Last Updated on November 23, 2025 by TrendyAcads

“The Netherlands is facing one of the largest labour shortages in Europe, with more than 400,000 unfilled vacancies across agriculture, logistics, food production, and hospitality.” — Statistics Netherlands (CBS), 2024

As the Dutch economy continues to expand, employers are increasingly hiring foreign workers for unskilled and low-skilled jobs—especially through the Seasonal Work Visa, Single Permit, and the EU labour shortage routes. These roles do not require a university degree, and many are open to applicants from Africa, Asia, South America, and beyond.

If you’re hoping to move abroad for stable employment in 2025, unskilled jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship remain one of the easiest entry routes for foreigners.

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Why the Netherlands Needs Foreign Workers

The Netherlands depends heavily on foreign labour due to:

1. A shrinking local workforce

The Dutch population is ageing rapidly, creating shortages across key sectors.

2. Growing agricultural and food industries

The Netherlands is one of the world’s leading agricultural exporters, requiring thousands of farm and greenhouse workers.

3. Warehouse and logistics boom

Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port — logistics companies need continuous manpower.

4. Tourism & hospitality recovery

Hotels, restaurants, and cleaning companies urgently need staff.

5. Low unemployment rate (around 3%)

Not enough local workers are available for physically demanding roles.

Foreign workers are essential to the Dutch economy.

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What Are Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands?

Unskilled or low-skilled jobs:

• don’t require higher education

• don’t require specialized experience

• offer training

• are physically active

• often include meals, accommodation, or transportation assistance

These roles are suitable for foreigners seeking entry-level visa sponsorship opportunities.

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Top Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship

Below are the most in-demand unskilled positions in 2025.

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1. Greenhouse & Agricultural Workers

The Netherlands is known for its massive greenhouse farms.

Roles include:

• tomato picking

• cucumber harvesting

• flower cutting

• packing vegetables

• crop maintenance

Salary: €11.75 – €14/hour
Hiring cities: Westland, Eindhoven, Utrecht, Flevoland

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2. Factory & Food Processing Workers

Food production companies hire thousands of foreigners yearly.

Roles:

• meat processing

• packaging

• quality inspection

• sorting

• machine operation assistance

Salary: €12 – €16/hour

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3. Warehouse & Logistics Assistants

Roles:

• order picking

• packing

• forklift helper

• stockroom assistant

• shipping & receiving clerk

Salary: €12 – €17/hour

Major employers:

• DHL Netherlands

• CEVA Logistics

• Coolblue

• Bol.com

• Jumbo Distribution

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4. Cleaning & Domestic Staff

Roles:

• hotel cleaner

• office cleaner

• industrial cleaning

• housekeeping assistant

Salary: €11.50 – €14/hour

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5. Hospitality & Catering Workers

Roles include:

• kitchen assistant

• dishwasher

• waiter/waitress

• restaurant helper

Salary: €11.75 – €15/hour

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6. Construction Labourers

No prior experience is required.

Roles:

• demolition helper

• site labourer

• material handler

• scaffolding assistant

Salary: €14 – €20/hour

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Visa Options for Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands

Unskilled workers typically use the following visa types:

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1. Seasonal Work Visa (Best for Agriculture & Food Processing)

Duration: Up to 24 weeks
Used for:

• fruit picking

• greenhouse work

• harvesting

• food factories

Employers handle most of the paperwork.

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2. Single Permit (GVVA Visa)

This is the main visa for low-skilled and unskilled work.

The GVVA combines:

• Work permit

• Residence permit

Requirements:

• Employer must be registered and approved

• Job offer

• Contract

• Proof of need for foreign workers

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3. Highly Standardized Shortage Worker Route (Non-EU)

Some sectors (like logistics and agriculture) hire non-EU workers when the shortage list is active.

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4. Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Used by companies relocating workers from branches abroad (less common for unskilled roles).

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Top Employers Sponsoring Unskilled Workers in the Netherlands

Agriculture & Greenhouses

• Royal Floraholland

• Van der Hoeven

• Greenport Holland

• Westland Greenhouses

Logistics

• DHL

• CEVA Logistics

• DPD Netherlands

• UPS Netherlands

Food Production

• Vion Food Group

• Dutch Bakery Group

• FrieslandCampina

• Heemskerk Fresh Produce

Hospitality

• NH Hotels

• Ibis Hotels

• Van der Valk Hotels

Cleaning Companies

• CSU Cleaning

• Hago Nederland

• GOM Facility Services

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Salary Overview for Unskilled Workers

Minimum wage (2025): €13/hour (approx.)

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Cost of Living in the Netherlands

Affordable cities:

• Groningen

• Eindhoven

• Tilburg

• Zwolle

Expensive:

• Amsterdam

• Utrecht

• Rotterdam

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Requirements for Unskilled Job Applicants

General requirements:

• Passport

• Clean police record

• Medical fitness

• Ability to perform manual labour

• Basic English (or Dutch preferred)

Employers often provide training.

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How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Prepare a Dutch-style CV

Short, clear, practical.

Step 2 — Search accredited employers

Use:

• Indeed NL

• NL Jobs

• Randstad Netherlands

• Undutchables

• Jobbird

Step 3 — Apply for roles offering “visa sponsorship”

Often found in:

• agriculture

• logistics

• factories

Step 4 — Attend the interview online

Interviews are usually simple:

• availability

• physical ability

• willingness to relocate

Step 5 — Employer applies for your GVVA or Seasonal Visa

Step 6 — Immigration approves your work and residence permit

Step 7 — Travel to the Netherlands & begin work

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Can Unskilled Jobs Lead to Permanent Residency?

Yes — through:

Long-term work

Employer sponsorship

Contract extension

Shifting into higher roles

5 years legal residence → Netherlands PR

Many workers start in unskilled jobs and move into:

• team leader roles

• supervisor roles

• logistics coordinators

• care assistants

• factory supervisors

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FAQs

1. Can foreigners get unskilled jobs in the Netherlands?

Yes — especially in agriculture, warehouses, hospitality, and factories.

2. Do these jobs provide accommodation?

Some seasonal jobs include housing.

3. Do I need IELTS?

No — English or basic Dutch is enough.

4. How long does it take to get a work visa?

3–10 weeks depending on employer and visa type.

5. Can I bring family?

Most unskilled visas do not include dependants unless upgraded.

The Netherlands offers excellent opportunities for foreigners seeking unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025. With labour shortages across agriculture, logistics, cleaning services, hospitality, and food processing, entry-level workers are in high demand. Through the Seasonal Worker Visa and the GVVA Single Permit, foreign applicants can secure stable employment and begin the journey toward long-term residence.

If you’re planning to move abroad for work this year, the Netherlands remains one of Europe’s most rewarding and realistic destinations.