Jobs in Netherlands for Indians: Fields Hiring and How to Apply

Latest Update: The Dutch government has streamlined the job seeker visa process, reducing average processing times to 8–12 weeks, making it more accessible for Indian graduates.

Vacancies for jobs in the Netherlands averaged 199,800 between 1997 and 2024. It reached a record 479,800 in the second quarter of 2022. The country continues to see strong demand for international professionals across sectors like technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance.

Jobs in Netherlands for Indians are now easier to access, with many companies open to hiring skilled candidates from abroad. If you are planning to apply, being aware of the Netherlands work visa process and the right fields hiring in Netherlands 2025 are important first steps.

This blog covers:

• Where the top jobs in Netherlands for Indian citizens are available
• How to get a job in Netherlands from India with the right preparation
• Salary expectations in Netherlands across different industries
• Growing demand for tech jobs in Netherlands for Indians and shortage fields
• Insights into Indian community jobs Netherlands and networking tips
• What to know about English-speaking jobs in Netherlands and eligibility

Early planning helps you align your profile with the sectors most actively hiring, especially if you want to fast-track your relocation to the Netherlands. 

Planning to work in the Netherlands? A great way to start is by exploring bachelor’s programs abroad or master’s courses that match the country’s top hiring fields.

You can also browse through available courses in the Netherlands and check top universities in the Netherlands for the best study options.

In the Netherlands, around 72% of businesses are planning to offer pay rises, while 68% of professionals are expecting a salary increase. About 40% of workers are considering a job change, reflecting a highly mobile workforce. The average tenure for professionals remains short at just 1.5 years. Confidence is high, with 88% of professionals feeling positive about job opportunities in their sector.

Top Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

Looking for jobs in Netherlands for Indian citizens in 2025? Companies across technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance are actively hiring skilled international professionals.

The Netherlands offers English-speaking workplaces, high salaries, and a simple visa process for skilled workers. Here’s a clear look at where opportunities are strong right now.

Sector	Average Salary (EUR/year) (₹ approx.)
Software Development	€55,000 – €85,000 (₹49–76 lakh)
Data Science & AI	€60,000 – €90,000 (₹53–81 lakh)
Civil Engineering	€45,000 – €75,000 (₹40–67 lakh)
Mechanical Engineering	€50,000 – €80,000 (₹45–72 lakh)
Healthcare (Nurses, Lab Technicians)	€40,000 – €65,000 (₹36–58 lakh)
Accounting & Finance	€45,000 – €70,000 (₹40–63 lakh)
Logistics & Supply Chain	€42,000 – €65,000 (₹37–58 lakh)
Electrical Engineering	€48,000 – €78,000 (₹43–70 lakh)
Hospitality & Tourism Management	€35,000 – €55,000 (₹31–49 lakh)

Salary expectations in Netherlands based on 2025 data from Jobbird.nl, Randstad, and Glassdoor Netherlands.

If you're new to the Netherlands, this guide on studying in the Netherlands covers everything — courses, lifestyle, and more.

It's also smart to check available scholarships in the Netherlands to make your move more affordable.

Fields Hiring in Netherlands for Indian Citizens

Many sectors have widened their doors for foreign talent. If you are aiming for top roles, here’s where you should focus:

Field	Common Roles	Skills or Certifications
IT & Software	Backend Developer, Cloud Engineer, QA Analyst	Java, Python, AWS, Azure Certifications
Healthcare	Nurse, Physiotherapist, Medical Technician	BIG Registration, Dutch Language (B1/B2)
Engineering	Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Project Manager	AutoCAD, Revit, PMP Certification
Finance & Accounting	Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Specialist	ACCA, IFRS Knowledge, SAP
Logistics & Supply Chain	Inventory Manager, Logistics Lead, Procurement Officer	SAP Logistics, APICS Certification

Tech jobs in Netherlands for Indians remain the fastest growing, but healthcare, logistics, and finance are also expanding steadily.

Fast-Emerging Sectors for Indian Talent in 2025

Reports tracking Netherlands hiring sectors 2025 highlight major shifts toward green energy, healthcare, and tech innovation.

Here’s where opportunities are rising:

Sector	What's Driving the Growth?
Renewable Energy	Offshore wind farms need engineers, technicians, and project managers
Artificial Intelligence	Startups in Amsterdam hiring AI engineers and data scientists
E-commerce & Logistics	Expansion of online shopping boosts demand for IT and logistics staff
Life Sciences & Biotech	Pharmaceutical companies looking for R&D and quality control specialists
Green Construction	New eco-friendly building projects creating roles for project managers

These industries are also among the shortage occupations Netherlands officially lists for 2025, which makes work visas easier for professionals in these fields.

Planning your stay gets easier when you know the cost of living in the Netherlands.

You can also check how intakes in the Netherlands are structured to plan your course timing.

Types of Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

Many Indians moving to the Netherlands aim for roles that offer career security, visa sponsorship, and a strong salary package. Jobs in Netherlands for Indian citizens range from full-time contracts in big companies to freelance projects and research positions at top universities.

Here are the common job types available in 2025:

Type of Job	Who It’s For	Key Details
Full-time roles in MNCs and startups	Skilled professionals in IT, finance, engineering	Long-term contracts, stable salaries, career growth potential
Contract and freelance jobs	Tech experts, marketing consultants, designers	Project-based roles offering flexibility and higher hourly pay
Research and PhD roles	STEM graduates, researchers, academic scholars	University research jobs, often linked with grants and international collaborations
Internship programs	Freshers and recent graduates	Paid internships that lead to full-time opportunities, highly valued by Dutch employers
Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) jobs	Experienced professionals listed under shortage occupations Netherlands	Fast-track visa processing, minimum salary thresholds, and long-term career prospects

So if you are aiming for fields hiring in Netherlands 2025, it is smart to align your plans with sectors that offer highly skilled migrant roles.

Internships and research opportunities are also gaining popularity for students and young graduates moving to Europe.

Once you finish your course, getting hired becomes the next goal. Here’s a helpful guide on jobs in the Netherlands for Indian students.

If you're still exploring, check career opportunities abroad to see what suits your skills.

Need help during your studies? Here's how to find part-time jobs abroad.

How to Find Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

Landing jobs in Netherlands for Indian citizens requires a clear plan and a smart strategy. Here’s what has worked best for Indian applicants in 2025:

Use Popular Job Portals to Search Jobs from India

Most Dutch companies prefer posting vacancies on trusted online platforms. If you are targeting English-speaking jobs in Netherlands, these portals should be your first step:

Job Portal	What You’ll Find
Indeed.nl	Jobs across IT, healthcare, logistics, and education
LinkedIn Netherlands	Direct postings by companies, recruiter outreach, networking events
IamExpat Jobs	Roles specially curated for expats, including tech and healthcare
Together Abroad	Openings across engineering, supply chain, marketing, and hospitality

Setting up customized job alerts saves you time and ensures you apply early to new listings.

Work with Specialized Recruitment Agencies for Jobs In Netherlands

Good agencies often prep you for Dutch-style interviews — which are shorter, more direct, and focused on cultural fit as much as technical skill. If you need advice on the Netherlands work visa process, these agencies can also point you to employers with official sponsorship licenses.

Build a Strong Professional Network for Jobs In Netherlands

A personal referral often moves your application ahead of hundreds of online submissions. So it makes sense to:

• Attend Meetups and professional events around your industry
• Join expat groups like Indians in Netherlands, Eindhoven Indian Association
• Participate in online communities like IamExpat forums and LinkedIn Netherlands groups

The Indian community jobs Netherlands network is strong across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and The Hague. Many job leads travel through personal WhatsApp groups or community events before they even appear online.

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Jobs In Netherlands

Your LinkedIn profile acts like a public resume for Dutch recruiters.

If you are serious about how to get a job in Netherlands from India, focus on these quick improvements:

• Headline: Be clear about your skills and your relocation plans (e.g., "Java Developer | Cloud Specialist | Open to Netherlands Opportunities")
• Summary: Highlight certifications and skills that match fields hiring in Netherlands 2025
• Experience: Include international projects, team leadership, or client work
• Certifications: Add credentials like AWS, PMP, IFRS for more visibility
• Location Settings: Select “Netherlands” or "Open to Relocation" to appear in local recruiter searches
• Recommendations: Request testimonials from previous managers or clients

Small updates like these create a major impact on your job visibility.

Employers looking for tech jobs in Netherlands for Indians often shortlist candidates directly through LinkedIn searches.

Eligibility for Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

When applying for jobs in Netherlands for Indian citizens, your eligibility depends on education, experience, language skills, and sponsorship status.

Education Requirements for Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

Degrees matter a lot in the Netherlands. Employers usually look for candidates whose academic background fits the job closely, especially for highly skilled roles.

Sector	Minimum Education Required
IT and Software	Bachelor’s in Computer Science, IT, or related fields
Engineering	Bachelor’s in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
Healthcare	Bachelor’s in Nursing, Physiotherapy, or equivalent (plus Dutch healthcare registration if needed)
Finance and Accounting	Bachelor’s in Commerce, Accounting, or internationally recognized CA/CPA
Research and Academia	Master’s or PhD; research experience preferred

Sectors like tech, engineering, and finance — all part of fields hiring in Netherlands 2025 — heavily prefer STEM qualifications.

Work Experience Requirements by Industry for Jobs In Netherlands

Dutch employers focus heavily on practical experience. Your past work history often matters as much as your degrees.

Field	Minimum Work Experience Preferred
IT and Software	2–5 years depending on specialization
Engineering	3–5 years plus project exposure
Healthcare	2+ years in clinical practice
Finance and Accounting	2–4 years in multinational or global settings
Logistics and Supply Chain	2–3 years managing inventory, transport, or planning

Candidates with fewer years of experience usually target internships, junior roles, or graduate programs.

Language Skills for Jobs in Netherlands

English fluency is enough for most roles in multinational companies. However, industries like healthcare, legal, and education sometimes expect Dutch language skills too.

Field	Language Requirement
IT and Tech	English fluency works
Engineering	English preferred; Dutch helpful for site operations
Healthcare	Dutch (B1/B2 level) required for patient-facing roles
Logistics and Retail	English preferred in global firms
Finance and Consulting	English mandatory; Dutch gives advantage in client-facing work

When aiming for English-speaking jobs in Netherlands, targeting multinational employers increases your chances.

Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Eligibility for Indians Looking for Jobs In Netherlands

The Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSM) offers a fast-track work visa for professionals meeting salary and sponsor conditions. It’s a popular route for mid-senior level Indian professionals in IT, finance, and engineering.

Key points:

• Job offer must come from an IND-recognized sponsor.
• Expected gross salary (2025):
  • € 5,688 (₹4.76 lakh) per month for those above 30
  • € 4,171 (₹3.49 lakh) per month for those below 30
• The role must fit into recognized shortage fields such as IT, data science, or mechanical engineering.

Many offers for tech jobs in Netherlands for Indians come bundled with HSM visa sponsorship.

Certifications That Help Indian Candidates with Jobs In Netherlands

Professional certifications strongly boost your chances, especially if you are competing for roles in hot sectors.

Certification	Sector
AWS, Azure, Google Cloud	IT, Cloud Development
PMP, PRINCE2	Project Management, Engineering
ACCA, CPA, CFA	Finance, Accounting
Six Sigma, Lean Management	Logistics, Operations
ISTQB, Scrum Master	Software Testing, Agile Teams

Candidates applying for fields hiring in Netherlands 2025 benefit by adding globally recognized certifications to their profiles.

Work Visa Requirements for Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

After securing a job offer, the next step is understanding the Netherlands work visa process clearly. Your visa type depends on your employment status, salary, and employer recognition.

Types of Work Visas Indian Candidates Can Apply For Jobs In Netherlands

Here are the most relevant visa types when aiming for jobs in Netherlands for Indian citizens:

Visa Type	Purpose
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa	For experienced professionals with above-threshold salaries
Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa	For graduates of Dutch universities or top 200 world universities
Employer-Sponsored Permit	For candidates whose Dutch employer handles visa sponsorship directly

The Highly Skilled Migrant visa remains the most common route for Indians relocating for work.

Documents Needed for a Netherlands Work Visa

Organizing your documents early avoids last-minute issues.

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

Document	Key Points
Valid passport	Valid for at least 6 months post-travel
Job contract	Must mention salary, role, and sponsor status
Academic degree certificates	May require validation by Dutch authorities
Proof of experience	Employer letters listing job duties and durations
Health insurance	Mandatory before arrival
Language test results	Only for roles needing Dutch fluency

Double-check every document against visa checklists published by IND Netherlands.

Visa Application Timeline and Steps for Jobs In Netherlands

Once your employer initiates the process, the timeline generally looks like this:

Stage	Estimated Time
Employer submits permit request	2–4 weeks
IND Netherlands reviews application	Up to 90 days
Visa stamping and travel booking	1–2 weeks post-approval

Applying early ensures you can move smoothly through onboarding and relocation timelines.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Visa Approval

Small mistakes can delay or even deny a work visa application. Here’s how you can maximize your approval chances.

• Confirm your employer is on the recognized sponsor list by IND Netherlands.
• Match your resume and offer letter precisely — job title, duties, and salary must align.
• Translate all certificates professionally if not already in English or Dutch.
• Prepare complete employment proofs; missing experience details can trigger rejections.
• Apply for your work permit at least three months before your planned start date.

So, planning ahead improves your visa success rate and gives you peace of mind before relocating.

How Indians Can Apply for Jobs in Netherlands

For jobs in Netherlands for Indian citizens, Dutch employers expect candidates to show clear skills, a strong CV, and a professional attitude throughout the hiring process.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Jobs in Netherlands from India

Step	Action Required
1	Research industries matching your skills and shortlist companies hiring Indians
2	Search for jobs using trusted portals like LinkedIn Netherlands, Indeed.nl, IamExpat Jobs
3	Create a Dutch-style CV and tailored cover letter for each application
4	Apply directly to roles; maintain a simple tracker for follow-ups
5	Prepare for direct, no-nonsense interviews often held over video
6	Complete degree evaluations if needed through Nuffic (for specific fields)
7	Accept the job offer; confirm employer sponsorship for the Netherlands work visa process
8	Finalize visa documents and plan your relocation timeline carefully

How to Create a Dutch-Style CV and Cover Letter

Dutch employers expect resumes that are short, factual, and achievement-driven. A clean, two-page format with minimal design works best when applying for fields hiring in Netherlands 2025.

Important CV tips:

• List work experience in reverse chronological order
• Focus on specific results (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”)
• Add certifications like AWS, PMP, or ACCA under a separate section
• Mention English proficiency and any basic Dutch skills if relevant

Cover letters must be brief and specific. Clearly state why you are a fit for the job and why you are relocating to the Netherlands.

Credential Evaluations for Indian Degrees

Some employers ask for degree evaluations, especially in sectors like engineering, research, and healthcare. Nuffic handles official credential verification in the Netherlands.

Important facts:

• Evaluation may take 4–6 weeks
• Required mainly if your job title falls under regulated professions
• Having an evaluated degree can strengthen your Highly Skilled Migrant visa application

Candidates applying to tech jobs in Netherlands for Indians often skip this unless the employer specifically requests it.

Challenges Indians Face — and How to Solve Them

Challenge	Practical Solution
Gaps in work experience	List freelance projects, online certifications, or short-term contracts to bridge gaps
Language barrier	Target English-speaking jobs in Netherlands through multinational companies
Understanding Dutch work culture	Research workplace expectations — Dutch companies value directness, independence, and balanced work-life
Slow responses from employers	Follow up politely after 10–14 days; hiring decisions often take longer compared to India

Future Trends in Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

The Dutch job market in 2025–26 will focus on sectors facing skill shortages and infrastructure demands. Indian professionals with experience in technology, healthcare, logistics, and engineering will find clear opportunities.

Sector/Trend	Relevance for Indians	2025–26 Insight/Stat
Technology and AI	Strong demand for software developers, cloud engineers, AI specialists	Over 40,000 tech vacancies expected in 2025
Healthcare	Ongoing shortage of nurses, lab technicians, elderly care workers	135,000 healthcare vacancies projected by 2026
Green Energy	Hiring in wind energy, solar tech, sustainable construction	Netherlands targets 70% renewable energy share by 2030
Logistics and Supply Chain	Need for warehouse managers, transport planners, supply chain analysts	Port of Rotterdam expansion to create 7,500+ jobs
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)	Shortfall of project managers and engineers for public infrastructure projects	€7 billion investment in infrastructure planned

Still figuring out how to land your first job abroad?

Here’s a guide on how to get a job abroad that breaks down everything you need to know.

How upGrad Helps You Prepare for Jobs in Netherlands for Indians

upGrad supports Indian students and professionals who want to work in the Netherlands. Our team helps you understand the Netherlands work visa process, prepare Dutch-style CVs, and get ready for interviews. We guide you in choosing the right courses, industries, and cities based on your career goals.

If you need help with language preparation or credential evaluations, we provide expert resources. You can also get advice on salary expectations and shortage occupations Netherlands companies are hiring for.

Need help planning your move to the Netherlands? Get free counseling with upGrad experts.

Want to upgrade your skills while applying? Start with free courses.