The Netherlands is an attractive destination for foreign workers looking for employment in Europe. Although many Dutch employers recruit highly skilled professionals, there are also opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, logistics, food production, cleaning, hospitality and other industries that may not require a university degree or advanced professional qualifications.

For foreigners from outside the European Union, however, getting an unskilled job in the Netherlands can be more difficult than getting a highly skilled position. This is because Dutch employers generally have to demonstrate that they cannot find a suitable worker within the Netherlands, the European Economic Area or Switzerland before obtaining permission to employ many non-EEA workers.

This does not mean that unskilled jobs are impossible for foreign workers. Certain sectors, particularly seasonal agriculture and horticulture, have specific routes for recruiting workers from outside the EU.

What Are Unskilled Jobs?

“Unskilled” is a common search term, but it does not necessarily mean that the job requires no skills at all.

In practice, many entry-level jobs require basic training, physical ability, reliability and the ability to follow workplace instructions.

Examples include:

Farm worker
Fruit picker
Greenhouse worker
Vegetable picker
Warehouse worker
Food production worker
Cleaner
Kitchen assistant
Dishwasher
Hotel housekeeping worker
General labourer
Packaging worker
Production worker
Loading and unloading worker

The requirements vary from employer to employer. Some positions may require previous experience, while others provide training.

1. Farm Worker Jobs

Agriculture is one of the most important areas for foreigners looking for lower-skilled employment in the Netherlands.

Farm workers can perform tasks such as planting, harvesting, sorting crops, maintaining fields, cleaning agricultural areas and assisting with general farm operations.

Agricultural employment can be particularly relevant to non-EU workers because the Netherlands has a specific residence permit for seasonal work in agriculture and horticulture.

The seasonal-work permit allows eligible workers from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland to work in Dutch agriculture or horticulture for up to 24 weeks.

2. Fruit Picking Jobs

Fruit picking can be an option for workers who do not have advanced professional qualifications.

Depending on the season, workers may harvest, sort and pack agricultural products.

The work can be physically demanding and may involve bending, standing and working outdoors for several hours.

Foreign workers should understand that seasonal agricultural employment is temporary. The Dutch seasonal-work residence permit is valid for a maximum of 24 weeks.

3. Greenhouse Jobs

The Netherlands has a large horticultural industry, and greenhouse work is another area worth exploring.

Workers may assist with:

Planting
Watering
Pruning
Harvesting
Sorting
Packaging
Cleaning
General greenhouse maintenance

Some greenhouse jobs can involve repetitive tasks and long periods of standing.

Because horticulture is specifically covered by the Netherlands’ seasonal-work route, it can be one of the more relevant sectors for non-EU applicants seeking entry-level employment.

4. Vegetable Farm Jobs

Vegetable farms may employ workers to plant, maintain, harvest and package crops.

Applicants generally do not need a university degree for these positions, although employers may expect workers to be physically fit and capable of working efficiently.

Foreign workers should check whether the particular vacancy is open to candidates outside the EU and whether the employer is willing to arrange the necessary work authorization.

5. Warehouse Jobs

Warehouses and distribution centres employ workers for activities such as:

Picking orders
Packing goods
Sorting products
Loading and unloading
Preparing shipments
Moving materials
Checking inventory

Some warehouse jobs require previous experience or forklift certification, while others are entry-level.

However, warehouse employment is not automatically available for workers outside the EU. For a standard vacancy, employers generally have to demonstrate that they could not find a suitable worker in the Netherlands or the wider EEA/Switzerland labour market before receiving permission to hire certain non-EEA workers.

6. Food Production Jobs

Food-processing companies may employ production workers to package, sort, label and prepare food products.

Typical positions can include:

Food production worker
Packaging worker
Production assistant
Factory worker
Food-packing employee

Some employers provide training, making these positions potentially suitable for people without extensive experience.

Applicants should check whether the employer is willing to recruit workers from outside the EU before applying.

7. Cleaning Jobs

Cleaning is another category frequently associated with entry-level employment.

Potential positions include:

Office cleaner
Hotel cleaner
Industrial cleaner
Housekeeping worker
Building cleaner

The duties may include vacuuming, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, removing waste and maintaining work areas.

However, foreigners should not assume that every cleaning vacancy can provide immigration sponsorship. Employers hiring non-EEA workers must comply with Dutch work-permit requirements, and standard vacancies can face strict recruitment conditions.

8. Hotel Housekeeping Jobs

Hotels can employ housekeeping staff to clean guest rooms, replace bed linen, replenish supplies and maintain hotel facilities.

English may be useful in international hotels, although some employers may prefer Dutch-speaking employees.

Applicants should carefully check language requirements before applying.

For non-EU applicants, the bigger challenge is usually obtaining legal authorization to work rather than simply meeting the basic job requirements.

9. Kitchen Assistant Jobs

Restaurants, hotels and catering companies may hire kitchen assistants.

Typical duties can include:

Washing dishes
Preparing ingredients
Cleaning kitchen areas
Moving supplies
Assisting cooks
Maintaining hygiene standards

Previous kitchen experience can be helpful but is not always required for entry-level positions.

However, employers still need to comply with immigration and work-permit rules when hiring workers from outside the EU.

10. Dishwasher Jobs

Dishwashing is another entry-level occupation found in restaurants, hotels and catering businesses.

The work usually involves cleaning dishes, utensils and kitchen equipment and maintaining a clean working environment.

Although the position may not require formal qualifications, employers may expect applicants to be reliable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

11. Packaging Jobs

Packaging workers prepare products for distribution and sale.

Duties can include:

Packing products
Labelling boxes
Inspecting products
Sorting goods
Preparing orders
Maintaining a clean production area

Some employers may provide on-the-job training.

However, packaging jobs can be difficult to obtain from outside the EU because employers must meet Dutch work-permit requirements when recruiting non-EEA workers.

12. Production Worker Jobs

Factories can employ production workers to operate simple machinery, assemble products, inspect goods and prepare items for shipment.

These jobs may be suitable for people without university degrees, but applicants should check whether previous factory experience is required.

Safety is particularly important in production environments, and workers may need to complete employer-provided training before starting work.

Can Foreign Workers Get Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands?

Yes, but the answer depends heavily on the worker’s nationality and immigration status.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally have much greater freedom to work in the Netherlands than workers from outside these areas.

For non-EEA workers, the employer generally needs authorization to employ the foreign worker. Depending on the situation, this can involve a TWV work permit or a GVVA single permit, which combines residence and work authorization.

The Dutch government states that employers normally need to show that they cannot find a suitable worker in the EU/EEA or Switzerland before obtaining a work permit for a non-EEA worker.

This is why lower-skilled jobs can be more difficult to obtain from abroad than highly skilled jobs.

Seasonal Agriculture Is One of the Main Options

For non-EU workers interested in lower-skilled employment, seasonal agriculture and horticulture deserve particular attention.

The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has a dedicated residence permit for seasonal work.

The permit covers temporary agricultural and horticultural work and can last for up to 24 weeks.

There are several conditions.

For example, the employer must first have looked for workers in the Netherlands and EU/EEA member states. The employer must also report the vacancy to the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), pay the applicable standard wage and arrange proper accommodation for the foreign worker.

This makes seasonal agriculture one of the clearer routes to investigate if you are a non-EU applicant without advanced professional qualifications.

What Is a GVVA?

The GVVA is a combined residence and work permit used for certain foreign workers who want to work in the Netherlands.

The permit combines permission to live in the Netherlands with authorization to work.

The Dutch immigration authorities explain that non-EEA nationals who want to work in the Netherlands generally need a GVVA when they will work for more than three months, subject to exceptions.

For seasonal agricultural workers, the GVVA can cover both residence and employment for the permitted seasonal period.

What Is a TWV?

A TWV is a Dutch work permit.

In certain situations, the employer applies to UWV for the TWV rather than using a GVVA.

For example, a TWV can apply when someone will work in the Netherlands for no more than 90 days.

The exact permit depends on factors such as the length and type of employment and the worker’s immigration situation.

How Much Can You Earn?

Wages vary according to the occupation, employer, collective labour agreement, location, working hours and experience.

Foreign workers must receive the applicable employment conditions and wages required under Dutch law and the relevant employment arrangements.

For seasonal work, the IND specifically states that the employer must pay the standard wage applicable under the relevant collective labour agreement.

Applicants should therefore look at the actual salary stated in the job advertisement rather than relying on general claims about how much unskilled workers earn in the Netherlands.

Do You Need Dutch?

Not necessarily.

Some international employers may accept English-speaking workers, particularly in agriculture, logistics, hospitality and internationally oriented workplaces.

However, knowing Dutch can increase the number of jobs available to you.

For jobs involving customers, elderly people, patients or public services, Dutch may be essential.

For farm, greenhouse, warehouse and production jobs, the language requirement can sometimes be less strict, but this depends on the employer.

How to Find Jobs in the Netherlands

When searching online, use specific keywords rather than simply searching for “unskilled jobs.”

Useful search terms include:

Unskilled jobs in Netherlands for foreigners
Netherlands jobs for foreign workers
Netherlands farm jobs for foreigners
Seasonal jobs Netherlands foreign workers
Netherlands greenhouse jobs
Netherlands fruit picking jobs
Netherlands agricultural jobs
Netherlands warehouse jobs
Netherlands factory jobs for foreigners
Netherlands production jobs
Netherlands packing jobs
Netherlands cleaning jobs
Netherlands hotel jobs for foreigners
Netherlands jobs with work permit
Netherlands jobs with visa sponsorship

You should also check whether the vacancy specifically states that international candidates can apply.

How to Apply From Outside the Netherlands

Start by preparing a simple CV that highlights your education, practical skills, previous work, physical-work experience and language abilities.

Even if you have never worked in the exact occupation, mention transferable experience.

For example, someone applying for agricultural work could mention gardening, farming activities, livestock care or other relevant practical experience.

Someone applying for warehouse work could mention experience with loading goods, stock management, packing or physical labour.

Always be honest about your experience.

After finding a vacancy, check:

Whether international applicants can apply.
Whether the employer is willing to arrange work authorization.
Whether the job requires Dutch.
The salary and working hours.
Whether accommodation is provided.
The duration of the employment.
Whether the job is seasonal or permanent.

Beware of Netherlands Job Scams

Foreign workers should be especially careful when searching for jobs online.

Scammers may advertise fake Dutch farm, warehouse or factory jobs and ask applicants to pay money for an employment contract, work permit or visa.

A genuine employer cannot simply guarantee that you will receive a Dutch visa.

The Dutch government has strict rules governing the employment of non-EEA workers. Employers must meet the relevant conditions before a foreign worker can legally start work.

Be suspicious if someone promises:

A guaranteed Netherlands work visa
Guaranteed permanent residence
A guaranteed job without an interview
A work permit in exchange for a large payment
A job contract that must be purchased
Immediate travel to the Netherlands without immigration approval

Never pay an unknown person simply because they claim to have access to Dutch employers.

Final Thoughts

Unskilled and entry-level jobs do exist in the Netherlands, particularly in agriculture, horticulture, food production, logistics, cleaning and hospitality. However, foreigners from outside the EU face additional immigration requirements.

For non-EU workers, seasonal agriculture and horticulture are among the most relevant areas to investigate, because the Netherlands has a specific seasonal-work residence permit allowing eligible workers to work in agriculture or horticulture for up to 24 weeks.

Standard low-skilled jobs such as warehouse, cleaning and factory work can be more difficult to obtain from abroad because employers generally have to demonstrate that suitable workers cannot be found within the Netherlands or the EU/EEA/Switzerland labour market.

If you are applying from outside Europe, focus on legitimate employers, verify the work-permit requirements and never pay for a supposedly guaranteed Dutch visa or job. The safest approach is to find a genuine vacancy first and then follow the official Dutch immigration process.

Unskilled Jobs in the Netherlands for Foreign Workers