20 Jobs That Boost Foreigners’ Chances of Obtaining a Dutch Work Visa
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. The Netherlands is experiencing shortages in over 190 occupations nationwide.
2. The most affected sectors include construction, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and IT.
3. Projections indicate the Netherlands will need an additional 10,000 foreign workers annually for construction from 2025 to 2027.
A recent EURES report by the European Labour Authority (ELA) has revealed that 195 professions in the Netherlands are currently experiencing a shortage of workers.
These shortages are widespread across various sectors, including hospitality, construction, cleaning, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, transportation, and engineering.
Foreign workers aiming to work in the Netherlands may find increased opportunities due to these shortages. Those in high-demand occupations are more likely to secure a work visa.
Based on the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses, here are some of the professions facing labor shortages in the Netherlands:
- Food and hospitality industry workers
- Cleaning workers
- Machine operators
- Manufacturing supervisors
- Professional drivers
- Transport conductors
- Skilled crafts and trade workers
- Nursing professionals
- Physiotherapists
- Dentists
- Pharmaceutical technicians and assistants
- Applications programmers
- Software developers
- Public relations professionals
- Accountants
- Teachers
- Construction managers
- Civil engineering laborers
- Engineers (electronic, electrical, mechanical, civil, etc.)
- Security and prison guards
Country Will Need More Construction Workers to Address Labor Shortages
According to the EURES report, construction is one of the sectors consistently facing shortages in EU countries, including the Netherlands.
Projections by the Economic Institute for Construction (EIB) indicate that from 2025 to 2027, the Netherlands will require an additional 10,000 foreign workers annually in construction. This mirrors the level of foreign workers needed in 2018 and 2019. With the end of COVID-19 travel restrictions and a strong recovery in the supply of foreign workers, this target appears achievable.
Vera Uunk from the Economic Institute for Construction noted that higher salaries are a significant factor attracting international workers to this sector.
Netherlands Ranked Among 6 Countries with Highest Shortage of Occupations
The Netherlands is among the top six EU countries with the highest number of shortage occupations, alongside Norway, Belgium, Romania, Slovenia, and France, which together account for over half (53%) of all identified shortage occupations.
Conversely, the Netherlands reported only one surplus occupation: pet groomers and animal care workers.