect their workers to speak in the same style.
Navigating the Job Search
Finding jobs in the Netherlands could be fun and challenging at the same time. If this is the option that you are choosing to go ahead with, there are a few things you will have to keep in mind.
There are a lot of websites like Indeed.nl, Monsterboard.nl, and, of course, LinkedIn, where people can go ahead and search for job opportunities. Apart from these searches, professionals can connect with employers and prospective clients by attending events.
Work Permits and Visas
If a person belongs to the EU/ EEA or Switzerland, then they do not require a work visa. But people from outside these regions need a work visa. Luckily, there are options to go for, preferably the Highly Skilled Migrant visa. It is a visa that allows a worker to work for a recognized sponsoring company in the Netherlands.
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Netherlands is high compared to that pf other countries, especially Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. But the pay matches the quality of life.
Accommodation is expensive and at times difficult to find, so it is advised to search for a house in advance; especially if you are arriving with family. Students and young professionals mostly prefer sharing accommodation. The main sites to hunt for rental properties are Funda.nl and Pararius.com.
Healthcare System
The Netherlands has one of the best healthcare systems. Health insurance is mandatory and it covers almost the complete cost—blood tests, X-rays and scans, antibiotics, etc. There are also a lot of insurances based on individual needs. Additionally, one must register with a physician, so that it’s easy to reach out when in trouble.
Language and Integration
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch but most people speak English so language is definitely not a barrier. It is okay even if you do not speak Dutch, with English you can survive.
But, to have a local experience learning, a bit of Dutch is recommended. The company you work for might provide you with language classes. Apart from that, there are Dutch institutions that provide Dutch classes offline and online.
The Social Security System
Social security coverage for the Netherlands is good. It includes unemployment benefits, pension benefits, maternity benefits, and so on. You will have a certain amount deducted from your salary for these facilities as long as you are employed with the company. So, it is good to know the benefits and make use of them.
Transportation
Transportation in the Netherlands is good with trains, trams and buses available to the public. When you are in the Netherlands, do as the Dutch do. Dutch people are very passionate about cycling. So, there are separate cycling paths throughout the country. A cycle can save a lot of money, keep you fit and is a natural way of travelling, so you might want to get yourself one.
Education and Family Life
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the top 20 public education systems in the world. There are schools based on different syllabi. Public schools in the Netherlands are free to attend, but the main language of instruction is Dutch. There are also a lot of international schools if you are not from the Netherlands.
Networking and Community
Having friends can help you manage your work when you move to a new country. Step outside and try to join groups, attend meet-ups and events, and look for options to make friends and a group. There are multiple groups available online on sites like Meetup.com and internations.org. Make use of these platforms to find people who have similar interests and share new experiences in the Netherlands.
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This content is brought to you by http://workinholland.com
Photo provided by the author.
