The Netherlands, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and thriving agricultural sector, offers a wealth of seasonal job opportunities for non-EU and international workers. Whether you’re seeking a temporary respite from your regular routine or looking to gain valuable experience, tapping into the Netherlands’ vibrant seasonal job market can be a rewarding endeavor.
In this article, we’ll explore the steps you can take to secure a seasonal job in the Netherlands as a non-EU/international worker.
Understand the Seasonal Worker Visa
The first crucial step is to familiarize yourself with the Netherlands’ seasonal worker visa program. This visa allows non-EU citizens to work in the Netherlands for up to 24 weeks per year, making it an ideal option for those seeking short-term employment. The visa is typically used for jobs in industries such as agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.
Leverage Job Search Websites
Utilizing job search websites that specialize in seasonal and agricultural/horticultural work can be an effective way to find openings in the Netherlands. Platforms like EURES (the European Job Mobility Portal), Seasonal.jobs, and SeasonalJobs.eu often feature a range of seasonal opportunities across the country.
Connect with Recruitment Agencies
Reaching out to recruitment agencies that specialize in sourcing seasonal workers for Dutch employers can be a valuable strategy. Agencies such as Harvest Recruitment, Seasonal Solutions, and Huxley have extensive networks and can help match you with suitable seasonal positions.
Directly Contact Employers
Research Dutch companies in industries like farming, greenhouse/nurseries, and hospitality that commonly hire seasonal workers. Reaching out to them directly about potential job openings can be a proactive approach to finding employment.
Leverage Your Network
Connecting with expat groups, online forums, and social media communities focused on working in the Netherlands can provide valuable insights and lead to potential job opportunities. Tapping into your network can be a powerful way to uncover hidden seasonal job prospects.
Develop Language Skills
While proficiency in Dutch can be helpful, many seasonal jobs in the Netherlands may not require it, as English is widely spoken. However, making an effort to learn some basic Dutch can be advantageous and demonstrate your willingness to integrate into the local culture.
Time Your Job Search
Start your job search several months in advance of the typical seasonal hiring periods, which are often in the spring and summer. This will increase your chances of securing a position before the competition heats up.
Seasonal Job fields
- Picking strawberries in the greenhouse or under poly-tunnel Jobs
- Asparagus Jobs
- Vegetables Harvesting and Processing Jobs
- Harvesting flowers in the greenhouse Jobs
- Harvesting flowers in the field Jobs
- Picking strawberries in the field Jobs
- Picking Apples/pears Jobs
- Tree nursery Jobs
- Sorting flowers bulbs Jobs
Before starting the Job, You need the Following document
1- ID-proof
2- Civilian Service Number (BSN)
A BSN request is free of charge.
3. Health insurance
4. Accommodation
5. Bank account
6. Salary –
You can earn a minimum of Euro 405.30 per week in Netherland
How to Apply for Seasonal Jobs
First of all, You need
- Passport
- Personal information (CV)
- Valid E-mail address
- Personal Phone number
- Work experience
- Language skills – English or Dutch
The IND advises you to have your employer apply in the Netherlands. Your employer must apply to the IND for the MVV and the single permit at the same time. Your employer must submit the application in writing by post. You may also apply yourself to the Dutch embassy or consulate abroad.
You may need to apply for a work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV) on their behalf. Stay for more than 90 days: If the employee will be working in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, they will need a residence permit and a work permit.
Prominent organizations like Shell, Phillips, Unilever, and ING are known sponsors of work visas in the country. The Dutch government maintains a list of approved sponsors, who have the ability to request residence permits for individuals such as employees or students.
You may definitely work in the Netherlands if you come from another European Union (EU) country. If you don’t, there are conditions. For example, you need a work permit. There are also special rules for certain groups, such as students, knowledge migrants and students.
Many applicants file for a Dutch residence permit through the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme (HSM). You have two main options—either secure a sponsorship license and apply for the HSM yourself or use a visa organization like Deel to manage the application on your behalf.
The Dutch immigration laws are designed to regulate and control the entry and stay of foreign nationals. To convert a visit visa into a work permit, you would typically need to have a job offer from a Dutch employer. This employer would need to be recognized by the Dutch immigration authorities as a sponsor.