Netherlands Blog Series – Part 1

For professionals looking to advance their careers in Europe, the Netherlands continues to be an attractive hub. Interest in the Netherlands is growing steadily due to factors such as the widespread use of English, diversity policies, work culture, and a balanced lifestyle. In this first article of our Succefy Netherlands Blog series, we share the most up-to-date information and key strategies for expats seeking employment in the Netherlands in 2025.

Why the Netherlands?

1. High English Proficiency: The Netherlands ranks among the top European countries where English is widely used in the workplace. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, the Netherlands has been in the top 3 globally for years and currently ranks 1st.
2. Presence of International Companies: Major global companies such as Philips, Heineken, Randstad, Booking.com, and ING have important hubs in the Netherlands. Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven host major employers in the tech and finance sectors. Opportunities in emerging regions such as Limburg are also noteworthy.
3. Startup and Scale-up Ecosystem: The Netherlands is one of Europe's most active startup hubs. In 2023 alone, more than 1,500 new tech startups were established.
4. Work-Life Balance: According to OECD data, the Netherlands ranks among the top countries in the world for work-life balance.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: The country is highly open to ethnic and cultural diversity.

Current data shows that approximately 25% of the population in the Netherlands has a migrant background. The largest minority group in the country is Turks (2.44%). As of 2024, 457,100 Turks live in the Netherlands. These figures indicate that individuals of Turkish descent form the largest minority group in the Netherlands, providing a significant advantage in terms of community support. Following them are communities from Morocco, Indonesia, Suriname, and Poland.

I Want to Work in the Netherlands but I'm Not an EU Citizen. What Should I Do?

If you are not a citizen of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you will need a residence and work permit to work in the Netherlands:

• Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM): The most common program for qualified professionals.
• Startup Visa / Self-employed Scheme: An alternative route for entrepreneurs.

In this article, we will focus on the HSM program for those planning to move to the Netherlands as expats.

Sign-up for Free and Instantly Build Your Resume for Jobs in the Netherlands

What Is HSM (Highly Skilled Migrant)?

The Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) program is a special immigration category developed by the Dutch government to attract qualified professionals to the country. It is the most commonly used path for non-EU professionals to work in the Netherlands.

What Are the Requirements to Work as an HSM?

To qualify for the HSM program, you must meet the following salary thresholds.

HSM Salary Thresholds for 2025:

• Professionals aged 30 and above: Minimum €5,688 / month (gross)
• Professionals under 30: Minimum €4,171 / month (gross)

To apply for the HSM program, you must be hired by an employer based in the Netherlands who is recognized by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). Your application will be submitted by the company hiring you.

What Is the 30% Tax Ruling?

The Netherlands offers a unique tax advantage to attract international talent. The 30% ruling allows eligible foreign employees to receive 30% of their gross salary tax-free.

Who Can Benefit from the 30% Tax Ruling?

To be eligible for the 30% tax ruling while working in the Netherlands, you must meet the following conditions:

General Requirements:

• You must have lived at least 150 kilometers from the Dutch border for at least 16 of the 24 months before starting the job. Therefore, applicants from Belgium, Luxembourg, some regions of Germany, France, and the UK are generally not eligible.
• You must be employed by a Dutch company, and your employer must apply for the benefit on your behalf.
• The job must be a skilled position that meets specific minimum salary criteria.

If You Previously Worked in the Netherlands:

If you previously benefited from the 30% ruling and are returning to the Netherlands, you may still be eligible if the following conditions apply:

• Your previous job in the Netherlands must have started less than 5 years ago.
• You must have met the 150 km rule at that time.
• You must either have had an approved 30% ruling certificate or be able to prove you met the conditions at that time.

Special Case for PhD Graduates:

If you will pursue a PhD in the Netherlands and lived outside the 150 km zone for at least 16 of the 24 months prior to your research, you can benefit from this advantage. A short stay in the Netherlands during or after the PhD will not invalidate this benefit. For more details, you can visit the Dutch Tax Authority's (Belastingdienst) website.

2027 Update:

The 30% rate will be reduced to 27% starting in 2027.

How Does the 30% Tax Ruling Work?

For example, if your annual gross salary is €66,660, 30% of that (€19,998) will be exempt from tax. This adds approximately €555 per month to your net salary. Since this helps offset the high tax rates in the Netherlands, the 30% ruling is highly valued among expats.

Which Sectors Have More Job Opportunities in the Netherlands?

Due to a shortage of skilled workers in certain sectors, the Dutch labor market is more open to international professionals. In these sectors, the job search process is usually quicker and more accessible. However, your CV, language skills, and visa eligibility play a crucial role in the evaluation of your applications. In 2025, the following fields stand out for expats looking for work in the Netherlands:

• Information Technology (Software, Data, AI)
• Engineering (Energy, Mechanical, Construction)
• Finance and Accounting
• Digital Marketing and E-commerce
• Logistics and Supply Chain

Sign-up for Free and Instantly Build Your Resume for Jobs in the Netherlands

What’s Next in the Blog Series?

In the next parts of our blog series, we will share a comprehensive guide on which sectors and areas of expertise are concentrated in which cities and regions in the Netherlands.

You’ll also find effective CV preparation strategies aligned with Dutch employer expectations and hiring practices.

This article was written by the Succefy career team. All rights reserved. It may not be published on another website, even with citation, without permission.