How important is the presence of migrants in the Netherlands?

Demand for specialists in the Netherlands

The question of how in-demand specialists are in the Netherlands remains a topic of discussion. As of June 2020, the unemployment rate in the country was recorded at 4.3%. Although there has been a slight increase in this figure in recent months due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still significantly lower than the average in the European Union.

Economic activity in the Netherlands remains high at 70.2%. For example, in the first quarter of 2020, there were 222,000 job openings reported on job search platforms.

Multicultural society

It is important to note that the Netherlands is a multicultural society, where over 20% of the population consists of immigrants. According to the latest statistics, there are more than 25,000 people living in the country who have come from post-Soviet republics, among which about 16,000 are Russians and Ukrainians.

It's wonderful that almost 70% of the working population is employed in the service sector, while 25% work in industry.

Global rankings

In various global rankings, the Netherlands also holds high positions. For example, the capital city, Amsterdam, is included in the list of the 15 best cities for freelancers, while the entire country is in the top 10 countries with the fastest internet connections.

The Netherlands can be proud of the following achievements:

• Fourth placeon the competitiveness of its economy;
• Eighth placein terms of corruption.

Quality of life

The quality of life in the Netherlands is also confidently maintained at a high level: three cities in the country are among the top ten best places to live. Amsterdam, in particular, has been awarded the title of one of the greenest cities in the world.

Moreover, the country ranks in the top five among nations with the best conditions for raising children and in terms of happiness, according to international studies.

Obtaining a residence permit

Now let's take a look at the process of obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands. It generally aligns with European standards. The right to obtain a residence permit is granted to several categories of individuals:

• spouses of Dutch citizens,
• workers who are officially employed in the country
• students,
• to entrepreneurs and investors.

Refugees can also obtain this status. A temporary residence permit is issued for one year with the possibility of extension, and the process of obtaining it can take about three months. After five years of legal residence in the Netherlands, it is possible to apply for citizenship.

For this, it is required:

• take a social integration test,
• demonstrate the absence of criminal records,
• confirm the presence of a minimum income of €1,500 per month.

Job search for foreigners

If you're wondering how a foreigner can find a job in the Netherlands, the first thing to do is visit the official employment service website, where you can not only check out current job openings but also get a wealth of useful information about employment and the specifics of working in this country.

Introduction

In this article, we will explore various resources that can help you find a job outside your home country, particularly in the Netherlands. We will discuss key online platforms and websites in both English and Dutch, including EURES, A3ZUNA, Nationale Vacaturebank, Undutchables, Careerjet, Randstad, and Monsterboard.

Local sources of information

Significant sources of information also include local print publications such as De Telegraaf, NRC, and De Volkskrant. Don't forget about internships, the details of which can be found on the Nuffic portal and through its representatives in Russia.

Special resources for Russian speakers

There are specialized platforms for Russian-speaking job seekers, such as:

• Working abroad
• eurabota
• talayboard24.ru
• flagma

Active groups are being created on social media where users discuss job vacancies in the Netherlands, both free and paid. The themes of these communities range from employment to leisure and entrepreneurship in this country.

Requirements for potential employees

A key point is understanding the requirements placed on potential foreign workers. Although knowledge of the Dutch language may not be mandatory,excellent English language skillsbecoming a necessity.

For some professions, such as:

• Sale
• Work in restaurants
• Medicine
• Teaching in higher education institutions
• Engineering specialties
• Legal activity

Knowledge of Dutch is becoming an important aspect. However, in the field of programming or in private enterprises focused on the international market, knowledge of English will be sufficient.

Individual requirements for migrants

Regarding individual requirements for migrants, it should be noted that local employers are generally less inclined to hire people from Africa or the Middle East. Additionally, candidates should not have serious illnesses or criminal records. Having relevant education and work experience that matches the position applied for is an important advantage.

Documents and their translation

All documents confirming your qualifications and education must be translated into English, Dutch, German, or French and notarized. The process of recognizing foreign diplomas is carried out by organizations such as Nuffic, Neso, and Informatie Beheer.

Types of contracts

In most cases, companies offer temporary contracts that can last from 6 to 12 months. Once an employee has completed three temporary contracts, the employer needs to make a decision about further cooperation:

• Should I continue the relationship?
• Terminate cooperation

A permanent contract is the goal for most expats, as it provides stability in employment and the opportunity to obtain a mortgage.

The procedure for obtaining a work permit

It is also important to mention the process of obtaining a work permit and the necessary visas for official employment. This process includes several stages:

• A suitable job vacancy is available.
• Successful completion of the interview
• Signing of the employment contract
• Obtaining a work permit
• Opening a work visa
• Obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands

Considering all the mentioned points, potential employees need to be prepared for thorough preparation andattention to detailto ensure their successful integration into the new labor market.

Proficiency in English

In the Netherlands, about 90% of people speak English. This makes it easier to interact with potential employers and creates confidence that one can manage without using Dutch. However, it is advisable to showcase your professional skills and knowledge as employers' expectations in this country can be quite high.

The process of diploma nostrification

The nostrification of a diploma is one of the longest and most expensive processes, which can take about a year. This process may require an amount in the range of€4,000–5,000However, it is worth noting that this step needs to be taken only once. Once you have obtained a nostrified diploma, if you wish to change jobs or move to another country, such as EU countries, the USA, or Canada, you will not need to legalize your diploma again. To find out if your diploma meets Dutch standards, you can use specialized resources.

Obtaining a work visa

If you plan to obtain a work visa, you need to contact the consulate of the Netherlands or visa centers such as VFS Global while you are in your country. The main package of documents includes standard paperwork:

• valid foreign passport,
• two photographs,
• insurance for an amount of no less than€30,000,
• filled-out questionnaire,
• documents confirming your education,
• proof of your financial capability.

In addition, a work contract with the future employer is required, which should specify the working conditions and salary level, as well as a work permit.

Difficulties in obtaining a visa

It is important to understand that the process of obtaining a work visa for the Netherlands can be quite challenging, as authorities usually prefer to hire migrants with citizenship from EU countries. Processing your application may takefrom two weeksand the cost of the procedure will be€861A work visa is issued for the same duration as the work permit. If you need to extend your visa, you will need to contact the migration department of the local police station with the appropriate application. Reasons for extension may include:

• updating the contract with the current employer,
• Signing a new employment agreement.

The process may take aboutten daysand the cost of the administrative procedure will be€380.

Work permit

As for the work permit, its processing is entirely the responsibility of the employer. To obtain such a document, a labor contract is required, which must be certified by the Ministry of Labor of the Netherlands. This process is only possible if suitable candidates have not been found among local residents or citizens from other EU countries for at least six weeks. The employer is obliged to send documents to the ministry confirming:

• registration of your business,
• publications about job openings,
• evidence of attempts to recruit local residents and justifications for refusal.

After receiving confirmation of the contract, the employer submits an application to the immigration service, and its review can take up tothree months.

Work permits in the Netherlands

Work permits in the Netherlands are divided into three categories: the first is a short-term permit, which is issued for a period not exceeding 24 weeks. It is usually obtained by seasonal workers and specialists whose contracts match this duration. There is an option to extend such permits for up to three years, and then for five years.

The second type of permit is temporary, which is valid for up to one year and is intended for employees with annual contracts; however, it cannot be extended, and a new permit must be obtained. Finally, the long-term permit is granted for three years for highly qualified specialists and in-demand professionals in the labor market.

Pension features of the Netherlands

The Netherlands rightfully holds one of the leading positions among European countries popular for retirement. To receive full pension benefits, it is necessary to live or work in the country for five decades before retiring.

Even if you have only had one job in the Netherlands, you can still expect to receive a partial pension. The amount of this pension depends on your family status:

• Lonely retireesThose who are entitled to full support receive 70% of the minimum wage level;
• Family pensionerswill receive only 50%.

In addition, various allowances, compensations, and benefits are provided. It is also worth paying attention to pension programs and benefits in other European countries such as Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Greece, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom.

The labor market in the Netherlands

The labor market in the Netherlands has approximately 10.5 million jobs. Local employers are constantly facing a shortage of qualified specialists. The shortage of workers is particularly acute in the construction industry, while the least in demand are positions in public administration. There is also a labor shortage in the manufacturing sectors and in agriculture.

In-demand professions

Among the most in-demand professions in the Netherlands in 2020 are:

• medical workers;
• doctors;
• engineers, especially in the chemical and mechanical engineering sectors;
• programmers;
• builders;
• logisticians;
• designers;
• agricultural workers;
• teachers
• financiers.

There are also seasonal vacancies for which one can obtain a work visa for up to 24 weeks. The process of document preparation for such workers is significantly simplified and is carried out more quickly compared to other categories.

The primary responsibility for gathering all necessary documents lies with the employer; however, it is important to note that it is not possible to change jobs with this visa. Potential seasonal workers only need a valid foreign passport and consent to undergo tuberculosis testing upon arrival. The employer is required to provide an employment contract stating that the salary will not be lower than the minimum level.

All expenses for obtaining the permit are also borne by the employer.

Life in the Netherlands

If you are interested in detailed information about seasonal work in the Netherlands, open vacancies, and necessary documents, I recommend visiting specialized websites.

When it comes to salaries in the Netherlands, if you are considering moving to this country, it is important to carefully assess your abilities, skills, and the conditions offered by the job market. The cost of living in Amsterdam is quite high, averaging around €1,700 to €2,000 per month per person.

Therefore, before making a decision to move, it is important to carefully consider your financial capabilities and analyze your expenses and income in the new location.

Minimum wage and average income

As of the beginning of the second quarter of 2020, the minimum wage in the Netherlands, known as the minimum wage (MW), is €1654 per month before taxes. At the same time, the average income of workers in the country is around €2855. This minimum wage is mainly earned by low-skilled employees, while highly qualified specialists with experience earn at least twice as much.

Hourly wage

The average hourly wage for workers in the service sector ranges between €8 and €10. It is also worth noting that for young people under the age of 21, the minimum wage level differs. Depending on their age, the minimum wage can be between 30% and 80% of the minimum wage standard.

• 15-year-old worker: about €496
• 20-year-old employee: €1322

The dependence of salary on education

Salaries in the Netherlands are closely linked to the level of education of citizens. There is even a special document in the country that presents estimated salaries based on the profession and the educational institution that the candidate graduated from.

Average salaries in various professions

It's interesting to compare average salaries in different professions. For example:

• Architects: from €2500 to €5500
• Dentists: from €4500 to €5000
• General practitioners: from €3000 and above
• Engineers: from €3200 to €3500
• Programmers: from €4000 to €4500
• Accountants: from €3000 to €3500
• Middle managers: around €3000
• Construction sector workers: from €1300 to €2500
• Hotel and restaurant staff: from €1200 to €2300
• Teachers: from €2000 to €3500

Taxes and tax benefits

As for taxes, they are paid by the employer, who deducts the necessary amount from the employee's wages, which means that the amount that the employee receives becomes their net income. For highly qualified foreign specialists who previously lived more than 150 km from Amsterdam, there is a special tax benefit: for the first five years, they are exempt from paying 30% of their income.

Tax rates

Speaking of tax rates, they depend on the level of income:

• Income up to €20,142: rate 8.9%
• Income from €20,142 to €33,994: rate 13.5%
• Income from €33,994 to €68,507: rate 40.8%
• Income over €68,507: rate 51.95%

It is important to note that social contributions of 27.65% are added to these amounts, of which 18.25% goes towards pension provision.

Tax calculations and deductions

When calculating taxes, it's important to remember that amounts are divided into parts, and each part is subject to its own tax rate. For example, if the annual income exceeds €68,507, a tax of 51.95% will only be applied to the portion of income that approaches this level. Citizens can also expect tax deductions, which depend on the number and age of children, total family income, and other conditions.

At the end of the year, many employees have the opportunity to receive a refund of some of the taxes they have paid.

Conclusion

In conclusion of my research, I would like to emphasize that the Netherlands presents a unique opportunity for migrants and those seeking new horizons for life and work. Despite some barriers, such as language skill requirements and the official employment process, the appeal of this country is undeniable. The statistics speak for themselves:unemployment rateremains one of the lowest in Europe, while the economy demonstrates a high level of competitiveness.

On one hand, the Netherlands is open to talented specialists and entrepreneurs, creating extensive opportunities in the job market. Considering the constantly growing number of vacancies, even amid the global pandemic, anyone who is ready to adapt and overcome challenges will be able to find their place here. It is also worth noting that the presence of a large number of foreign citizens, including those from the post-Soviet space, reflects the country's international openness and diversity.

Living in the Netherlands is not only an opportunity to build a successful career but also a chance to immerse yourself in a culture rich in traditions, as well as to enjoy the benefits of a high standard of living and happiness. The integration system into society is quite reasonable:

• After five years of legal residency, you can already expect to apply for citizenship.
• The main thing is the desire to work and adapt to new conditions.

So, do we need to be in the Netherlands? The answer is a definite yes, if you are ready to contribute to their mysterious yet open culture, and you are striving for new achievements. The journey may not always be easy, but the results are worth it. The choice is yours – explore new horizons and don't be afraid to dream.