The Complete Guide to Remote Work in the Netherlands (Visas, Taxes & Finding Jobs)
Published: 11 March 2026 — SlashHash Editorial Team
Finding a remote job in the Netherlands involves navigating a landscape where hybrid work is common but fully remote roles are scarce. Success requires searching major job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed, as well as Dutch-specific platforms. For non-EU citizens, securing a role with a recognized sponsor is essential for the highly skilled migrant visa, which is tied to a Dutch employer and generally requires physical residency. Tax and social security obligations are determined by your residency; if you live in the Netherlands while working for a foreign company, you must use an Employer of Record (EOR) or register as a freelancer to comply with Dutch law.
The Current State of Remote Work in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has embraced flexible work, but this has primarily translated into a widespread adoption of hybrid models rather than a shift to fully remote setups. While the pandemic accelerated the acceptance of working from home, most companies still value in-person collaboration, settling on a balance of two or three days in the office per week.
According to SlashHash's analysis of Dutch job postings in the tech sector, the trend towards flexibility has stabilized. In the first quarter of 2026, approximately 37.1% of roles offered some form of location flexibility. The vast majority of these were hybrid arrangements, accounting for 33.3% of postings. Fully remote positions remain a niche, consistently making up just 3.8% of available jobs in the tech industry. This data indicates that while employers are open to flexibility, they are not abandoning the central office.
This reality is reflected in the country's legislative direction. The proposed "Wet werken waar je wilt" (Work Where You Want Act), which would have given employees more power to request a change in their work location, was passed by the lower house of parliament but ultimately rejected by the Senate in late 2023. As a result, employers retain the final say on remote work requests, and there is no legal mandate forcing them to approve working from home.
Navigating Visas for Remote Workers: The Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Route
For professionals from outside the EU/EEA, the possibility of working remotely in the Netherlands is inextricably linked to visa regulations. The primary pathway for skilled workers is the highly skilled migrant (HSM) visa, but its structure contains important limitations regarding remote work.
The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa Explained
The highly skilled migrant visa is designed to attract talent by simplifying the immigration process for individuals who have secured a high-paying job in the Netherlands. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) oversees this program.
To be eligible, a candidate must meet several key criteria:
- An Employment Contract: You must have a signed contract with an employer in the Netherlands.
- A Recognized Sponsor: The employer must be recognized by the IND as an official sponsor (erkende referent). Not every Dutch company holds this status.
- Salary Thresholds: Your gross monthly salary must meet a minimum threshold, which is indexed annually. For 2026, these thresholds are approximately €5,678 for individuals aged 30 and over, and €4,162 for those under 30 (note: figures are illustrative and updated yearly by the IND).
A significant benefit often associated with the HSM visa is the 30% ruling. This tax advantage allows eligible employees to receive 30% of their gross salary tax-free for a period of up to five years, substantially increasing their net income.
Can You Work Remotely on an HSM Visa?
This is where a critical distinction must be made. The HSM visa allows you to live in the Netherlands and work from home for your Dutch employer. A hybrid schedule or even a fully remote arrangement is permissible, as long as your employer is a Dutch-registered entity and a recognized sponsor.
However, the HSM visa does not permit you to live in the Netherlands while working remotely for a company based in another country. The visa is tied to your Dutch employment contract and the assumption that your work contributes directly to the Dutch economy. You cannot use it as a "digital nomad" visa to simply reside in the Netherlands while serving a foreign employer.
Finding Companies That Sponsor Visas
Identifying employers who are willing and able to sponsor an HSM visa is one of the biggest hurdles for international job seekers. Many companies do not explicitly mention visa sponsorship in their job descriptions, even if they are registered sponsors.
According to SlashHash's analysis of Dutch tech job postings, the challenge is clear. Only about 1.2% of established tech employers explicitly advertise visa sponsorship. This figure has remained stable over the past year, indicating that companies are not becoming significantly more vocal about this benefit in their recruitment efforts.
However, this low percentage does not represent the full picture. Many more companies are on the IND's official list of recognized sponsors but choose not to advertise it for every role. To find these opportunities, job seekers should:
- Consult the IND's Public Register: The IND maintains a public list of all recognized sponsors. This is the most reliable source for identifying potential employers.
- Use Targeted Search Queries: When searching on job platforms, combine your role with terms like "visa sponsorship," "relocation," or "highly skilled migrant."
- Check Company Career Pages: If you identify a promising company from the IND list, visit its career page directly to see if it has relevant openings.
Tax and Social Security Implications for Remote Workers
Your tax and social security obligations depend entirely on your residency status and your employer's location. The fundamental rule, as outlined by the Belastingdienst (the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration), is that if you are a resident of the Netherlands, you are subject to Dutch income tax on your worldwide income.
Scenario 1: Resident in the Netherlands, Working for a Dutch Employer
This is the most straightforward situation. Your employer is responsible for withholding payroll taxes (loonheffingen), which include income tax ("Box 1") and national insurance contributions for pensions (AOW), survivor benefits (ANW), and long-term care (Wlz). This is all handled automatically through their Dutch payroll system. Your remote work status (hybrid or full-time from home) does not change this core obligation.
Scenario 2: Resident in the Netherlands, Working Remotely for a Foreign (Non-Dutch) Employer
This scenario is far more complex and requires specific arrangements to ensure compliance with Dutch law. If you live in the Netherlands and work for a company with no legal entity in the country, you cannot simply receive a gross salary and handle taxes yourself. One of the following solutions is required.
Option A: The Foreign Employer Registers in the Netherlands The foreign company can choose to register with the Belastingdienst as a non-resident employer. This allows them to operate a Dutch payroll and withhold the necessary taxes and social security contributions on your behalf. However, this creates administrative overhead for the employer, and many are reluctant to do so for a single employee.
Option B: Using an Employer of Record (EOR) This is the most common and practical solution. An Employer of Record is a third-party company that legally employs you in the Netherlands on behalf of your foreign employer. The EOR handles all Dutch compliance, including your employment contract, payroll, taxes, and social security. Your actual day-to-day work is still for the foreign company, which pays the EOR for its services. This structure ensures you are a fully compliant Dutch employee.
Option C: Registering as a Freelancer (ZZP'er) You can register your own business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and operate as a self-employed professional (known as a ZZP'er). In this model, you invoice your foreign "client" for your services. You become personally responsible for administering and paying your own income tax, VAT (BTW), and health insurance contributions (ZVW). You must also arrange your own pension. This route offers flexibility but carries the risk of being classified as "false self-employment" (schijnzelfstandigheid) if you only have one client and operate like an employee.
Social Security Obligations
According to the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB), which manages national insurance schemes, residency is the key determinant for social security obligations. If you live in the Netherlands, you are required to be insured under the Dutch system. This is non-negotiable. Whether you are employed by a Dutch company, an EOR, or are a registered freelancer, these contributions must be paid. This ensures you are covered for state pension, unemployment benefits (managed by the UWV), and other social safety nets.
How to Find Remote and Hybrid Jobs in the Netherlands
A targeted strategy is essential for finding the limited number of remote and more common hybrid roles in the Dutch market. Combining broad searches with specialized tools will yield the best results.
Leveraging Major International Job Boards
Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are the primary starting points for any job search. Their vast databases contain thousands of Dutch listings.
- Use Precise Keywords: Use a combination of English and Dutch terms: "remote," "hybrid," "thuiswerken," "op afstand."
- Set Location Filters: Filter by "Netherlands" or specific cities like "Amsterdam," "Rotterdam," or "Utrecht" to narrow the results.
- Beware of Mislabelling: Be critical of listings tagged as "remote." Many are actually hybrid or have location restrictions. Read the job description carefully to verify the policy. The sheer volume on these platforms often leads to noise and duplicate postings.
Exploring Dutch-Specific Job Boards
Local job boards can offer a more focused search experience. Platforms like Nationale Vacaturebank and Jobbird cater specifically to the Dutch market. For recent graduates and young professionals, Magnet.me is a popular choice that connects students with employers. These sites sometimes feature listings from smaller local companies that may not advertise on larger international platforms.
Using an AI-Powered Search Platform for Precision
To overcome the "signal vs. noise" problem of traditional job boards, modern search platforms offer a more efficient approach. SlashHash aggregates listings from Dutch job boards like Indeed NL, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, removes duplicates, and lets users search in natural language. This allows for a much more granular and relevant search experience.
Instead of scrolling through keyword-filtered lists, its AI chat lets job seekers ask specific questions like 'which Amsterdam startups sponsor visas and pay above €65k?' or 'show me hybrid software engineer roles in Utrecht with a 4-day work week'. This method filters out irrelevant roles and helps pinpoint opportunities that match precise criteria, such as a specific hybrid schedule or visa sponsorship.
Direct Company Searches and Networking
A proactive approach is often most effective. Identify companies you want to work for, especially those on the IND's list of recognized sponsors, and monitor their career pages directly. Many companies post openings on their own site before advertising elsewhere.
Furthermore, a strong professional network is invaluable. Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile, connect with recruiters and professionals in your field, and participate in industry discussions. Informational interviews can provide insights into a company's culture and its stance on remote work long before a job is even posted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get a highly skilled migrant visa for remote work in the Netherlands? The highly skilled migrant visa requires a contract with a Dutch-registered employer. You can work remotely from home for that Dutch company, but you cannot use the visa to live in the Netherlands while working for a foreign company that lacks a Dutch legal entity.
What are the tax implications of working remotely in the Netherlands for a foreign company? As a Dutch resident, you are liable for Dutch income tax and social security. To be compliant, your foreign employer must either register in the Netherlands, use a third-party Employer of Record (EOR) to manage your payroll, or you must register as a freelancer (ZZP'er).
Which job boards are best for finding remote jobs in the Netherlands? Start with large platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed using "remote" or "hybrid" filters. For a more curated experience, Dutch-specific boards like Nationale Vacaturebank or AI-powered aggregators that de-duplicate listings from multiple sources can be more efficient and provide more relevant results.
Do I have to pay social security in the Netherlands if my employer is abroad? Yes, if you are a resident of the Netherlands, you are typically required to contribute to the Dutch social security system. An Employer of Record (EOR) or registering as a freelancer are the most common ways to manage these mandatory contributions correctly.
Is the 'Work Where You Want Act' in effect in the Netherlands? No, the "Wet werken waar je wilt" was rejected by the Dutch Senate in 2023. Employers are not legally obligated to approve an employee's request to work from a different location, meaning the final decision on remote work policies rests with the company.
How common are fully remote jobs in the Dutch tech sector? Based on an analysis of job postings, fully remote positions are relatively rare, making up only about 4% of roles in the Dutch tech sector. Hybrid models that combine office and home-based work are far more common, appearing in over 37% of listings.
What is the 30% ruling and does it apply to remote workers? The 30% ruling is a tax advantage for eligible skilled migrants, allowing 30% of their gross salary to be paid tax-free. It is tied to having a Dutch employer and meeting specific criteria, so it applies if you are employed by a Dutch company, including in a hybrid or remote role.
Navigating the Dutch job market for remote or hybrid opportunities requires understanding the nuances of company policies, visa laws, and tax regulations. While fully remote roles are not the norm, a significant portion of the market has embraced flexible hybrid work. For job seekers looking to cut through the noise and find specific opportunities—from hybrid roles to visa-sponsoring companies—a dedicated search platform can provide the necessary clarity in this evolving landscape.