Thinking about working in the Netherlands but concerned about speaking Dutch? The good news: many roles are available in English—especially in thriving sectors like tech, finance, and hospitality. Here’s your guide to the most in-demand English-friendly jobs, where to find them, and how the market is evolving.

Why English Works in the Netherlands

English proficiency is exceptionally high in the Netherlands—estimated at 90–97% among the population—thanks to early education, media exposure, and cultural dynamics. In global companies and cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, English is often the workplace’s default language.

1. In-Demand Roles Across Industries (2025 Trends)

According to LinkedIn’s “Jobs on the Rise” for the Netherlands, the fastest-growing roles include:

• AI Engineer

• Business Director

• Information Security Officer

• Client Advisor

• Management Advisor

• Payroll Specialist

• Sustainability Manager

• Learning & Development Specialist

• Audit Manager

• Mechatronics Engineer

These roles are increasingly available in English, particularly within multinational firms and the tech sector concentrated in the Randstad area (Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht)

2. Tech & Engineering: A Prime Sector for English Speakers

Highly technical roles are often posted and conducted in English. Jobs like Site Reliability Engineer and Data Engineer are growing, requiring skills in cloud computing, DevOps, big data, and more—with average annual salaries ranging from €55,000 to €60,000.

3. Other Growing Fields with English-Friendly Opportunities

Beyond tech, several professional domains remain strong:

• Engineering, IT, Marketing & Sales, HR, Healthcare, Teaching, Accounting, and Nursing—salaries range from roughly €39K to €64K annually

4. Multinationals & International Work Environment

Large global players based in the Netherlands—like IBM, Microsoft, Google, Netflix, and ING—often operate internally in English. These firms provide roles in business analysis, customer service, content, and marketing

5. Blue-Collar, Retail & Hospitality Roles

For those without Dutch, jobs like barista, retail associate, and warehouse staff are often accessible—especially in tourist-heavy areas or central cities. Delivery roles for companies like PostNL or Albert Heijn also welcome English-only speakers.

6. Expat & Student Part-Time Jobs

Big cities like Amsterdam and The Hague offer part-time positions—cafés, retail—that often operate in English. Some stores even hire exclusively English speakers, though these are more common in tourist zones.

7. Important Considerations & Market Challenges

While tech and corporate roles are increasingly English-friendly, some fields expect at least conversational Dutch. Sales, PR, and local-facing roles, especially outside the international corporate world, may require Dutch.

Summary: Top English-Speaking Job Categories

Tips for English-Speaking Job Seekers

• Target positions in multinationals, tech startups, and English-first sectors.

• Use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and expat job boards.

• Be ready to learn Dutch gradually—this will significantly expand job options and integration 

• Leverage your specialized skills—especially in tech, finance, sustainability, and healthcare.

• Consider short-term or part-time opportunities in retail and hospitality to start.

The Netherlands offers many entry points for English-speaking professionals—especially in tech, engineering, and international business roles. While learning Dutch broadens your prospects, many English-first roles are actively available now. Focus on high-demand sectors and leverage your skills to stand out in the dynamic Dutch job market.