The healthcare system in the Netherlands is globally recognized for its efficiency, compassion, and structured approach to elder and patient care. With an aging population and increasing demand for quality support services, care assistant jobs in the Netherlands have become not only abundant but essential to the country’s social welfare network. This sector is now actively welcoming foreign professionals through various legal work routes, including visa sponsorship programs, to meet its growing workforce demand in 2025.
Advertisements
In recent years, the government and private care institutions across Dutch provinces have revised employment policies to include non-EU residents. The focus is on enabling international workers with the right motivation and foundational skills to legally secure jobs in the country. The care assistant sector in particular is seeing a noticeable rise in employment contracts that include full relocation assistance, including visa application support and accommodation setup.
International job seekers looking to find stable, high-value employment in Europe will find the Netherlands a top destination, both for income potential and career development. The average yearly pay of €43,000 in the care sector—especially for those willing to work in private residences, eldercare institutions, or specialized health centers—presents a solid financial opportunity.
This article is carefully developed for foreign applicants interested in securing visa-sponsored care assistant jobs in the Netherlands in 2025. You will find everything from required experience, regional pay structures, and the hiring process, to job search platforms and immigration routes. Each section is meant to offer accurate, employer-level insight while helping you align your personal goals with what Dutch employers genuinely need.
If you’re determined to secure a job abroad and want a clear understanding of how to move to the Netherlands as a care assistant, this detailed resource will be your go-to guide. Whether you are just beginning your healthcare journey or have years of experience, the opportunity is open, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years to act.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
The care assistant profession in the Netherlands is open to both local and international applicants, but employers remain firm about basic qualifications and personality traits. Even at the entry level, a few mandatory competencies are required to ensure patient safety and emotional well-being. Dutch care employers are known for their high standards and structured onboarding process, which includes mentorship, certification alignment, and cultural orientation.
For job seekers outside of Europe, the minimum educational requirement is usually the completion of secondary school, ideally with a healthcare-related subject background. Some employers may also require evidence of short-term vocational training, such as caregiving certification or home healthcare assistant coursework. Having a First Aid certificate and a valid tuberculosis screening result can also significantly improve your employability.
In terms of experience, employers typically prefer individuals with at least 6 to 12 months of relevant work, either in a hospital, nursing home, or private residence. However, many entry-level jobs in 2025 are structured to accommodate complete beginners, provided the applicant demonstrates a genuine willingness to learn and work compassionately under supervision. Employers may also prioritize soft skills over formal experience. This includes strong interpersonal communication, a calm demeanor under pressure, empathy, and respect for diversity.
Speaking Dutch is not always mandatory, particularly for sponsored care assistant jobs that include training. However, employers strongly favor applicants who show interest in learning the language. Most onboarding programs now incorporate basic Dutch lessons as part of employment. That being said, English remains the main language of instruction for foreign workers during the training period.
What truly sets applicants apart is their readiness to adapt and serve vulnerable individuals with patience and consistency. Whether assisting the elderly with bathing and grooming or helping disabled clients with daily chores, care assistants in the Netherlands are expected to perform their duties with integrity and reliability. These attributes matter even more than formal credentials, particularly for employers willing to sponsor a work visa.
If you can meet these base requirements and are ready to commit to a full-time caregiving role, your chances of being selected by a Dutch healthcare institution are higher than ever. Especially in 2025, when labor shortages are pressing, international applicants with these basic capabilities are in high demand.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
The Netherlands is geographically compact, but there are notable differences in salary scales for care assistants depending on the region. Cities with higher costs of living and a greater concentration of healthcare institutions tend to offer more attractive compensation packages, especially to internationally sponsored workers.
Amsterdam, being the capital and a hub for international services, consistently ranks at the top for care assistant pay. Jobs in this region often come with annual packages exceeding €43,000, especially if they are tied to private healthcare providers or eldercare homes with international affiliations. Employers in Amsterdam also frequently offer benefits like relocation support, Dutch language training, and additional allowances for evening or weekend shifts.
Rotterdam, the country’s second-largest city and a major port area, is another attractive destination. It houses several renowned rehabilitation centers and aged-care facilities. The multicultural nature of the city means foreign care assistants integrate more smoothly. Salaries here range from €40,000 to €44,000 annually for full-time staff, and additional perks may include public transportation reimbursements and subsidized accommodation.
The Hague, where many international organizations are based, also hosts care homes and community health centers that actively recruit foreigners. With salaries hovering between €41,000 and €45,000 annually for experienced aides, this city is ideal for care professionals who seek an urban lifestyle with higher earning potential.
Utrecht and Eindhoven, though smaller in population, have booming healthcare sectors supported by educational institutions and tech-driven hospitals. Care assistant jobs in these areas are slightly more competitive but offer a unique blend of modern infrastructure and lower living costs. Salaries range from €38,000 to €42,000 depending on whether the role involves overnight duties or additional language skills.
Rural regions in the northern provinces, like Friesland and Drenthe, offer slightly lower base salaries—around €36,000 to €39,000 annually—but compensate with quieter environments and slower work paces. These regions are particularly suitable for those who prefer countryside living and want to avoid the hustle of urban areas.
Foreign applicants should note that visa-sponsored roles tend to be clustered in larger cities. These employers are better equipped to handle immigration logistics and provide structured onboarding. Nonetheless, some regional healthcare boards are now also receiving government subsidies to attract international workers, leveling the salary landscape slowly but steadily.
Salary Expectations for Care Assistants
When considering care assistant jobs in the Netherlands, salary is understandably a top concern, especially for foreign workers who are relocating. In 2025, the average annual salary for full-time care assistants stands around €43,000. This amount reflects not only base wages but also benefits, bonuses, and any stipends related to night shifts or weekend duties.
Entry-level care assistants can expect to earn between €2,700 and €3,200 per month gross. After taxes and social contributions, this translates to a net salary range of €2,100 to €2,450 monthly. The exact amount depends on your tax category, city of residence, and whether the employer provides housing or meal allowances. For sponsored workers, many companies also offer assistance with health insurance costs, which is mandatory for all Dutch residents.
Experienced care assistants or those with specialized qualifications in dementia care, palliative support, or disability services can earn significantly more. Monthly salaries for these professionals can reach €3,800, with opportunities for overtime and holiday bonuses. It’s common for experienced international workers to receive annual contracts with performance-based raises.
Another key factor affecting earnings is shift flexibility. Care facilities that operate 24/7 often pay more for evening, night, and weekend shifts. In some cases, these shifts attract an additional 15% to 30% premium. Foreign workers who are open to such schedules increase their total yearly income and also improve their chances of being selected during the recruitment phase.
Additionally, many Dutch healthcare employers now include fringe benefits to enhance overall compensation. These may include travel reimbursements, free Dutch language courses, and annual leave exceeding the statutory minimum. Some large organizations even provide retirement contributions or end-of-year bonuses.
From an economic perspective, €43,000 annually provides a stable and comfortable lifestyle in most Dutch cities, especially when housing is employer-assisted. Budgeting wisely will allow foreign care assistants to save money, send remittances home, and invest in further training or permanent residency applications.
If you’re serious about long-term employment in the Netherlands, aligning your salary expectations with industry standards and demonstrating flexibility in duties and work hours will make you more attractive to top-tier employers who offer visa sponsorships.
Companies Hiring Care Assistants in the Netherlands
Several well-established healthcare organizations in the Netherlands are actively hiring foreign care assistants and are authorized to offer visa sponsorship. These companies have structured international recruitment pathways and often collaborate with immigration authorities to streamline the hiring process for non-EU nationals.
One of the largest employers is Buurtzorg Nederland. Known for its community-based care model, Buurtzorg operates across all provinces and offers excellent working conditions, including job flexibility, high hourly pay, and full-time visa sponsorship packages for foreign professionals who meet their eligibility criteria.
Another major recruiter is Zorggroep Almere, which operates hospitals, eldercare facilities, and rehabilitation centers. The organization regularly posts care assistant openings on both local and international job boards and is known for its detailed orientation programs, particularly for foreign staff unfamiliar with Dutch healthcare systems.
In the southern part of the country, Thebe Zorg offers competitive contracts in homecare and geriatric support services. The company often requires English-speaking candidates with prior caregiving experience, and it assists in fast-tracking visa applications through its dedicated human resources team.
Other major employers include Laurens Zorg in Rotterdam, Cordaan in Amsterdam, and Amsta, which also operate nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These companies often collaborate with international recruitment agencies to conduct interviews and credential assessments virtually before issuing job offers.
Many of these employers have special programs in place for non-EU workers, including accommodation support, Dutch lessons, and assistance with healthcare insurance registration. They also help with initial city registration and provide orientation sessions to explain work culture and employee rights.
If you are serious about finding long-term employment in the Netherlands with full benefits, targeting these employers directly or through a reliable recruitment agency will greatly improve your chances. All these organizations have a history of hiring foreigners and are equipped to handle the full employment and immigration process without delays.
Visa Types and Options for Care Assistants
Foreign workers planning to take up care assistant jobs in the Netherlands must understand the legal immigration pathways available. Fortunately, the Dutch government provides several visa routes tailored to skilled and semi-skilled workers, with healthcare roles qualifying for sponsorship under structured programs.
One of the most relevant options is the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, also known in Dutch as the “Kennismigrant” program. Though traditionally meant for high-level professionals, some care institutions have successfully secured this visa for senior care assistants, especially when combined with specialized certifications or language proficiency. However, this visa route typically applies more to registered nurses than entry-level assistants.
For most international care assistants, the appropriate route is the Regular Labour Visa (GVVA), which is issued to non-EU workers who have secured a job offer from a Dutch employer. To qualify, the employer must be recognized as a sponsor by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Once the contract is signed, the employer initiates the visa application on behalf of the worker. Approval usually takes between four and six weeks, and the visa is issued for the duration of the employment contract, which is often one to two years, renewable upon mutual agreement.
Another popular immigration channel is the Orientation Year Visa. While not specifically designed for care assistants, it allows recent international graduates from Dutch institutions or top global universities to stay in the Netherlands for a year and search for work. If you are already in Europe or have studied there recently, this visa could help you enter the Dutch labor market and later convert to a full work visa once employed.
In addition to visa issuance, foreign care assistants must also apply for a residence permit and register with the municipality (GBA) in the city of residence. Employers typically support this process, including assistance with obtaining a Dutch social security number (BSN), setting up health insurance, and securing accommodation.
The Dutch government is also exploring labor agreements with specific non-EU countries to facilitate the inflow of healthcare workers. If your country is on such a list, your application process may be accelerated. You should check with your local Dutch embassy or the IND website for current updates.
In short, while the visa process requires careful attention to documentation, care assistant jobs in the Netherlands are among the most visa-accessible professions in 2025. The growing labor gap and rising healthcare demand make this the ideal time to pursue employment with full legal status and long-term prospects.
Where to Find Care Assistant Job Opportunities
For job seekers outside the Netherlands, the most effective way to discover current care assistant vacancies is by using online job portals, specialized recruitment agencies, and Dutch government-sponsored job boards. The healthcare labor market is transparent, and most hiring institutions openly list their job offerings along with detailed role descriptions and visa sponsorship eligibility.
Werk.nl, the official job site of the Dutch government, is one of the most trustworthy platforms. It features thousands of job listings updated daily and includes filters for English-speaking roles and employers offering visa sponsorship. Registration is simple, and applications can be submitted directly through the portal.
Indeed Netherlands and LinkedIn are also highly active in this space. Dutch care employers regularly post their roles on these platforms, complete with information on required qualifications, language skills, and relocation assistance. Setting up job alerts for titles such as “Care Assistant with Visa Sponsorship,” “Homecare Worker Netherlands,” or “Healthcare Support Staff” will keep you informed of the latest opportunities.
For a more personalized job search, foreign applicants are encouraged to work with internationally recognized recruitment agencies. Firms like OTTO Work Force, TNS Care Recruitment, and Eastmen specialize in placing non-Dutch healthcare workers in care assistant roles across the Netherlands. These agencies guide applicants through the interview process, ensure legal documentation is in order, and often assist with relocation logistics.
Another excellent route is the EURES job mobility portal, which is part of the European Commission’s employment network. Though primarily meant for EU nationals, many Dutch employers list openings open to global candidates, especially in healthcare roles. Applications through EURES can also be supported by local embassies and visa coordination offices.
Additionally, many Dutch care institutions host virtual career fairs and recruitment events specifically aimed at international workers. Participating in these events not only provides direct contact with hiring managers but also offers valuable insights into job requirements, salary discussions, and employer expectations.
Networking through Facebook groups and online forums focused on “Living and Working in the Netherlands” or “Visa Sponsored Jobs in Europe” can also be surprisingly fruitful. Many candidates have found real employment leads through social connections who shared new openings or recommended specific agencies.
Consistency and due diligence are critical. As the demand continues to grow, competition for visa-sponsored jobs will also intensify. Applying through verified channels, being responsive, and preparing necessary documents in advance will greatly increase your success rate.
How to Apply for Care Assistant Jobs as a Foreigner in the Netherlands
Securing a visa-sponsored care assistant job in the Netherlands as a foreigner requires a combination of preparation, strategic application, and timely follow-up. While the process may seem complex at first, it becomes more manageable once broken down into clear steps, especially when guided by professional recruiters or employer HR teams.
The first and most important requirement is a well-structured CV formatted to Dutch standards. It should include your full name, contact details, work history in chronological order, a summary of your educational background, languages spoken, certifications obtained, and key soft skills. Dutch employers prefer factual CVs with no exaggeration. If you have caregiving experience or have worked with elderly patients, clearly list responsibilities handled and care outcomes achieved.
A motivation letter is also required in most applications. This is your opportunity to express why you want to work in the Netherlands, what makes you suitable for the role, and how you plan to contribute to the employer’s objectives. Be sincere, specific, and keep it concise—no more than one page.
Once your documents are ready, apply through official employer websites, trusted job portals, or licensed recruitment agencies. Some employers may conduct online interviews immediately, while others follow a multi-step process including video assessments and reference checks. Be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills, understanding of caregiving tasks, and willingness to relocate.
If selected, the employer will initiate your visa sponsorship by submitting a request to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). You will be asked to provide a valid passport, educational certificates, medical clearances (including TB test), and in some cases, a police clearance certificate. Once approved, your visa will be issued along with a residence permit, enabling you to travel and work legally in the Netherlands.
Upon arrival, you will undergo orientation and onboarding. This usually includes job training, registration with the municipality, and assistance with housing and insurance setup. Many employers also offer Dutch language classes and assign mentors to help foreign workers settle in during the initial weeks.
To improve your chances of employment, stay responsive during the process, reply to emails promptly, and always remain professional. Employers often shortlist candidates not only based on technical skills but also on attitude and communication style.
Finally, remain patient and persistent. With many healthcare providers expanding their foreign hiring quotas in 2025, your application—if backed by proper documentation and a clear commitment to caregiving—has an excellent chance of success.