English Speakers Find More Opportunities in Dutch Workforce
While more jobs are now available to English speakers, the Dutch language remains the primary gateway to career opportunities.
The Netherlands continues to attract international workers, with many able to secure jobs without speaking fluent Dutch. According to the job platform Indeed, around 8% of job vacancies in the Netherlands don't require proficiency in Dutch. This trend is mainly due to labour shortages, especially in sectors like cleaning, hospitality, and logistics, where employers are more flexible with language requirements.
Job Opportunities for English Speakers
In major cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and even northern areas like Groningen, international companies have adopted English as their main working language. Many roles in industries like tech, logistics, and finance cater to English-speaking professionals, allowing them to work without knowing much Dutch. Supermarkets and retail stores, such as Albert Heijn and Lidl, often hire international staff who use English to communicate with customers.
Global tech giants and multinational companies also seek English-speaking employees, especially for specialised roles. In jobs like customer service, IT support, and management, speaking English is often enough due to the international nature of the companies and their customers.
Where Dutch is Still Needed
While English may be enough for some jobs, Dutch is essential for many roles, especially in public service, healthcare, and education. Jobs that involve direct contact with local residents—such as government positions, law enforcement, and legal services—usually require a strong command of Dutch to ensure effective communication. Similarly, healthcare workers, such as nurses, are expected to speak Dutch to interact with patients and colleagues.
Labour laws in the Netherlands also allow employers to prioritise Dutch for roles where it is necessary. In sectors like human resources and IT support, Dutch is often still a key requirement.
A Changing Job Market
The growing openness to English speakers in the Dutch job market shows how internationally focused the country is, especially in cities with many expats. However, recent discussions around preserving Dutch language and culture have led to calls for more use of Dutch in certain sectors. Universities are limiting international student recruitment, and some workplaces are starting to favour Dutch over English.
Still, many businesses understand the need for international talent, especially in sectors facing worker shortages. As a result, English-speaking job seekers continue to find good opportunities, although learning Dutch can improve career options and help with integration into Dutch society.