AdminThe growing demand for healthcare professionals in the Netherlands has opened numerous doors for international applicants seeking stable, rewarding careers abroad.
Among the most sought-after roles is that of a care assistant—a profession that plays a pivotal role in supporting the aging population, individuals with disabilities, and patients in long-term care. For immigrants interested in finding jobs in Europe with visa sponsorship, the care sector in the Netherlands presents a valuable opportunity.
With a yearly salary reaching up to €43,000 and sponsorship for residency visas available, this field is not only financially attractive but also offers long-term security and potential for career growth.
The Netherlands is recognized globally for its excellent healthcare infrastructure and socially inclusive policies. For non-EU job seekers, this makes it one of the few countries in Western Europe that openly provides visa sponsorship for qualified workers in care-related professions.
Beyond the attractive income and benefits, care assistant roles come with structured employment contracts, employer-covered insurance, paid holidays, and access to local training schemes, making it a preferred job category for many foreign workers.
Employers across various Dutch provinces are currently expanding their hiring policies to meet increasing demands in care homes, assisted living communities, and private households.
Immigration and labor authorities have eased pathways for international candidates, especially those from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, with simplified procedures for temporary residence permits, long-stay visas, and even family reunification policies.
As a recruiting employer, our organization believes in inclusive hiring and fair treatment of all employees regardless of nationality. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into healthcare or transitioning from another caregiving environment, the Dutch system accommodates your ambition.
With a transparent hiring process, employer-sponsored relocation packages, and access to Dutch language support, entering the Netherlands as a foreign care assistant in 2025 is not just possible—it’s encouraged.
In the following sections, we will detail every aspect of this opportunity, from qualifications and regional salary variations to visa types and how to successfully apply from abroad.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
To qualify for a care assistant position in the Netherlands, applicants must meet basic standards that ensure safety and efficiency in client care. While some roles are open to those without prior formal experience, most hiring companies favor candidates with at least a year of experience in a caregiving or healthcare environment.
However, don’t be discouraged if you are just starting—many Dutch employers offer on-the-job training for promising applicants who show a natural sense of empathy, responsibility, and willingness to learn.
A secondary school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum educational requirement. Additional certification in health-related courses—such as CPR training, elderly care, or patient handling—can substantially improve your job prospects.
For international candidates, possessing a diploma recognized under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is an added advantage. If your qualification was acquired outside Europe, it may be necessary to undergo a diploma evaluation by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for international education recognition.
Although fluency in Dutch is not mandatory for entry-level care assistant jobs, it is beneficial to have basic communication skills in either Dutch, English, or German.
Many healthcare institutions in multicultural regions such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague conduct their daily operations in English, which allows international workers to integrate more easily. However, once employed, candidates are usually required to take introductory Dutch language courses paid for by the employer.
From a personality standpoint, compassion, reliability, and emotional stability are core traits employers assess during interviews.
Care assistants often work with vulnerable individuals and are expected to handle duties ranging from helping clients bathe, dress, or eat, to supporting them during physical therapy or routine doctor visits. These are not just physical tasks—they require trust, patience, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Medical fitness is another key consideration. Employers may request a health certificate or subject applicants to a basic health screening. Immunization against certain diseases may also be required prior to deployment, especially if the job involves working with elderly patients or those with compromised immune systems.
Having a clean criminal record is essential. A background check is standard during the recruitment process and serves to ensure the safety of clients and the credibility of the employer’s care standards.
Once these foundational criteria are met, you become eligible for further consideration in a growing list of visa-sponsored care jobs across the Netherlands.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
While care assistant salaries across the Netherlands are competitive, compensation varies significantly depending on location.
Provinces with larger urban populations, higher living costs, and greater demand for healthcare services tend to offer higher pay packages, bonuses, and other benefits to attract skilled workers. Among these, North Holland, South Holland, and Utrecht stand out as top-paying regions for international care assistants.
North Holland, which includes Amsterdam, offers some of the most attractive salary packages, often exceeding €40,000 annually. The region is home to a wide range of healthcare facilities, from public hospitals and care homes to luxury private clinics and home-care services for high-income families.
Employers here typically provide full relocation support, visa processing, housing assistance, and language integration programs. Due to the city’s multicultural nature, English is widely spoken, and many employers specifically seek out international candidates with diverse backgrounds.
South Holland, including cities like Rotterdam and The Hague, is another hotspot. Care assistant salaries in this region range between €36,000 and €43,000 annually, with some specialized positions paying even more for night shifts, weekends, or live-in care assignments.
The regional government in South Holland has prioritized healthcare investment, making it easier for foreign workers to find jobs with stable contracts, professional training, and long-term visa options.
Utrecht is increasingly becoming a center for innovative healthcare delivery. The region’s focus on community-based care models means care assistants are in high demand, especially those with multicultural awareness and the flexibility to work in both residential and outpatient settings.
Salary structures in Utrecht often mirror those in Rotterdam, with annual earnings averaging around €38,000 to €42,000, depending on qualifications and prior experience.
While rural provinces like Friesland, Drenthe, and Zeeland may offer slightly lower salaries, they compensate with lower living costs and more relaxed work environments.
These areas are perfect for applicants who prefer quieter towns, slower lifestyles, and community-focused caregiving.
Overall, the Netherlands ensures wage equity across sectors, but where you choose to work directly impacts not just your salary, but also the kind of lifestyle, benefits, and professional exposure you’ll receive.
Salary Expectations for Care Assistants
As of 2025, the average annual salary for care assistants in the Netherlands is €43,000, making it one of the highest-paying countries in the EU for healthcare support roles.
Entry-level professionals without prior Dutch experience can expect starting salaries from €31,000 to €35,000, with increments applied after performance evaluations, typically within the first year of employment.
Mid-career care assistants—especially those with specialized training in dementia care, palliative care, or physical rehabilitation—are often offered packages ranging from €37,000 to €43,000.
Positions that require weekend or overnight shifts also include attractive overtime bonuses, while live-in caregiver roles may include fully furnished accommodation and utility allowances, effectively boosting net income.
Employers in the Netherlands also comply with collective labor agreements, or CAOs (Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomsten), which govern wages, holidays, and other work conditions in the health sector.
These agreements ensure a fair minimum wage, capped working hours, paid sick leave, and contribution to social security and pension funds. For foreign workers, this translates into job stability and predictable earnings from the first day of employment.
Another factor affecting salary is the type of employer. Private healthcare companies and individual households generally offer higher pay compared to public institutions.
However, public-sector jobs often come with stronger job security and better long-term benefits like annual bonuses, study leave, and childcare support. Many international applicants find this trade-off worthwhile, depending on their financial goals and family needs.
Most care assistant salaries are paid monthly, with the addition of a mandatory “holiday allowance” each year, equivalent to roughly 8% of your gross income. This benefit is typically paid in May or June and is designed to help cover travel, education, or personal development expenses.
Taxation in the Netherlands ranges from 19% to 37%, depending on income level and residency status. As a sponsored immigrant, you may qualify for the “30% ruling,” a tax advantage granted to skilled foreign workers, which significantly reduces your taxable income for up to five years.
Companies Hiring Delivery Care Assistants in the Netherlands
A wide array of companies across the Netherlands actively hire care assistants from abroad, especially those offering visa sponsorships. These organizations span public institutions, private homecare services, residential nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and multinational healthcare providers. For job seekers from outside the EU, choosing employers with established immigration partnerships can make the transition smoother and faster.
Major healthcare providers such as Buurtzorg Nederland, one of the most innovative community nursing networks in Europe, frequently recruit foreign care assistants.
Known for its patient-centric model, Buurtzorg offers flexibility in working hours, extensive support for non-Dutch speakers, and a robust in-house training program that helps foreign employees adjust quickly to the Dutch care system.
Another top recruiter is The Human Network, which manages elderly care facilities across multiple provinces. Their HR department is experienced in handling the visa process for applicants from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. Many of their facilities offer live-in options and provide subsidized housing near care homes to help employees settle in with ease.
Private care companies such as Tzorg, ZorgMies, and ActiVite have dedicated recruitment pipelines for non-EU nationals. These organizations provide tailored support for visa applications, contract processing, and orientation programs. They often hire for a range of roles, from home visit carers to full-time care assistants in memory care units or assisted living environments.
Several municipalities and publicly funded care institutions also participate in government-backed labor mobility programs. For instance, Zorggroep Noordwest-Veluwe and Zorgbalans are regionally funded care groups offering structured relocation packages, language training, and support with family reunification once the employee secures a long-term contract.
Staffing agencies such as Otto Work Force, Aethon, and Zorgwerk act as intermediaries between applicants and employers. These agencies handle the initial recruitment, arrange job placement, and guide applicants through the Dutch immigration system.
Partnering with such agencies ensures access to legitimate, visa-sponsored job offers and reduces the risk of job scams or contract misrepresentation.
By applying directly to these companies or through trusted staffing networks, foreign applicants can secure job placements that not only meet their income expectations but also guarantee legal entry, full benefits, and opportunities for long-term residence in the Netherlands.
Visa Types and Options for Care Assistants
Securing legal residency and employment as a care assistant in the Netherlands requires one of several visa types, all of which involve employer sponsorship.
The most commonly issued visa for this role is the Dutch Residence Permit for Paid Employment (GVVA), often known as the single permit. This visa type combines both a residence and work permit, making it easier for employers to bring in non-EU workers.
To qualify for the GVVA, the employer must first demonstrate that the vacancy could not be filled by a candidate from the Netherlands or the European Economic Area.
However, care sector jobs are currently on the Dutch labor shortage list, which streamlines the hiring process for foreign workers. Once the employer submits the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV), decisions are typically made within 60 days.
Applicants who already hold a diploma recognized within the EU can also apply for the EU Blue Card, although this is more common for higher-level healthcare professionals. In some cases, employers may opt to bring in candidates on a provisional residence visa (MVV), especially if the job role involves a trial or training period. After successfully completing this phase, the candidate is transitioned to a long-stay permit.
For those planning to move with family members, the Dutch immigration system supports dependent visas. Spouses and children can join the main applicant once a job offer and residence permit are confirmed. Some employers actively assist in this process, ensuring their foreign employees are fully integrated into Dutch society.
The Netherlands also offers a special visa track for international graduates who studied in the country. If you’ve recently completed a health-related course at a Dutch institution, you can apply for an orientation year visa (zoekjaar), which allows you to stay in the country and look for care-related jobs. Once hired, your visa can be converted to a standard work permit.
Another key aspect of the visa process involves health insurance registration, municipal registration (BSN number), and opening a Dutch bank account—all mandatory steps that are generally guided by your employer upon arrival. By choosing to work in care assistant roles supported by legitimate visa routes, you ensure full legal protection, job security, and access to all social services in the Netherlands.
Where to Find Care Assistant Job Opportunities
Finding care assistant jobs in the Netherlands as a foreign applicant requires access to trusted job platforms, verified recruitment agencies, and direct employer outreach. Fortunately, the country’s growing demand for caregivers has led to the development of digital job boards and portals specifically tailored for international job seekers.
One of the most effective platforms is Werk.nl, operated by the Dutch public employment service. This portal allows foreign applicants to explore listings with visa sponsorship, filter by location and sector, and connect directly with HR departments of hospitals, care homes, and private care providers. Job postings usually indicate if the employer is open to hiring non-Dutch speakers or is offering training.
Indeed Netherlands and Glassdoor NL have dedicated sections for healthcare jobs, including live-in caregiver roles, community nursing positions, and care assistant jobs in retirement villages.
When using these platforms, include search terms such as “visa sponsorship jobs Netherlands,” “caregiver jobs in Europe with work permit,” and “healthcare support roles Dutch employers.” These keywords improve the likelihood of discovering listings tailored to international workers.
Another reliable route is to visit the websites of major care groups like Buurtzorg, Tzorg, and The Human Network. These employers frequently publish job openings and include clear information about language requirements, salary offers, and visa sponsorship availability.
Applications can usually be submitted directly through their websites, along with scanned copies of your passport, CV, and any relevant qualifications.
For applicants in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, international recruitment fairs and online events hosted by Dutch embassies or European labor networks like EURES provide access to verified employers. These events often include Q&A sessions with HR managers, live job postings, and visa information briefings.
Social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, have also become essential tools in the recruitment process. Following care organizations, joining expat and healthcare-related groups, and engaging with Dutch employers can increase your chances of being noticed.
While searching, always verify that the job offer is legitimate. Any employer promising visa sponsorship must be a recognized sponsor with the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). Always request the company’s sponsorship number before proceeding with documentation.
How to Apply for Care Assistant Jobs as a Foreigner in the Netherlands
The application process for care assistant roles in the Netherlands begins with preparing a detailed resume and motivation letter tailored to the job description. Unlike generic applications, Dutch employers appreciate personalized cover letters that demonstrate genuine interest in caregiving and a willingness to integrate into Dutch culture.
Your CV should include your full name, contact information, work history, educational background, certifications, and language proficiency. Be clear about your current location and willingness to relocate.
Highlight relevant skills such as patient care, mobility assistance, communication, and crisis management. If you have international experience, be sure to mention it—it’s often seen as a plus.
Once your application is ready, you can submit it via the employer’s official website or through a verified recruitment agency. Within a few weeks, shortlisted candidates are usually invited to participate in an online interview.
This may be conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams and typically includes questions about your experience, language skills, and availability. Employers often assess emotional intelligence and motivation, as caregiving requires a unique combination of patience, compassion, and resilience.
If you pass the interview, the employer proceeds with visa sponsorship paperwork. You’ll be required to submit a valid passport, proof of education or training, a clean police clearance, and a health check certificate. Employers take care of the visa application on your behalf, and in most cases, cover all administrative costs.
Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a notification to collect it from the Dutch embassy in your home country. After arrival, you’ll need to register with your local municipality, get a citizen service number (BSN), and sign your employment contract. Orientation sessions typically follow, during which you’ll receive training, safety guidelines, and support with cultural adaptation.
The entire process, from application to deployment, typically takes 2 to 4 months, depending on embassy processing times. Working legally as a care assistant in the Netherlands provides a stable income, healthcare coverage, and the possibility of extending your stay or applying for permanent residency after five years.
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