Why build your career in the Netherlands?
One of Europe's most rewarding places to work — if you qualify. Here's what's actually on offer.
- 30%
- Max expat ruling in 2026
- 8%
- Statutory holiday allowance
- #7
- 2026 World Happiness Report
The money works differently here
The expat ruling (30%-regeling)
Qualifying highly skilled migrants can receive part of their gross salary tax-free. In 2026 the maximum is 30%. From 1 January 2027 it drops to a fixed 27% for the remaining term. Transitional rules apply depending on when your ruling started.
8% holiday allowance (vakantiegeld)
Dutch law entitles employees to a holiday allowance of at least 8% of gross annual salary, usually paid out in May. It is on top of your salary, not carved out of it.
Competitive gross salaries
Strong pay in tech, engineering, finance and life sciences, with strong employer pension contributions as standard.
Time is treated as yours
Statutory paid holiday
A statutory minimum of four times your weekly hours in paid holiday per year — 20 days for a full-time week. Many employers offer 25 to 30.
Part-time and hybrid by default
One of Europe's strongest part-time and hybrid working cultures. Compressed weeks and four-day arrangements are normal, not a favour.
Transport that genuinely works
Dense rail via NS, integrated with trams, metro and buses on a single OV-chipkaart, plus cycling infrastructure that makes a car optional in most cities.
A country people actually like living in
Ranked 7th in the 2026 World Happiness Report
First in Western Europe.
English is widely spoken
In workplaces and daily life, so you can be productive from day one while you learn Dutch.
A route that leads somewhere
Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) permit
The most common route, sponsored by an IND-recognised employer, with salary thresholds tiered by age and graduate status.
EU Blue Card
An alternative route with its own salary threshold, offering mobility rights across EU member states.
Permanent residence and citizenship
After five years of continuous legal residence you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence, and separately for Dutch citizenship.
See where you actually stand
Twelve questions against the current IND thresholds — an honest read on whether the highly skilled migrant route is open to you.