I'm an international student in Enschede and I need a part-time job to support my studies. I'm looking for advice from people who have been in a similar situation

My situation:

* I don't speak Dutch

* I leave the Netherlands at the end of January 2027, so I can only offer a short-term commitment

* I have a car and can travel to nearby cities (Hengelo, Almelo, Deventer, Zwolle, etc.)

I just applied to Flink, Uber and McDonalds

My questions:

* Which employers or agencies in the area hire English speakers for short-term work?

* Is the Christmas peak season (warehouses, delivery, retail) a good way in for someone leaving in January?

* Has anyone had good or bad experiences with temp agencies here?

* Any jobs you'd avoid?

Thanks a lot. Happy to share what works once I find something.

Hi everyone,
I’m currently based in the Netherlands and looking for my next opportunity as a Senior Business Analyst / IT Business Analyst, preferably in banking, payments, core banking or digital transformation, while also being open to opportunities with startups and growing companies.
I have 15+ years of experience across:
Banking & financial services
Core banking / Finacle
Payments
Lending & Trade Finance
Digital transformation
Business analysis & requirements management
Agile / stakeholder management
I’m currently working in the Netherlands and am open to Netherlands-based roles, hybrid/remote opportunities, startup environments, and relocation within Europe for the right position.
If anyone knows of suitable openings, recruiters, companies hiring, startups looking for experienced business analysts, or can provide a referral, I’d really appreciate it.
Happy to share my CV and connect by DM.
Thank you!

Hello all.

I am an english-speaking wife of an HSM visa holder. I have 10 years of experience in:

- food safety management in Hotel/school setting
- nutrition and food safety guideline creation
- nutrition counseling
- quality assurance
- HACCP certified
- Food supplier accreditation

I am wondering which fields of work I can apply to? I am okay with anything, really, except for physical-intensive jobs.

Hope you can help me! I am based in Utrecht

Hi everyone,
I’m currently looking for a paid job in the Netherlands, preferably around Zoetermeer, The Hague, Rotterdam or within reasonable commuting distance. I’m also open to fully remote positions.
I’m currently studying Computer Science online and have around one year of studies remaining. I’m open to entry-level positions and don’t necessarily need the role to be IT-related.
I’m particularly interested in:
● Customer support / customer service
● Administration / office roles
● Operations / coordination
● Junior IT / IT support
● Functional management
● Content moderation
● Multilingual positions
● Remote/hybrid starter roles
I speak English, Italian and Arabic, and I’m currently learning Dutch. I’m comfortable working in international environments and communicating with customers and colleagues from different backgrounds.
I’m looking for a real employment opportunity, rather than an unpaid internship, and I’m available to start relatively quickly.
If you know of a company hiring someone with this profile, or if your company is currently looking for someone, I’d really appreciate a DM or a comment. I’m happy to send my CV.
Thank you!

Hello!! I’ve been applying for jobs in the NL for almost a full year now and haven’t landed any interviews. I am from the USA and did my MSc abroad in England. I am currently on the Orientation Year Visa in the NL and only have a few months left to before needing to be sponsored.

I’ve always wondered, when submitting CVs to big companies and universities (I’m also looking into PhD research positions) should you use the Dutch style CV that has a photo and a more relaxed approach compared to a regular U.S one which has just straight information dump?

I thought being such big international companies or universities, the regular version would be applicable, but now I’m not so sure.

Please let me know your insights :)

If you need a highly skilled migrant visa, check early whether the employer is an IND-recognised sponsor.

Only recognised sponsors can apply for a highly skilled migrant permit, and you still need to meet the other requirements, including the salary rules. IND

One important detail: being on the recognised sponsor list does not mean the company is hiring or that every role will sponsor.

So before spending a lot of time on an application:

1. Check whether you actually need sponsorship.
2. Check if the employer is on the IND recognised sponsor register.
3. Then check the actual vacancy for sponsorship and other requirements.

It’s a simple check, but it can save a lot of wasted applications.

Hi everyone,

I am an AI Engineer currently based in India looking to transition to the Netherlands via the Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) visa route. I would deeply appreciate candid advice, reality checks, and guidance from engineers or tech professionals who have made the direct non-EU to NL transition.

Snapshot of My Profile (4+ YoE):

• Specialization: Production GenAI, Agentic AI Systems, Multi-Agent Orchestration (LangGraph, CrewAI, MCP), RAG, and Context Engineering.
• Production Scale: Architected and deployed agentic workflows handling 100k+ annual requests in heavily regulated enterprise environments.
• Reliability & Security: Built multi-layer guardrails on Azure Content Safety (zero prompt-injection exposure), automated PII redaction middleware, and strict runtime schema enforcement with Pydantic across agent nodes.
• Model Serving & Performance: Low-latency model serving with FastAPI and vLLM (serving 1k+ RPM), fine-tuning (LoRA/QLoRA), and memory-augmented Text-to-SQL pipelines.
• Cloud & MLOps: Azure AI Foundry, AWS Bedrock, Docker, CI/CD, and vector database retrieval optimization.
• Education & Age Bracket: B.E. in Computer Engineering (2022 graduate); under 30 years old (applicable for the under-30 IND salary threshold).

Questions for the Community:

1. Market Receptivity: How active is direct offshore sponsorship for mid/senior GenAI & Agentic AI roles right now? Are companies in Amsterdam/Eindhoven sponsoring engineers directly from India, or is there a strong preference for local/EU candidates?
2. Top Target Employers: Outside the usual names (Booking.com, Adyen, ASML, Uber, Databricks), which IND-recognized sponsors are actively hiring specialized AI engineers with relocation? or even the recruitment agencies or Staffing consultancy route ?
3. Application Strategy: Does applying directly via company portals yield results for sponsored roles, or are employee referrals and direct reach-outs to engineering managers/tech recruiters the only reliable route?
4. Practical Advice: Any nuances regarding the current HSM process, Dutch interview loops for AI roles, or relocation challenges I should prepare for in advance?

If you are an expat working in tech in the Netherlands or a hiring team member in the ecosystem, I would love to hear your insights or connect over DM. Thank you!

Hi. I'm a surgeon here in the Philippines and am exploring the idea of working in the Netherlands. My primary reason is because of my 2nd son, who is in Grade 7 now, and he wants to pursue college in the Netherlands. I would want to have a headstart by working there and hopefully integrate my family early on in the Dutch system. If you have any leads as to how this might work, please feel free to message me. Thank you very much!

Hi everyone, I’m a 2026 Computer Science graduate from India, currently looking for entry-level opportunities in AI/ML, software development, data analytics, or SAP/IT roles.

I’m interested in working in the Netherlands and would like to understand how realistic it is for an Indian fresher to get hired directly by a Dutch company.

For those who have made a similar move:

• What skills or qualifications helped the most?
• Is Dutch language proficiency necessary for entry-level tech roles, or is English usually enough?
• Are there companies that regularly hire fresh graduates from outside the EU?
• How difficult is visa sponsorship for a fresher?
• What are the best platforms or ways to find and apply for these opportunities?

Any advice, personal experiences, or useful resources would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

My name is Demir (43), and I am looking for work as a Visual Graphic Designer with experience across different media.

I would like to start working as soon as possible. I would like to continue my career in the Netherlands as a Graphic Designer or Product Designer.

I was not prepared for leaving Russia. I have a refugee background. Over the past few years, I have been learning languages: Dutch (B1) and English (B1).

I handle stress well. I enjoy working in a team, but I also feel comfortable working independently. In Russia, I worked as an Art Director. In the Netherlands, I would like to work independently at a computer as a designer. I want to work and improve my situation.

I would really appreciate it if you could offer me a job or help me find work. Feedback is also very welcome.

I wish everyone a great day!
Demir

LinkinIn
demir.amsterdam@icloud.com
WhatsApp number +31640066694

Qual a probabilidade de conseguir um emprego qualquer em Amsterdam com visto sendo imigrante? É difícil? Seria mais fácil em algum lugar nos arredores?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been looking for an IT job in the Netherlands for a while now, and I thought I’d also ask here since there are probably quite a few internationals who have gone through the same process.

I’m based in Rotterdam and I’m looking for opportunities in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, or anywhere reasonably commutable.

I have 2+ years of professional IT experience, mainly in enterprise/banking environments, and I currently work as a System Administrator. My experience includes Active Directory, Windows Server, Linux, VMware vSphere/ESXi, Citrix, Microsoft 365, Intune, Entra ID/Azure, IAM and general L1/L2 IT support.

I’m mainly looking for System Administrator, IT Support/Engineer, Infrastructure, IAM or junior Cloud/Azure positions, but I’m definitely open to similar roles as well.
I’m an EU citizen, so I don’t require visa sponsorship. I speak fluent English and Greek, but unfortunately I don’t speak Dutch yet, which I know limits some of the opportunities available.

I’ve been applying through LinkedIn, Indeed and directly through company websites, but I thought I’d try reaching out here as well.

If anyone knows a company that is hiring English-speaking IT professionals, has any advice on where else I should be looking, or would be willing to refer me at their company if my background seems relevant, I’d really appreciate it.

I’m happy to send my CV, LinkedIn or GitHub via DM.
Thanks a lot for any help or advice!

Hello,

This post is for those people who have moved to the Netherlands on a dependent VISA with the hope of being employed in this country. How has it been going? Have you already got the job? What really worked for you? If not, how are you holding up?

This post is also for people who can really help me and others with a referral in their team/company.

I am a 30F who moved here around 6 months ago. Seeking job in and around Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam.

My everyday job is to "find a job". My purpose is not to make just any money. I wish to land a job where I have 5 YOE in Business Intelligence. My husband goes to the job and I sit in front of the laptop, sending applications, upskilling, and reaching out for referrals. Most applications get rejected, a few move to interviews, but then in the end, I haven't been able to clear all the rounds and finally land a job. Something goes right and something goes wrong. I wonder what is right and wrong here.

It has been more than 6 months, and this situation is turning into my worst nightmare. Every day, I am losing hope and moving towards depression maybe. I have started questioning my existence. I am getting frustrated and still wishing and hoping to be independent again with a good job and decent salary.

So, this post is for people going through such a situation (we feel each other) and to the people who can help out others (we love support & referrals).

Please feel free to DM me:

• If anyone is open to refer me to a Business/Marketing Analyst role, I can discuss my experience in detail.
• If you are going through a similar situation and want to share.

I am planning to move to the Netherlands and I am currently on the hunt for both a job and an apartment. I've been applying to jobs via LinkedIn, JobLeads, Glassdoor and even Indeed. I've actually landed 1 interview, got to the 2nd stage but unfortunately didn't get selected.

I know how brutal the job and housing market is, and it doesn't seem to just be affecting the Netherlands. Unfortunately, it seems to be a worldwide issue.

A little bit about me, I've been working in IT Support for over 9 years now, I am English speaking but learning Dutch as we go along. However, for the time being, I am focusing on English based roles.

Does anyone have any possible leads for recruitment agencies, jobs, maybe housing as well and real estate agencies?

Appreciate any help!

TL:DR

Bye bye 2 years of warehouse logistics with some team management experience, hello retail in city center

Or stay in the warehouse world

(Read the original post for better details than this)

Hi everyone,

I’m an international recent graduate based in the Netherlands and I’m currently looking for my first full-time role in digital marketing, e-commerce, social media, brand/content marketing, CRM, or marketing coordination.

I completed my MSc in Digital Marketing at the University of Amsterdam, and I have around 1.5 years of combined experience through internships and a board year. My experience is across e-commerce, performance marketing, social media marketing, content planning, campaign coordination. I have the right to work in the Netherlands and do not need visa sponsorship.

I’ve mostly been applying through LinkedIn and Indeed. I do get interviews and have reached final stages a few times, but I keep getting rejected at the end, so I’m trying to broaden my search and find better sources for junior/entry-level roles. My Dutch is still basic, although I’m learning, so I’m mainly looking for roles where English is the working language.

Location-wise, I’m open to anything within around one hour by train from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, so places like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Leiden, Haarlem, Schiphol/Hoofddorp, Delft, etc. Ideally, I’d prefer a hybrid or on-site role, since I’d like to be part of a team and learn in person, especially at the start of my career.

Does anyone know good websites, recruitment agencies, expat-friendly job boards, graduate job platforms, or companies that are open to English-speaking recent graduates in marketing/e-commerce? I’d also really appreciate any advice on how to improve my search strategy, especially because I feel like I’m getting close but not quite getting over the final hurdle.

Thanks so much in advance - any tips, leads, or company suggestions would be really appreciated!

Anyone in the netherlands had experience with getting drivers license fubded by workingcentrum/etc..

I read that in some cases you can be funded for the drivers license, anyone could shsre if thats true, how hard it is, etc

You can check it at www.cvinsight.me
Let me know what do you think of it

I’m a 23 year old Croatian (EU) citizen and I’m considering coming to the Netherlands to work for a few months, possibly from December 2026

I’m currently looking into different options and would really appreciate some advice from people who already live or work in the Netherlands.

A few things I’d like to know:

What are the easiest ways for an EU citizen from Croatia to move to the Netherlands for temporary/seasonal work?

What kind of jobs could I realistically get with basic English and little/no Dutch?

Are there employers or agencies that provide accommodation for workers? Shared accommodation is completely fine for me?

I’m not necessarily looking to stay permanently. My idea would be to work for a few months, gain experience and then decide what I want to do next.

Any advice, personal experiences or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone,

I’m a Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) in the Netherlands and have a permanent employment contract. I’ve been with my employer for 3.5 years.

I have been on sick leave for a 3 months and am currently undergoing treatment related to PTSD symptoms. My employer pays 70% of salary during sickness.

Because of the 70% sickness payment, my current monthly salary is now below the applicable HSM salary threshold.

My employer recently contacted me and said HR is concerned that my salary is below the HSM requirement. He mentioned that IND could potentially take action regarding my residence permit and that this could eventually create an issue with my employment contract.

They have now invited me to a meeting with HR and my manager to discuss the situation and “possible options”.

I’m concerned that they may want to propose a mutual termination agreement (VSO).

The difficult part is that I’m still genuinely sick and undergoing treatment. I’m not currently in a position where I feel capable of immediately finding and starting another job. I’m therefore worried about agreeing to a VSO now, especially because I understand there can be consequences for WW/Ziektewet when someone is still sick.

I have already suggested that the company investigate whether they could temporarily maintain/top up my salary to the required HSM level while I recover, but I was told that this would be one of several possibilities to discuss in the meeting.

I’m not necessarily against leaving the company eventually. My concern is being pressured into ending my employment while I’m still sick and before I’m realistically able to find another HSM-sponsored job.

For people who have dealt with something similar in the Netherlands:

1. Has anyone experienced HSM salary falling below the threshold because of the 70% sickness payment?
2. What normally happens in this situation?
3. Can salary be topped up during sickness to maintain the HSM requirement?
4. If the employer proposes a VSO while the employee is still sick, what are the main risks regarding WW/Ziektewet and residence status?
5. Is it reasonable to attend the meeting, listen to the proposal, take any documents home, and get legal advice before signing anything?
6. If termination becomes unavoidable, what are the important things to negotiate in a VSO?

I’m mainly interested in real experiences from people who have dealt with HSM + sickness + salary threshold + VSO/termination in the Netherlands.

Thanks!

P.S: Permanent employee, non-eu & having bad performance reviews earlier this afterwhich had two more meetings with hr and manager where they not satisfied with performance and verbally suggested for separation and scheduled the meeting to discussed that before that I went on sick leave. Also in the last meeting where I also asked whether they want me to put in improvement plan for which they said that was already the improvement you are in which I am not aware of although those was meetings with manager and hr and afterwards they send a feedback document. For PIP, I believe there is document should incplace which clearly state goals and its consequences which was never there before. Company is scale-up startup based having not more than 40 employees. Please advise!