There are still more job vacancies than unemployed people in the labour market in the Netherlands. According to the CBS (Central Bureau for Statistics Netherlands), the tension is slightly lower than in previous years, but there are still 101 jobs for every 100 unemployed people. This means that there is still a shortage in the job market in the Netherlands.
According to the UWV (info in Dutch), the number of jobs in the information and communication sectors, specialized business services, and healthcare and welfare will increase in the coming years. Despite modest job growth, the UWV expects many vacancies to continue to arise due to retirements or job changes.
Percentage development in the number of jobs for employees and self-employed per sector (source: UWV Labour Market Forecast 2024-2027)
Growth sectors in the Dutch job market
Information and communication sector
According to the UWV, the IT sector will grow in the coming years. AI will play an increasingly important role in society, which requires investments from companies. Many people will also need to retrain.
The pressure on internet security is also expected to lead to growth in this sector in the coming years. The Netherlands wants to become more independent so that geopolitical and economic tensions have less impact.
At Anywr Netherlands, we support many IT professionals each year. We handle immigration procedures and help employees get off to a good start in the Netherlands.
Specialized business services sector
This sector includes management consultancy and engineering firms, accountants, consultants, and legal service providers. The number of jobs in this sector has been growing rapidly since 2021. The UWV expects this growth to continue in the medium term.
In recent years, Anywr Netherlands has seen an increase in the number of employees recruited from abroad for the business services sector. We support both their immigration and relocation to the Netherlands.
Healthcare and welfare
Employment in this sector has increased in recent years, partly due to population growth and ageing. This sector will continue to grow in the near future, especially in nursing, care, and home care.
In this sector, we have not yet seen major developments involving employees being recruited from abroad. Given the growing shortages, we can imagine this will happen in the near future. We are ready.
Personnel from abroad in the labour market in the Netherlands
One solution to attract specialised personnel is to look beyond borders. Many highly educated people (highly skilled migrants) from other countries are interested in working in the Netherlands.
This offers employers a larger recruitment pool, and for employees, it provides an opportunity to develop internationally.
Working with Highly Skilled Migrants
Do you consider to employ Highly Skilled Migrants? Important to know is that there is a distinction between EU and non EU citzens.
Given the competitive housing market and the challenges of relocation, we strongly recommend offering support with home finding and, if possible, settling-in services to all Highly Skilled Migrants coming from abroad. This not only improves the employee experience but also accelerates their integration and productivity.
EU Nationals – streamlined onboarding
Hiring Highly Skilled Migrants who hold an EU passport is straightforward. No immigration procedure is required. The only legal obligations are:
- Local registration with the municipality
- Basic Dutch health insurance
Non-EU Nationals – immigration requirements apply
For Highly Skilled Migrants from outside the EU, your company must meet specific conditions:
- Be a recognized sponsor with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), you can check if your company already holds this status in the public register of recognized sponsors.
- If your company is not a recognized sponsor (yet), hiring non-EU citzens is still possible, for example with the EU Blue Card.
- Offer a gross monthly salary that meets the minimum threshold set annually
As of January 1, 2025, the monthly salary thresholds (gross salaries and excluding 8% holiday allowance) for the Highly Skilled Migrant procedure are:
- €5.688 for employees aged 30 and older
- €4.171 for employees under 30
- €2.989 for recent graduates from Dutch higher education institutions with a search year permit
For the EU Blue Card there is just one salary requirement for all; € 5.688. With a recognized sponsorship the applications will run (much faster) than without, but it is still possible to use this procedure.
The above mentioned salaries must be fixed, paid monthly via bank transfer, and documented through payslips. Variable components like bonuses or overtime are excluded unless contractually guaranteed and regularly paid.
How Anywr Netherlands can support you
At Anywr Netherlands, we guide companies step by step through the relocation process — from visa and 30% ruling applications, to housing and integration. With our expertise in international mobility and knowledge of Dutch regulations, we ensure a smooth and efficient process so your new employee feels at home quickly. Want to know more? Send a message via the chat or to info.nl@anywr-group.com.
