The Netherlands is a ultimate destination for job seekers: high wages, English-speaking culture, and an exceptional work-life balance. However, searching for unskilled jobs in Netherlands opportunity with visa sponsorship often feels like hitting a brick wall.
The internet is flooded with “too good to be true” ads promising visa sponsorship for warehouse packers or cleaners, while the reality of Dutch immigration law is far stricter. But this does not mean the door is closed. It means you must look for specific “shortage” sectors where the Dutch government allows exceptions to the rules.
While a standard factory role rarely qualifies for a work permit for non-EU citizens, industries like agriculture, specialized construction, and hospitality are facing such severe staff shortages that they are increasingly turning to international talent. This guide cuts through the noise to show you which “unskilled” or practical roles actually offer a legal pathway to Europe.
What You Need to Know About Unskilled Jobs in Netherlands
The most important thing to understand is that the Netherlands does not technically have a “general unskilled work visa.” Under Dutch law, employers must prove they cannot find a Dutch or EU citizen to do the job before hiring someone from outside Europe. This is known as the “labor market test.” Because of this, standard roles like supermarket cashiers or general office cleaners almost never get visa sponsorship.
However, there are two major loopholes to this rule. The first is Seasonal Work in Agriculture. The Netherlands is a global agricultural powerhouse and offers specific temporary visas (up to 24 weeks) for harvest workers because there are simply not enough locals to pick the crops.
The second loophole is Practical Skilled Trades. Jobs that some might consider “blue collar” or “manual labor”—like welding, CNC operating, or industrial cooking—are actually classified as “skilled shortages.” For these roles, agencies can often secure a Single Permit (GVVA) because the skills are in such high demand.
Therefore, to succeed, you must stop applying for “any” job and start applying for “shortage” jobs.
Eligibility
To qualify for these practical or seasonal roles, you must meet a specific set of criteria that goes beyond just being willing to work hard.
- Nationality: You must be from a country outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland (if you are inside the EU, you do not need sponsorship).
- Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a certificate of conduct (VOG) from your home country.
- Tuberculosis Test: Depending on your nationality, you may need to undergo a TB test upon arrival in the Netherlands.
- Job Offer: You cannot apply for the visa yourself; you must have a confirmed contract from a Dutch employer who is willing to apply for the GVVA or seasonal permit on your behalf.
- Return Guarantee (for Seasonal Work): You must prove strong ties to your home country (like family or property) to show you will return after the seasonal work finishes.
Salary to Expect from Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands
Dutch salaries are regulated by strict laws and Collective Labor Agreements (CAO), ensuring fair pay regardless of your nationality.
- Minimum Wage (2025): As of 2025, the statutory minimum wage for adults (21 years and older) is approximately €14.40 per hour.
- Monthly Earnings: For a standard full-time week (36-40 hours), this translates to a gross monthly salary of roughly €2,300 to €2,500.
- Holiday Allowance: On top of your salary, you are legally entitled to an 8% holiday allowance, paid out once a year (usually in May).
- Overtime and Shift Differential: If you work nights, weekends, or harvest shifts, you often receive “toeslag” (surcharges) that can boost your hourly rate to €18.00 or €20.00.
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Best Unskilled and Practical Job Opportunities in the Netherlands
The following sectors and agencies are your most realistic targets for legal entry into the Netherlands.
Seasonal Agriculture (Harvest Workers)
This is the most common legal route for workers without higher education degrees. The Netherlands needs thousands of workers for tulips, tomatoes, and peppers.
Agencies: LTO Arbeidskracht or specialized seasonal agencies like AB Werkt.
What they offer: Temporary contracts (usually 3 to 6 months) for harvesting crops, packing flowers, or working in greenhouses. Housing is often arranged by the employer (deducted from salary).
Why choose them: It is a legitimate visa pathway (Seasonal Worker Visa). While temporary, it allows you to earn Euros, gain European experience, and build a network.
Requirements: Physical fitness, willingness to work early mornings, and ability to speak basic English. No specific diploma is usually required.
Fees: You should never pay a recruitment fee. However, you may need to pay for your flight and initial visa processing fees (approx. €228), though some employers reimburse this.
OTTO Work Force (Technical & Logistics)
OTTO is one of the largest employment agencies in Europe. While they recruit heavily from within the EU, they have specialized divisions for technical roles that sometimes open up to non-EU citizens when shortages are critical.
What they offer: They hire for logistics (forklift drivers), production, and technical trades. While general “order picker” roles are usually EU-only, their “Technical” division recruits welders, CNC operators, and electricians from abroad.
Why choose them: They are a verified, massive employer that pays strictly according to Dutch law. They offer organized accommodation and transport for their workers.
Requirements: For the sponsorship-eligible roles, you need technical certification (e.g., a welding certificate) and good English skills.
Fees: Zero recruitment fees. Accommodation costs are deducted from your salary in compliance with Dutch law.
Hospitality and Kitchen Staff (Chefs & Cooks)
The Dutch hospitality sector is screaming for staff. While waiters are usually hired locally, qualified cooks and chefs are often brought in from abroad because it is considered a “skilled craft.”
Agencies: HRC International or direct applications to large hotel chains like Van der Valk or Accor.
What they offer: Roles as Chef de Partie, Commis Chef, or specialized cuisine cooks (e.g., Asian or Latin American cuisine specialists).
Why choose them: Hotels are often “Recognized Sponsors” (Erkend Referent) with the IND, making the visa process much faster (2-3 weeks).
Requirements: A culinary diploma or significant proven experience in a professional kitchen. English fluency is a must.
Fees: No recruitment fees.
Construction and Metal Workers
If you have “hands-on” skills, you are not considered unskilled in the Netherlands; you are considered a “vakman” (craftsman).
Agencies: Covebo or Haldu Groep.
What they offer: Jobs for carpenters, bricklayers, scaffolding builders, and welders.
Why choose them: Construction pays significantly higher than minimum wage—often €2,500 to €3,500 per month. These agencies are accustomed to handling the paperwork for foreign specialists.
Requirements: Vocational training certificate or several years of documented experience. VCA (safety) certification is often required, but agencies can help you get this.
Fees: No fees for the job. You may need to buy your own safety boots if not provided.
Check Out: Netherlands Visa Sponsorship Jobs in 2026 – 17 High Demanding Roles for Skilled Workers
How to Apply or Enroll
To successfully navigate unskilled jobs in Netherlands opportunity with visa sponsorship, you must follow a strict process.
Step 1: The Reality Check
Do not apply for “cleaner” or “packer” jobs on LinkedIn if you are outside the EU. You will likely be rejected automatically. Instead, reframe your CV to highlight specific practical skills. If you worked on a farm, highlight “agricultural machinery operation.” If you worked in a warehouse, highlight “forklift certification.”
Step 2: Targeted Agency Application
Go to the websites of agencies like AB Werkt (for agriculture) or Covebo (for construction). Look for their “International” or “Non-EU” sections. Submit an “Open Application” specifically mentioning your specialized practical skills.
Step 3: The Verification
If an agency contacts you, they will ask for your diplomas and certificates immediately. Have digital scans of your vocational training, safety certificates, and passport ready.
Step 4: The Visa Application
Once you have a contract, the employer applies for the work permit (GVVA). You do not do this yourself. You will simply wait for the approval letter, which you then take to the Dutch embassy in your home country to get your entry visa (MVV).
Requirements to Get Started
Before you start applying, ensure you have the basics ready.
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
English Proficiency
While Dutch is not required for these practical jobs, English is mandatory. You must be able to understand safety instructions. B1 level English is usually the minimum expectation.
Certificates
For technical roles, “experience” is often not enough; you need paper proof. If you are a welder, you need a coded welding certificate. If you are a forklift driver, you need a valid license.
Fees and Cost you Should Know of
Moving to the Netherlands is not free, even with a job offer.
Visa Fees
The employer usually pays the application fee to the IND (Immigration Service). However, you may need to pay for the legalization of your birth certificate and diplomas in your home country (approx. €50 – €150).
Accommodation
Most agencies providing these jobs offer “agency housing.” This is not free. Expect to pay between €400 and €500 per month for a room in a shared house. This is deducted directly from your salary.
Health Insurance
It is mandatory for everyone working in the Netherlands to have Dutch health insurance. The agency will usually set this up for you, costing approximately €130 – €150 per month, deducted from your salary.
Tips to Choose the Right Agency
Scams are rampant in this sector. Protect yourself with these tips.
Check the IND Sponsor List
Only companies listed on the “Public Register of Recognized Sponsors” by the Dutch IND can easily sponsor visas. If an agency promises you a visa but is not on this list, be very suspicious.
Never Pay for a Job
It is illegal for Dutch agencies to charge you a fee to find you work. If they ask for “registration fees,” “visa processing fees” (before a contract), or “guarantee money,” block them immediately.
Verify the “Accommodation Quality” mark
Legitimate agencies adhere to the SNF (Stichting Normering Flexwonen) standards for housing. Ask if their housing is SNF certified. This ensures you won’t be living in overcrowded or unsafe conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family with a seasonal work visa?
No. The seasonal work visa is strictly for you as the worker. It is a temporary permit (max 24 weeks), and it does not allow for family reunification.
Is it easy to switch from a seasonal visa to a permanent work visa?
It is difficult. Seasonal visas are designed to be temporary. To switch to a regular work permit, you would need to find a new job that meets the “highly skilled” criteria or a role where the employer can prove no EU workers are available, which is a high bar.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
For agriculture, logistics, and technical trades, English is sufficient. However, learning basic Dutch will make your life much easier and is respected by employers.
What happens if I get sick?
You are covered by Dutch labor law. If you get sick, you are entitled to continued payment of your salary (usually 70% or 100% depending on the contract) for up to two years, provided you follow the company doctor’s rules.
Can I work as a freelancer (ZZP) instead?
Working as a freelancer often requires a different visa (Self-Employed Person) which is much harder to get for low-skilled roles. It is safer and easier to start as an employee with a sponsor.
Are there age limits for these jobs?
There is no strict legal age limit, but the work is physically demanding. Employers generally prefer candidates who are physically fit enough to handle 8-hour shifts of manual labor.
Why do I see so many ads for “warehouse jobs with visa”?
Many of these are either scams or they are actually targeting EU citizens (who don’t need visas) but are marketed globally to get clicks. Always verify if they specifically sponsor “Non-EU” citizens.
Conclusion
Finding unskilled jobs in Netherlands opportunity with visa sponsorship requires you to be strategic rather than hopeful. The “general” door is closed, but the “shortage” door is open. By pivoting your focus toward seasonal agriculture, specialized construction, or technical trades, you align yourself with what the Dutch economy actually needs.
Your next step is to update your CV to highlight your physical and practical skills, check the websites of legitimate agencies like OTTO or AB Werkt, and ensure your passport is ready for travel. The opportunities are there, but they belong to those who apply for the right roles.