JaysonIf you’re an international professional seeking stable, well-compensated employment in one of Europe’s most progressive countries, this comprehensive guide explores government jobs in the Netherlands for 2026, focusing on positions in Amsterdam with starting salaries of €54,000+ and visa sponsorship opportunities. We’ll provide realistic expectations, actual employer contacts with application links, qualification requirements, and strategic approaches to securing public sector employment in the Dutch capital.
Understanding the Dutch Government Employment Landscape
Why the Netherlands Public Sector Attracts International Talent
The Dutch government actively recruits international professionals for several compelling reasons:
Critical skills shortages in specialized areas, including IT/cybersecurity, policy analysis, international relations, and technical fields, where domestic talent supply doesn’t meet demand.
International orientation with the Netherlands hosting numerous EU institutions, international organizations (The Hague as “International City of Peace and Justice”), and globally-focused ministries.
English language acceptance in many government roles, particularly those with international dimensions, though Dutch proficiency is often required for advancement.
Competitive compensation with salaries aligned to the private sector for specialized roles, strong benefits, and excellent work-life balance.
The visa sponsorship infrastructure of Dutch government agencies can qualify as recognized sponsors under the Highly Skilled Migrant program.
Quality of life with Amsterdam and the surrounding Randstad region offering exceptional living standards, infrastructure, safety, and cultural amenities.
Realistic Assessment: Government Job Accessibility for Foreigners
Important Clarification: While opportunities exist, securing Dutch government employment as an international candidate involves specific challenges:
Language Requirements: Many positions require Dutch proficiency (B2-C1 level) for:
- Direct citizen service roles
- Policy positions requiring parliamentary/media interaction
- Administrative functions with Dutch documentation
- Local government (gemeenten) positions
Nationality Restrictions: Some roles require EU/EEA citizenship or Dutch nationality for:
- National security positions
- Certain law enforcement roles
- Diplomatic service (Ministry of Foreign Affairs core positions)
- Defense-related positions
Where International Candidates Have Strong Opportunities:
- Technical/specialized roles (IT, data science, cybersecurity)
- International policy and EU affairs
- Research and analytical positions
- Project management for international programs
- Positions at EU-focused agencies
- English-language organizational units
Visa Sponsorship Reality: Not all government agencies are registered as recognized sponsors; those that are typically sponsor for highly specialized roles where international expertise is essential.
Actual Salary Structure in the Dutch Government (2026)
Understanding Dutch Public Sector Pay Scales
Dutch government salaries operate under standardized scales (schaal systems) with predictable progression:
Salary Scales Overview:
| Scale Level | Minimum Monthly (€) | Maximum Monthly (€) | Annual Range (€) | Typical Positions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale 9 | 3,200 | 4,400 | 38,400 – 52,800 | Entry-level administrative, junior analyst |
| Scale 10 | 3,500 | 4,900 | 42,000 – 58,800 | Policy officer, researcher |
| Scale 11 | 3,800 | 5,500 | 45,600 – 66,000 | Senior policy officer, specialist |
| Scale 12 | 4,200 | 6,200 | 50,400 – 74,400 | Senior specialist, advisor |
| Scale 13 | 4,600 | 7,000 | 55,200 – 84,000 | Expert, team lead |
| Scale 14 | 5,100 | 7,800 | 61,200 – 93,600 | Manager, principal advisor |
€54,000 Starting Salary Reality:
A €54,000 annual salary (€4,500 monthly gross) typically corresponds to:
- Scale 11 mid-point to Scale 12 entry
- Requires 2-5 years of relevant experience
- Bachelor’s degree minimum; Master’s often expected
- Specialized expertise in a demand area
Entry-level government positions (fresh graduates) typically start €38,000-€45,000, not €54,000.
Achieving €54,000+ Requires:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD)
- Specialized technical skills (IT, data science, international law)
- Relevant professional experience (3-5+ years)
- Language skills (English + preferably Dutch)
- High-demand specialization
Total Compensation Package Value
Beyond base salary, Dutch government employment includes substantial benefits:
Benefits Overview:
| Benefit Category | Value/Description | Annual Equivalent (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Vacation Allowance | 8% of gross salary paid in May | 4,320 (on €54,000 salary) |
| Holiday Days | 25-29 days, depending on the agency | ~8,000 (salary equivalent) |
| Pension | ABP pension with employer contribution ~25% | 13,500 |
| Public Transport | Full reimbursement of commuting costs OR travel allowance | 1,500 – 3,000 |
| Thirteenth Month (some agencies) | Additional monthly salary in December | 4,500 |
| Training Budget | Professional development allowance | 1,000 – 3,000 |
Total Package Value: €54,000 base + €32,820 benefits = €86,820 total compensation
Tax and Net Income:
| Gross Annual | Tax Bracket | Effective Tax Rate | Net Monthly (approx) | Net Annual (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €54,000 | Combined | ~32% | €3,060 | €36,720 |
Netherlands has progressive taxation; the rate varies by personal circumstances
High-Demand Government Sectors for International Professionals
1. IT, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation
Overview
Dutch government is digitalizing services, requiring IT professionals for infrastructure, security, data management, and citizen-facing platforms.
Why International Candidates Succeed Here:
- Universal technical language reduces Dutch proficiency barriers initially
- A critical shortage of domestic IT talent is drawn to the higher-paying private sector
- Specialized skills (cloud security, data architecture) are scarce in the Dutch market
- English working language common in technical teams
Typical Positions:
| Role | Salary Range (€) | Requirements | Visa Sponsorship Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Security Specialist | 50,000 – 70,000 | Cybersecurity certs, 3+ yrs experience | High |
| Cloud Architect | 55,000 – 80,000 | AWS/Azure/GCP expertise, infrastructure experience | Very High |
| Data Scientist | 52,000 – 75,000 | Advanced degree, Python/R, machine learning | High |
| DevOps Engineer | 50,000 – 72,000 | CI/CD, containerization, automation | High |
| IT Project Manager | 55,000 – 78,000 | PMP/PRINCE2, government project experience | Moderate-High |
Major Employers:
Logius (Digital Government Service Provider):
- Website: logius.nl/werken-bij-logius
- Focus: Digital infrastructure for Dutch government (DigiD, eHerkenning)
- Roles: Software engineers, security specialists, architects
- Language: English acceptable initially; Dutch development encouraged
- Visa: Can sponsor for specialized technical roles
- Application: Online through the career portal
Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) – Digitalization:
- Careers: rijksoverheid.nl/bzk/vacatures
- Department: Digital Government (Directie Digitale Overheid)
- Positions: Policy officers for digital transformation, IT advisors
- Salary: €50,000-€70,000
- Requirements: Technical background + policy understanding
AIVD/MIVD (Intelligence Services – Limited International Hiring):
- Note: Cybersecurity roles occasionally open to non-Dutch nationals with specific expertise
- Careers: aivd.nl/werken-bij
- Restrictions: Security clearance requires residency; most roles Dutch nationals only
- Exception: Specialized technical advisors are occasionally recruited
2. International Relations, EU Affairs, and Policy
Overview
The Netherlands’ role in the EU, UN, and international organizations creates demand for professionals with international expertise, language skills, and policy knowledge.
Advantages for International Candidates:
- International focus values diverse perspectives and backgrounds
- Language skills (English + others) highly valued
- EU knowledge from living/working in other member states is beneficial
- Network effects connections to other countries’ governments are useful
Typical Positions:
| Role | Salary Range (€) | Requirements | Dutch Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Policy Officer | 48,000 – 68,000 | Master’s, EU experience, languages | B2-C1 desirable |
| International Affairs Advisor | 52,000 – 72,000 | International relations degree, policy experience | B1-B2 minimum |
| Trade Policy Analyst | 50,000 – 70,000 | Economics/law, trade agreement knowledge | B2 preferred |
| Diplomatic Support Officer | 45,000 – 62,000 | Languages, admin skills, cultural competence | B1 minimum |
Major Employers:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken):
- Careers: werkenvoornederland.nl (filter by Buitenlandse Zaken)
- International Roles: EU coordinators, policy officers for specific regions/themes
- Languages: English essential; Dutch required for most roles (B2+ required)
- Visa: Can sponsor for specialized international roles
- Note: Core diplomatic service requires Dutch nationality; support and policy roles are more accessible
Permanent Representation to the EU (PV EU):
- Location: Brussels (not Amsterdam, but Dutch government employment)
- Website: permanentrepresentations.nl/eu
- Positions: Policy coordinators, advisors on EU dossiers
- Salary: €50,000-€75,000
- Language: Dutch is typically required (working language in PV)
Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) – International Programs:
- Careers: rvo.nl/over-rvo/werken-bij-rvo
- Focus: International cooperation, development, trade promotion
- Roles: Program managers for international projects, advisors
- Salary: €48,000-€70,000
- Language: English is often sufficient for international project roles
- Visa: Sponsorship available for specialized positions
3. Research, Statistics, and Policy Analysis
Overview
Evidence-based policymaking drives demand for researchers, data analysts, and statisticians in government agencies and planning bureaus.
Why International Candidates Fit:
- Academic credentials valued (PhD often advantageous)
- Methodological expertise is universal across countries
- English publications are common in research roles
- International comparative knowledge brings a valuable perspective
Typical Positions:
| Role | Salary Range (€) | Requirements | Visa Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policy Researcher | 48,000 – 66,000 | Master’s/PhD, research methods, specific domain | Moderate-High |
| Data Analyst | 45,000 – 64,000 | Statistics, programming (R/Python), visualization | High |
| Economist | 52,000 – 74,000 | Economics PhD preferred, modeling experience | High |
| Social Scientist | 46,000 – 65,000 | PhD, qualitative/quantitative methods | Moderate |
Major Employers:
Statistics Netherlands (CBS – Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek):
- Careers: cbs.nl/over-ons/vacatures
- Location: The Hague and Heerlen (not Amsterdam, but the government statistical agency)
- Positions: Statisticians, data scientists, researchers
- Salary: €45,000-€70,000 depending on experience
- Language: English acceptable for technical roles; Dutch helpful
- Visa: Can sponsor for specialized statistical expertise
- Application: Online portal; technical assessments are common
CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis:
- Website: cpb.nl/over-het-cpb/werken-bij-het-cpb
- Location: The Hague
- Focus: Economic research informing government policy
- Positions: Economists, researchers (PhD typical)
- Salary: €50,000-€75,000 (scale depends on PhD vs. Master’s)
- Language: English primary working language in research; Dutch is used for some policy interaction
- Visa: Sponsorship available for qualified economists
PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency:
- Careers: pbl.nl/werken-bij-pbl
- Location: The Hague
- Specialization: Environmental and spatial planning research
- Roles: Environmental scientists, modelers, policy analysts
- Package: €48,000-€70,000
- Language: English is strong in a research environment; Dutch is beneficial
- Application: Competitive; a PhD is often expected for researcher roles
4. Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Overview
Dutch government legal departments, regulatory agencies, and inspection services require legal professionals, compliance specialists, and inspectors.
Challenges for International Candidates:
- The Dutch law degree is often required (not all roles accept foreign law degrees)
- Language requirements typically C1-C2 Dutch for legal positions
- Bar admission if practicing law requires a Dutch qualification
Accessible Roles for Internationals:
- International law positions
- EU regulatory affairs
- Legal research (with relevant qualifications)
- Compliance in international contexts
Selective Opportunities:
Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM):
- Website: acm.nl/nl/werkenbij
- Location: The Hague
- Positions: Economists, competition lawyers, regulatory specialists
- Salary: €50,000-€75,000
- Language: Dutch typically required (C1+)
- Visa: Possible for specialized economic/legal expertise
- Note: Most roles require a the Dutch legal context understanding
Ministry of Justice and Security – International Cooperation:
- Careers: werkenvoornederland.nl (filter Justitie en Veiligheid)
- Roles: International legal advisors, Eurojust liaisons
- Salary: €52,000-€75,000
- Requirements: International law background, languages, and legal expertise
- Dutch Language: B2-C1 is typically required
5. Project Management and Program Coordination
Overview
Government agencies managing complex projects (infrastructure, IT transformation, international programs) need experienced project managers.
International Candidate Advantages:
- Methodologies (PRINCE2, Agile, PMP) are internationally standardized
- Technical expertise combined with PM skills is highly valued
- International project experience relevant for EU-funded or global programs
Typical Positions:
| Role | Salary Range (€) | Certifications Valued | Visa Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Project Manager | 55,000 – 78,000 | PRINCE2, PMP, Agile | High |
| Infrastructure PM | 52,000 – 75,000 | PRINCE2, engineering background | Moderate |
| Program Coordinator (EU projects) | 50,000 – 70,000 | PM certification, EU experience | Moderate-High |
Employers:
Rijkswaterstaat (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management):
- Careers: werkenvoorrws.nl
- Focus: Infrastructure projects (roads, water management, tunnels)
- Roles: Project managers, engineers, coordinators
- Salary: €50,000-€75,000
- Language: Dutch is typically required (B2+) for coordination roles
- Visa: Possible for specialized engineering/technical PM roles
- Note: An Engineering background is often expected
Various Ministries – Transformation Projects:
- Project management roles appear across ministries during major change programs
- Search werkenvoornederland.nl with keywords “projectmanager,” “programmamanager”
- Digital transformation, organizational change, and EU program implementation
Visa Sponsorship Process and Requirements
Highly Skilled Migrant Permit (Kennismigrant)
Primary pathway for non-EU government employment:
Eligibility Requirements (2026):
| Criterion | Requirement | Government Context |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Threshold (age 30+) | €5,008 gross monthly (€60,096 annually) | €54,000 below threshold; role must be scaled higher or exceptional |
| Salary Threshold (under 30) | €3,672 gross monthly (€44,064 annually) | More achievable for entry-level government roles |
| Recognized Sponsor | Employer must be IND-registered | Not all government agencies are registered; check the specific employer |
| Education | Relevant degree or equivalent | Government roles typically require a bachelor’s degree or a minimum |
€54,000 Salary and Visa Threshold:
- €54,000 annually = €4,500 monthly
- Below age 30+ threshold (€5,008 monthly)
- Above under-30 threshold (€3,672 monthly)
Implication: €54,000 salary qualifies for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit if:
- Applicant under 30 years old, OR
- Position scaled higher officially (common in government), OR
- Specific exemptions apply (researchers, specific sectors)
Application Process:
- Job Offer: Secure position with a government agency that is a recognized sponsor
- Employer Application: Agency applies to IND on your behalf
- Processing: 2 weeks (fast-track) to 8 weeks (standard)
- MVV Entry Visa: Apply at the Dutch embassy in the home country
- Residence Permit: Collect upon arrival; valid for employment duration
Timeline: 1-3 months from offer to work authorization
30% Tax Ruling Benefit:
Highly skilled migrants may qualify for a substantial tax advantage:
- 30% of salary tax-free for up to 5 years
- Significantly increases net income
Eligibility:
- Recruited from abroad (lived 150+ km from Dutch border 16+ months)
- Specific expertise is scarce in the Dutch market
- Salary threshold: €41,954 annually (€54,000 qualifies)
Impact on €54,000 Salary:
- Without 30% ruling: Net ~€3,060 monthly
- With 30% ruling: Net
€3,600 monthly (€540 extra monthly)
Official Resources:
- IND (Immigration): ind.nl/en
- Recognized Sponsors: ind.nl/en/public-register-recognised-sponsors
Application Strategy and Success Factors
Finding Government Job Openings
Primary Job Portal:
Werken voor Nederland (Working for the Netherlands):
- Website: werkenvoornederland.nl
- Description: Central government job portal for all Dutch ministries and agencies
- Search Features: Filter by ministry, location, salary scale, keywords
- Application: Direct through the portal for each position
- Language: Dutch interface; some positions described in English
How to Use Effectively:
- Navigate to werkenvoornederland.nl
- Use “Zoek een baan” (Find a job) search
- Filter by:
- Locatie: Amsterdam (or “Randstad” for broader region)
- Salaries: Select scales 11-14 for €54,000+ range
- Vakgebied (Field): IT, Internationaal, Onderzoek (Research), etc.
- Review listings for language requirements and visa sponsorship indication
- Create an account and apply directly through the platform
Other Resources:
Nationale Vacaturebank (National Job Bank):
- Website: nationalevacaturebank.nl
- Coverage: Government, semi-government, education, healthcare
- Filter: “Overheid” (Government) sector
LinkedIn:
- Search “Dutch government” or specific ministry names
- Filter: Amsterdam location
- Many agencies post openings on LinkedIn
- Follow specific agencies you’re targeting
Individual Ministry/Agency Career Pages:
- Most agencies have dedicated career sections
- Examples: logius.nl/werken-bij, cbs.nl/vacatures, rvo.nl/werken-bij
- Subscribe to job alerts for new postings
Application Best Practices
Dutch CV (Curriculum Vitae) Format:
Key Elements:
- Photo: Include a professional headshot (standard in the Netherlands)
- Personal Info: Name, contact, date of birth, nationality
- Profile: Summary (3-4 lines) of expertise and career focus
- Work Experience: Reverse chronological, detailed achievements
- Education: Degrees, institutions, graduation dates
- Skills: Languages (specify levels: A1-C2), technical competencies
- Length: 2-3 pages acceptable for experienced professionals
Motivation Letter (Sollicitatiebrief):
Structure (1 page):
- Opening: Position applied for, how you learned of it, brief qualification statement
- Body Paragraph 1: Match your experience/education to role requirements
- Body Paragraph 2: Why this agency/ministry specifically, your understanding of their mission
- Body Paragraph 3: International perspective value; visa status transparency
- Closing: Enthusiasm, availability, thank you
Critical Elements:
- Address visa need clearly: “I would require visa sponsorship as a non-EU national.”
- Demonstrate Dutch knowledge: Even if an English applicant, show effort to learn Dutch/culture
- Connect to Dutch values: Consensus, directness, work-life balance, internationalism
- Specific rather than generic: Reference specific agency programs, challenges, or initiatives
Language Considerations:
Application Language:
- If position description in Dutch only: Submit Dutch application (use professional translation if needed)
- If English or bilingual posting: Can submit an English application, but Dutch shows commitment
- Recommendation: Submit a bilingual if possible (Dutch motivation letter + English CV accepted by many)
Interview Language:
- Expect Dutch interviews for most positions
- May accommodate English initially for international roles
- Demonstrate Dutch learning progress and commitment
Interview Preparation
Common Government Interview Approaches:
Competency-Based Questions (CAR Method – Context, Action, Result):
- “Describe a situation where you influenced policy/project direction.”
- “Give an example of working in a multicultural team.”
- “Tell about the time you handled conflicting stakeholder interests.”
Technical Assessment:
- IT roles: Coding challenges, architecture discussions
- Policy roles: Case study analysis, policy memo writing
- Research roles: Methodology discussions, presentation of previous work
Cultural Fit Questions:
- “Why do you want to work for the Dutch government specifically?”
- “What do you know about [our agency/ministry]?”
- “How do you handle Dutch directness/flat hierarchies?”
- “What are your plans for Dutch language learning?”
Preparation Strategies:
Research the Agency:
- Read annual reports, policy documents
- Understand current priorities and challenges
- Review recent news about the ministry/agency
- Familiarize yourself with the organizational structure
Prepare Examples:
- 8-10 STAR/CAR stories covering various competencies
- Quantify achievements where possible
- Include international and cross-cultural examples
- Have technical project details ready
Dutch Culture Understanding:
- Research “poldermodel” (consensus decision-making)
- Understand directness as efficiency, not rudeness
- Appreciate work-life balance emphasis
- Show awareness of Dutch government transparency values
Questions to Ask:
About the Role:
- “What are the key priorities for this position in the first year?”
- “How does this role collaborate with other departments/ministries?”
- “What does success look like in this position?”
About Visa/Integration:
- “What is your experience with visa sponsorship for this type of role?”
- “What support is available for Dutch language learning?”
- “How does the organization support international employees’ integration?”
About Development:
- “What professional development opportunities exist?”
- “How are international perspectives valued and incorporated?”
- “What is typical career progression from this role?”
Living in Amsterdam on €54,000 Government Salary
Cost of Living Reality
Monthly Budget (Single Professional):
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR apartment, decent area) | 1,400 – 1,800 |
| Utilities (gas, electric, water, internet) | 150 – 250 |
| Groceries | 300 – 450 |
| Public Transportation (monthly pass) | 100 – 150 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory) | 140 – 160 |
| Phone | 25 – 40 |
| Personal Care/Household | 80 – 120 |
| Dining Out/Entertainment (moderate) | 250 – 400 |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 150 |
| Savings | 400 – 600 |
| Total | 2,945 – 4,120 |
Financial Viability Analysis:
€54,000 Gross Salary:
- Monthly gross: €4,500
- Without 30% ruling: Net ~€3,060 monthly
- With 30% ruling: Net ~€3,600 monthly
Without 30% Ruling (€3,060 net):
- After basic expenses (€2,945): €115 remaining (very tight)
- Requires careful budgeting, shared housing, or a modest lifestyle
With 30% Ruling (€3,600 net):
- After basic expenses: €655-€1,480 remaining (comfortable to very comfortable)
- Allows savings, discretionary spending, and better housing
Recommendation: €54,000 comfortable in Amsterdam with 30% ruling; modest without it. Consider:
- Shared housing initially (€800-€1,200 for room vs. €1,400-€1,800 own apartment)
- Living outside Amsterdam center (Amstelveen, Diemen, Zaandam) reduces rent by 20-30%
- Cycling vs. public transport saves €100-€150 monthly
Housing Search:
- Pararius: pararius.nl – English-friendly rentals
- Funda: funda.nl – Largest Dutch housing site
- Kamernet: kamernet.nl – Rooms and shared housing
- Challenge: Amsterdam rental market is competitive; expect 1-2 months search
Integration Resources:
- IamExpat: iamexpat.nl – Expat community and practical guides
- Gemeente Amsterdam: amsterdam.nl/en/ – Official city services
- Dutch Language Courses: Many government employers subsidize language learning
Conclusion and Realistic Expectations
Dutch government employment offers international professionals stable, meaningful careers with competitive compensation (€54,000+ for experienced specialists), excellent benefits, and pathways to permanent residence in one of Europe’s most livable countries. However, success requires a realistic understanding of accessibility, language requirements, and qualification expectations.
Key Takeaways:
Realistic Opportunities Exist For:
- IT/cybersecurity specialists with in-demand technical skills
- Researchers and data scientists with advanced degrees
- International affairs professionals with EU/multilateral experience
- Project managers with technical domain expertise
- Professionals under 30 (lower salary threshold for visa)
Challenges to Expect:
- Dutch language barrier for most positions (B2-C1 often required)
- Competition from Dutch and EU candidates who don’t need sponsorship
- Salary threshold for visa (€54,000 below the age 30+ requirement without 30% ruling)
- Limited positions explicitly advertising visa sponsorship
- Bureaucratic processes take 4-8 months from application to start
Your Action Plan:
Months 6-4 Before Target Start:
- Assess qualifications against Dutch government requirements
- Begin Dutch language learning (target A2-B1 minimum)
- Research target agencies using high-demand skills
- Prepare a Dutch-format CV and motivation letter
- Verify salary expectations align with experience level
Months 3-1:
- Active job search on werkenvoornederland.nl and agency sites
- Network with Dutch government professionals on LinkedIn
- Apply to 10-15 positions matching qualifications
- Prepare for competency-based interviews in English/Dutch
- Research Amsterdam housing and the cost of living
Upon Offer:
- Clarify the visa sponsorship process and timeline with the employer
- Negotiate salary and benefits (vacation allowance, relocation support)
- Apply for 30% ruling if eligible (within 4 months of start)
- Arrange temporary accommodation for the initial period
- Register with the municipality, open a bank account, and begin Dutch courses
Final Reality Check:
€54,000 starting salaries in the Dutch government exist, but typically require:
- Master’s degree + 3-5 years experience, OR
- Highly specialized technical expertise, OR
- Advanced research qualifications (PhD)
Entry-level positions (fresh graduates) start €38,000-€45,000. The €54,000 figure represents mid-career specialist level, not entry positions for most international candidates.
With proper qualifications, Dutch language commitment, targeted applications to agencies with an international focus, and patience through visa processes, securing Dutch government employment is achievable for motivated international professionals seeking stable, mission-driven careers in one of Europe’s most progressive public sectors.
Information current as of December 2025. Verify salary scales, visa requirements, and specific position details through official sources. Government pay scales and immigration policies are subject to change. Always confirm through IND (ind.nl), Werken voor Nederland (werkenvoornederland.nl), and individual agency HR departments.
Jayson
