Finding work in the Netherlands without Dutch language skills

The Netherlands consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international professionals. Its strong economy, high quality of life, vibrant multicultural cities, and innovative industries draw talent from across the globe. However, a common question from international job seekers is: “Do I need to speak Dutch to find a job?” The answer, encouragingly, is no, not always. It is absolutely possible to secure employment in the Netherlands without Dutch language skills, but it requires a strategic approach and an understanding of where English thrives in the Dutch job market.

This article will walk you through the realities, strategies, and essential tips for successfully finding English-speaking work in the Netherlands.

Sectors where English and other languages are valued

One of the Netherlands’ distinct advantages is its remarkably high English proficiency. The Dutch consistently rank among the top non-native English-speaking countries globally according to the EF English Proficiency Index.

While English is widely spoken throughout the country, the concentration of opportunities is not equal. The Randstad area, which includes Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, is the primary hub for English-speaking roles due to its density of international corporations, startups, and headquarters. Beyond the Randstad, cities like Eindhoven are rapidly growing as major technology and innovation centers, significantly increasing their demand for non-Dutch speaking technical talent. On the other hand, finding English-only employment can be much more difficult in the far North, South and East, where there are fewer opportunities and local language skills are more frequently required.

Key sectors where English is frequently the primary working language:

• Tech/IT: This is arguably the most accessible sector for non-Dutch speakers. Software development, data science, AI, cybersecurity, and IT support roles often operate entirely in English.
• Finance & FinTech: With major financial institutions and a growing FinTech scene, roles in investment banking, asset management, and financial technology startups frequently require English proficiency for international clients and teams.
• Consultancy: Management, IT, and strategy consulting firms serve multinational clients, making English the primary language of communication and collaboration.
• Startup Scene: Cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht boast dynamic startup ecosystems that are often “born global,” operating in English from day one to attract diverse talent and international funding.
• Marketing & Sales (International Focus): Roles specifically targeting global markets or international clients will naturally require fluent English, and often other languages, but not necessarily Dutch.
• Customer Service (Multilingual): Many companies operating internationally have dedicated customer service teams that cater to non-Dutch-speaking customers, creating demand for multilingual agents.
• Research & Academia: Universities, research institutes, and scientific organisations are highly international environments where English is the standard for collaboration, publications, and lectures.
• Logistics & Supply Chain: Given the Netherlands’ role as a major European logistics hub with large ports (Rotterdam) and airports (Schiphol), many roles in international logistics and supply chain management operate predominantly in English.
• Shared Service Centers & Headquarters: Numerous multinational corporations have their European or global headquarters and shared service centers in the Netherlands, where English is the official company language.

Beyond these sectors, life sciences, renewable energy, consulting, digital marketing, hospitality and tourism all have English-speaking opportunities, particularly within international companies or firms with global clients. The pattern is clear: wherever businesses serve international markets or struggle to find Dutch-speaking talent, they adapt.

That said, certain sectors remain challenging without Dutch. Education (outside universities), healthcare, government, legal services, and traditional Dutch SMEs typically require Dutch language skills. Understanding where you’ll face barriers is as important as knowing where doors are open.

Tailoring your job search to the Dutch market

Finding work in the Netherlands requires more than uploading your CV to job boards and waiting. The Dutch job market has its own rhythms, and success comes from understanding where and how opportunities surface.

Target the right roles

Focusing on the right companies and roles matters more than sending hundreds of applications. Research which organisations have English as their working language. Scale-ups and international companies are obvious targets, but don’t overlook Dutch companies with international clients.

Job boards and networking

Job boards should be your starting point, but not all platforms are equal. LinkedIn and Indeed dominate the Dutch professional landscape. Indeed has the largest number of total job postings and the highest visitor traffic for general job hunting. It operates as a job aggregator, pulling listings from thousands of company websites and other job boards. The platform allows you to cast a wide net and get some insights into the company you’re applying to, such as employee reviews and estimated salary ranges.

LinkedIn is essential for professional networking and is better suited for targeting specialised roles. We highly encourage you to actively build your presence there and search for relevant English-speaking opportunities. Optimise your profile with relevant keywords, clear summaries, and showcase recommendations. Highlight any international experience or cross-cultural communication skills you have.

LinkedIn isn’t just a job board in the Netherlands – it’s where professionals actively engage, share insights, and make connections. Comment thoughtfully on posts in your industry, share relevant articles, and reach out to people for brief chats about their career path and industry insights. This is a great way to expand your network organically.

You can also leverage LinkedIn to connect with recruiters working in your target industries, professionals in companies you admire, and fellow expats. Participate in relevant groups and discussions.

Work with recruitment agencies

Connect with international and multilingual recruitment agencies such as Adams Multilingual Recruitment. We have established relationships with companies open to non-Dutch speakers and can provide valuable guidance on presenting yourself to Dutch employers. We understand both the candidate perspective and what local companies actually need, bridging gaps that individual job seekers might struggle to cross alone.

Attend events and join communities

Various in-person networking opportunities exist throughout the Netherlands. Meetup groups cover everything from tech and startups to marketing and entrepreneurship. Many cities have international professional networks, and industry-specific events regularly take place in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

Integrating into the Dutch work life: The role of language

While English can get you the job, understanding the role of Dutch in the broader work and social context is important for long-term success.

• Professional vs. social: In many international work environments, English is the official language for meetings, emails, and formal communication. However, Dutch might still be used for informal team interactions, company announcements, or communication with local clients/suppliers.
• Career progression: For senior leadership roles, positions requiring extensive direct interaction with Dutch-speaking clients or government entities, or roles outside very specific international niches, Dutch proficiency often becomes highly beneficial, if not essential. It can open more doors for advancement.
• Daily life & integration: Learning some Dutch basics helps you settle in and integrate faster. It makes daily tasks, like dealing with the gemeente or reading letters from your insurer, far easier.
• It’s a marathon, not a sprint: Don’t feel pressured to become fluent overnight. Starting with basic phrases and showing a willingness to learn goes a long way in demonstrating your commitment to living in the Netherlands.

Making it work in the Netherlands

Finding work in the Netherlands without Dutch language skills is an achievable goal for many international professionals. Success comes from understanding where you fit in the market and presenting yourself accordingly.

• Target sectors and companies where your language skills are assets rather than gaps to overcome.
• Craft your applications to meet Dutch expectations – concise, clear, and professional.
• Approach interviews with the directness and authenticity that Dutch workplace culture values.
• Once you land a role, invest in understanding and adapting to Dutch professional norms while maintaining your unique international perspective.

At Adams, we have a highly international team with over 15 nationalities. Each one of our team members was once a job seeker starting a new chapter in the Netherlands. Now it’s our mission to connect the right talent with the right opportunities. If you are seeking a role at an international company in the Netherlands, we encourage you to explore our open roles or submit an open application today.