Finding companies in the Netherlands that offer visa sponsorship for jobs in 2025 can be challenging due to strict immigration regulations and the requirement for employers to prove that no suitable candidates are available within the EU/EEA. However, several companies are recognized sponsors by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and are known to offer visa sponsorship for highly skilled migrants, particularly in industries facing labor shortages like IT, engineering, healthcare, and agriculture. Below is a list of top companies in the Netherlands that are likely to offer visa sponsorship based on their status as recognized sponsors and their history of hiring international talent. Note that “free” visa sponsorship typically means the employer covers the costs of the visa application process, but this depends on the company’s policy, and you should confirm with the employer during the hiring process.
Top Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the Netherlands (2025)
1. Booking.com
Industry: Technology, Travel
Details: Based in Amsterdam, Booking.com is a global leader in online travel and accommodation services. As a recognized sponsor, it frequently hires international talent in roles such as software engineers, data scientists, and product managers. The company offers visa sponsorship and relocation support for eligible candidates, particularly for highly skilled migrant positions.
2. IKEA
Industry: Retail, Home Furnishings
Details: IKEA, a Swedish multinational, has a significant presence in the Netherlands and is known for offering visa sponsorship for various roles, including supply chain, retail management, and IT positions. The company emphasizes diversity and inclusion, making it open to international candidates.
3. MSD Netherlands
Industry: Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare
Details: MSD, a global pharmaceutical company, has a strong presence in the Netherlands and offers visa sponsorship for roles in research, engineering, and healthcare. With 74,000 employees globally, their Dutch operations often seek international talent for specialized positions.
4. Optiver
Industry: Finance, Trading
Details: Optiver, a tech-driven trading firm based in Amsterdam, is a recognized sponsor that offers visa sponsorship and competitive relocation packages. They hire for roles like software developers, traders, and data analysts, particularly targeting candidates with strong technical skills.
5. Google Netherlands
Industry: Technology
Details: Google’s Amsterdam office focuses on roles in software engineering, marketing, and cloud services. As a recognized sponsor, Google provides visa sponsorship for highly skilled migrants, particularly in tech-related fields. The company is committed to equal opportunity employment.
6. Apple Netherlands
Industry: Technology, Consumer Electronics
Details: Apple, another equal-opportunity employer, offers visa sponsorship for roles in software development, retail, and operations in the Netherlands. Their Amsterdam office frequently hires international candidates for technical and creative positions.
7. Picnic
Industry: E-commerce, Grocery Delivery
Details: Picnic, a rapidly growing online supermarket, is known for its diverse workforce (over 80 nationalities) and offers visa sponsorship for roles in IT, logistics, and operations. They also provide relocation packages, including support for visa processes.
8. Easthouse Electronics Technology
Industry: Electronics, Security Systems
Details: A recognized sponsor with KM visa support, Easthouse Electronics Technology hires for roles like office management assistants and technical support staff. They are open to international candidates and assist with visa sponsorship.
Additional Notes
Recognized Sponsors: The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) maintains a public register of recognized sponsors. As of July 2023, there are over 10,648 organizations registered, including the companies listed above. You can verify a company’s status and explore their career pages for visa-sponsored jobs.
High-Demand Sectors: The Netherlands has a labor shortage in IT, engineering, healthcare, and agriculture. Roles in these fields are more likely to offer visa sponsorship due to the difficulty in finding local talent.
Application Process: To apply, visit company career pages or use job portals like EURES, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Relocate.me. Search for “visa sponsorship” in the job filters to identify eligible roles. Ensure your CV highlights relevant skills and qualifications, as employers must justify hiring non-EU/EEA candidates.
Visa Requirements: Most sponsored jobs fall under the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, which requires a minimum salary (e.g., €5,008/month for those over 30 in 2025, excluding the 30% tax ruling). Employers must be recognized sponsors and prove no suitable EU/EEA candidates are available. Some roles, like seasonal farm work (€10–€15/hour), may qualify for short-term work permits.
Payroll Companies: If a company is not a recognized sponsor, they may use a payroll company to handle visa sponsorship. This can be an option for smaller firms or niche roles.
Verification: Always confirm with the employer whether they cover visa costs (“free” sponsorship) and check their status on the IND’s public register.
Tips for Securing a Visa-Sponsored Job
Focus on English-Speaking Roles: International companies often list jobs in English, indicating openness to foreign candidates.
Network on LinkedIn: Connect with recruiters and join groups related to Netherlands job opportunities.
Use Specialized Portals: Platforms like EURES and Relocate.me list visa-sponsored jobs across various sectors.
Tailor Your Application: Highlight skills in high-demand fields (e.g., IT, engineering) and ensure your qualifications meet the job requirements.