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Working in the Netherlands from Spain: preparing your search

Sources checked on · Launch candidate pending human review · Translated from the Spanish original

You can start looking for work in the Netherlands before you travel. What matters is using reliable sources, checking who employs you and arriving with housing and the first paperwork sorted.

Who this is for

People living in Spain, or another EU country, who want to look for work in the Netherlands before moving.

What you need

  • A valid identity document.
  • A short CV in English.
  • A realistic idea of your level of English or Dutch.
  • Money for the first month.

Steps

  1. Search EURES, the European job portal, and the job pages of agencies you can check.
  2. Look the agency or company up in the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) register and, if it claims a quality mark, in the SNA register.
  3. Get the gross hourly wage, guaranteed hours, deductions and contract length in writing.
  4. If the job includes housing, get the price, what it includes and whether you can register with the municipality in writing.
  5. When you arrive, register with the municipality within five days if you stay more than four months: that gives you your BSN.
  6. Take out Dutch health insurance within four months; for the journey, bring your European Health Insurance Card.

Common mistakes

  • Travelling without a contract or housing confirmed in writing.
  • Paying someone to “get” you a job.
  • Comparing a gross offer with net pay in Spain.

Ruta NL does not offer jobs or act as an intermediary: it links to official sources and explains what to check.

Official sources

Deadlines, amounts and requirements change. Always check them with the source.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a work permit?

With the nationality of an EU country, generally not. If you do not have it, check the official source.

Can I work without speaking Dutch?

Some jobs only need English, especially in logistics and large companies, but Dutch opens more options.

What is the minimum wage?

€14.99 gross per hour from 1 July 2026 for ages 21 and over (Rijksoverheid).

Related

Employment agencies with housing: what to check

What to check when a Dutch employment agency offers you a job and housing: registration, deductions, municipal registration, deposit and what happens if the contract ends.

Employment contract: what to check before signing

What to check in a Dutch employment contract: who employs you, hourly wage, hours, collective agreement, deductions, holidays and housing.

Your first 30 days in the Netherlands

A step-by-step plan for your first month in the Netherlands: registration, BSN, bank account, health insurance, DigiD and first payslip, with official deadlines.

Does your case not fit? Read about personal guidance. This is general information, not legal, employment or tax advice.