Finding a job in the Netherlands as a foreigner can be a great opportunity, especially if you have skills that are in demand. The Netherlands has a large international business sector, and many Dutch companies employ workers from different countries.
For people outside the European Union, however, getting a job is only part of the process. You also need to understand the Dutch immigration requirements and identify employers that are able to sponsor international workers.
In 2026, several major Dutch companies continue to recruit internationally, particularly in technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, logistics and other specialized industries.
Here are some Dutch companies worth considering if you are looking for employment in the Netherlands from abroad.
1. ASML
ASML is one of the biggest technology companies in the Netherlands and is a major employer of international professionals.
The company develops advanced equipment used by semiconductor manufacturers around the world. Its headquarters are in Veldhoven, Netherlands.
ASML hires workers in areas such as:
- Software engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Data science
- Systems engineering
- Manufacturing
- Research and development
- Supply chain
- Project management
- Information technology
Because ASML operates internationally, English is widely used in many professional roles.
If you have a background in engineering, computer science, physics or another technical field, ASML can be an attractive company to research.
2. Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the Netherlands’ most internationally recognized technology companies.
The company is headquartered in Amsterdam and employs people from many different countries.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Software development
- Data science
- Product management
- Marketing
- Finance
- Customer operations
- Human resources
- Business development
- Account management
Many positions are conducted in English, which can make the company attractive to international applicants.
If you have technology or business experience, check Booking.com’s careers page regularly for vacancies in Amsterdam and other locations.
3. Philips
Philips is a major Dutch multinational with a strong presence in healthcare technology.
The company has operations in several countries and employs professionals from different backgrounds.
Potential jobs include:
- Software engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Healthcare technology
- Research
- Data analysis
- Product development
- Supply chain
- Quality management
- Project management
Philips is particularly worth considering if you have experience in engineering, healthcare technology, computer science or scientific research.
4. Adyen
Adyen is a Dutch financial technology company headquartered in Amsterdam.
The company provides payment technology to businesses around the world and has an international workforce.
Possible career areas include:
- Software engineering
- Data
- Product management
- Risk management
- Finance
- Compliance
- Sales
- Operations
Adyen is also included in the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service’s register of recognised sponsors.
This can be important for qualified workers from outside the EU who require sponsorship under the Highly Skilled Migrant route.
5. ING
ING is one of the Netherlands’ major financial institutions and has operations across several countries.
International applicants can find opportunities in areas such as:
- Banking
- Software development
- Cybersecurity
- Data analysis
- Finance
- Risk management
- Compliance
- Business analysis
- Information technology
Technology professionals can be particularly well suited to international roles within large financial institutions.
If you have banking, finance or technology experience, ING is worth adding to your list of potential employers.
6. Shell
Shell has a significant presence in the Netherlands and operates as a global energy company.
The company employs professionals across technical and business functions.
Potential positions include:
- Engineers
- Software specialists
- Data professionals
- Project managers
- Finance professionals
- Researchers
- Energy specialists
- IT professionals
Applicants with engineering or technical qualifications may find more opportunities than people looking for general entry-level work.
7. Unilever
Unilever is another major international company with Dutch roots and significant operations in the Netherlands.
The company recruits professionals in areas such as:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Supply chain
- Technology
- Data
- Human resources
- Product development
- Business management
Because Unilever operates internationally, some positions can be suitable for professionals from different countries.
When searching, focus on positions based in the Netherlands and check whether the specific vacancy is open to candidates who require sponsorship.
8. KLM
KLM is one of the Netherlands’ best-known companies and a major employer in the aviation industry.
The company has opportunities across different departments, including:
- Engineering
- IT
- Data
- Finance
- Aviation operations
- Management
- Customer operations
- Technical services
However, aviation positions can have specific requirements involving qualifications, security checks, licenses or language skills.
Read the requirements carefully before applying.
9. NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors is a major technology company with significant operations in the Netherlands.
The company works in semiconductor manufacturing and electronics.
Potential jobs include:
- Hardware engineering
- Software engineering
- Semiconductor engineering
- Electronics
- Research and development
- Manufacturing
- Product engineering
- Technical management
People with backgrounds in electronics, electrical engineering, computer science and related technical disciplines should consider NXP when searching for Dutch jobs.
10. Picnic
Picnic is a Dutch online grocery and delivery company that operates in several European countries.
The company has opportunities in areas such as:
- Software development
- Data
- Logistics
- Operations
- Supply chain
- Product management
- Business analysis
Picnic Technologies B.V. is listed in the Dutch recognised-sponsor register.
This makes the company worth researching if you are a skilled professional living outside the EU.
11. TomTom
TomTom is a Dutch technology company known for navigation, mapping and location technology.
The company employs professionals in technology and product development.
Potential opportunities include:
- Software engineering
- Data science
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud technology
- Product development
- Mapping technology
- Research
- Technical project management
Technology professionals who have experience with software, data or artificial intelligence should regularly check TomTom’s career opportunities.
12. Coolblue
Coolblue is a major Dutch e-commerce company that operates in the Netherlands and other European markets.
The company employs people in several areas, including:
- Software development
- Technology
- Logistics
- Supply chain
- Marketing
- Finance
- Customer experience
- Operations
Coolblue is also included in the Dutch recognised-sponsor register.
However, being a recognised sponsor does not mean every position is available to workers who need sponsorship. You should check the requirements of each vacancy.
13. Mollie
Mollie is another Dutch fintech company that provides payment services to businesses.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Software engineering
- Data
- Product management
- Finance
- Risk
- Compliance
- Sales
- Customer operations
Applicants with financial technology, software development or financial services experience can investigate opportunities with the company.
14. Optiver
Optiver is a global trading and technology company with a major presence in Amsterdam.
It can be particularly interesting for professionals with strong mathematical and technical backgrounds.
Potential positions include:
- Software engineering
- Quantitative research
- Trading
- Data
- Risk management
- IT infrastructure
- Technology
People with backgrounds in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering or quantitative finance may find suitable opportunities.
15. Rabobank
Rabobank is a major Dutch financial institution with opportunities across banking and technology.
International professionals can look for jobs in:
- Finance
- Banking
- Data
- Software development
- Cybersecurity
- Risk management
- Compliance
- Business analysis
If you have experience in financial services or technology, check the company’s current vacancies for positions based in the Netherlands.
How to Find Dutch Companies Hiring Foreign Workers
One of the best ways to find Dutch companies that can sponsor international workers is to use the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) Public Register of Recognised Sponsors.
The register contains organisations that have been officially recognised as sponsors for different immigration purposes.
For people interested in the Highly Skilled Migrant route, checking this register can save time because you can focus your job search on employers that are already familiar with the Dutch sponsorship system.
Search the company name in the register before assuming that it can sponsor you.
What Jobs Are Most Suitable for Foreign Workers?
If you are applying from outside the EU, your chances may be better if you have skills that are difficult for employers to find locally.
Some areas worth considering include:
| Industry | Example Jobs |
|---|---|
| Technology | Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Specialist |
| Engineering | Mechanical, Electrical and Software Engineer |
| Finance | Financial Analyst, Risk Specialist |
| Healthcare | Nurse, Doctor, Healthcare Specialist |
| Semiconductors | Hardware Engineer, Process Engineer |
| Logistics | Supply Chain Specialist, Logistics Manager |
| Research | Research Scientist, Technical Researcher |
| Energy | Energy Engineer, Technical Specialist |
Dutch labour-market information identifies shortages in several technical and professional sectors, including IT, healthcare, construction, engineering, energy and transport.
Can You Get a Dutch Job Without Experience?
Getting a sponsored job in the Netherlands without experience can be difficult, especially if you are applying from outside the EU.
An employer may have to go through additional procedures to employ someone who requires immigration sponsorship. Because of this, companies are more likely to consider candidates who have valuable skills, qualifications or professional experience.
If you have no experience, consider developing a skill before applying.
You could learn:
- Software development
- Data analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Digital marketing
- Engineering skills
- Technical trades
- Logistics
- Healthcare skills
Building practical experience can significantly improve your chances.
Do You Need to Speak Dutch?
Not always.
Many international companies in the Netherlands use English as a working language, particularly in technology, finance, engineering and multinational businesses.
However, knowing Dutch can increase the number of jobs available to you.
This is particularly important for positions involving:
- Customers
- Healthcare
- Government
- Local businesses
- Education
- Public services
Therefore, English may be enough for some international positions, but learning Dutch can give you an advantage.
How to Apply for Dutch Jobs From Abroad
If you live in Nigeria or another country outside the EU, you can begin your job search online.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose your occupation
Focus on jobs that match your qualifications and experience.
Step 2: Find recognised sponsors
Use the IND’s public register to identify companies that can act as recognised sponsors.
Step 3: Visit the company’s official careers page
Search for current vacancies in the Netherlands.
Step 4: Check the job requirements
Make sure your education, experience and skills match the position.
Step 5: Prepare your CV
Create a professional CV that highlights your relevant qualifications and achievements.
Step 6: Apply online
Submit your application through the company’s official recruitment website.
Step 7: Prepare for interviews
International applicants may complete interviews through video calls.
Step 8: Discuss sponsorship
If you are selected, the employer can explain whether the position qualifies for sponsorship and what immigration process applies.
Understanding the Highly Skilled Migrant Route
The Highly Skilled Migrant route is one of the main options for qualified workers from outside the EU.
Generally, you need an employment contract with a Dutch employer that is recognised by the IND as a sponsor.
You must also satisfy the applicable salary and other requirements.
The employer plays an important role in the application process.
This is why simply finding a Dutch company is not enough. You need to find an eligible position with an employer that can sponsor you under the relevant immigration route.
Beware of Fake Dutch Job Offers
Foreign workers should be very careful when searching for jobs online.
Scammers may advertise fake Netherlands jobs and promise visa sponsorship in exchange for money.
Be suspicious if someone promises:
- Guaranteed employment
- Guaranteed visa approval
- A job without an interview
- Very high salaries for simple jobs
- Sponsorship in exchange for a large upfront payment
- A Dutch job offer sent only through WhatsApp
Always verify the employer independently.
Do not send money to a recruiter simply because they claim they can arrange a Dutch work visa.
Final Thoughts
There are many Dutch companies with international workforces that are worth researching if you want to work in the Netherlands in 2026.
Some of the major names include ASML, Booking.com, Philips, Adyen, ING, Shell, Unilever, KLM, NXP Semiconductors, Picnic, TomTom, Coolblue, Mollie, Optiver and Rabobank.
The strongest opportunities for workers outside the EU are generally found in technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, semiconductor manufacturing, data, research and other specialized occupations.
If you are applying from abroad, don’t simply search for “jobs in the Netherlands.” Instead, identify recognised sponsors, visit their official career pages and look for positions that match your qualifications.
Most importantly, remember that a company being a recognised sponsor does not mean that every job it advertises comes with visa sponsorship. The specific position, your qualifications and the applicable Dutch immigration requirements all matter.
Before accepting an offer or paying a recruiter, verify the employer and check the latest requirements through the official Dutch immigration authorities.