Is Your Salary Enough to Live in the Netherlands?
Planning to work or move to the Netherlands? Before choosing a city, it is worth checking how much of your salary you could actually take home — and how much may be left after rent and everyday expenses.
We have created a Netherlands Cost of Living & Salary Calculator that helps you compare your expected income with living costs in different Dutch cities.
Simply enter your gross salary — hourly, weekly, monthly or yearly — and the calculator will estimate your net monthly income.
You can then compare Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, The Hague, Groningen, Maastricht, Tilburg, Almere, Breda, Nijmegen, Apeldoorn, Haarlem and 's-Hertogenbosch.
The comparison includes rent, groceries, utilities, internet, mobile phone, transport, restaurants, leisure and other common expenses.
Most importantly, the calculator estimates how much money you could have left each month in each city.
Want to focus on your salary first? Try our Gross to Net Salary Calculator as well. Enter your gross salary to get an estimate of your take-home pay in the Netherlands and see the difference between gross and net income.
Use both calculators when comparing job offers or planning your move to the Netherlands: first check your estimated net salary, then see how far that salary could go in different Dutch cities.
The Netherlands Has a Worker Problem: The Workforce Is No Longer Growing
The Netherlands has spent years dealing with staff shortages, but there is a bigger long-term problem behind them: the working population cannot simply keep growing forever.
Recent labour-market figures show that the number of people working in the Netherlands has become relatively stable at around 9.6 million.
At the same time, the population is ageing. More people are reaching retirement age, while there are not enough younger workers entering the labour market to maintain the kind of workforce growth seen in previous years.
Why Does an Ageing Population Matter?
When experienced employees retire, employers need people to replace them.
That sounds straightforward, but if fewer new workers are available, shortages can remain even when economic growth is relatively modest.
This is particularly important in sectors that already struggle to recruit enough people.
An ageing population can therefore create opportunities for job seekers, including international workers, but it also creates challenges for employers and the Dutch economy.
Unemployment Is Also Slowly Increasing
Interestingly, worker shortages and unemployment can exist at the same time.
The number of unemployed people in the Netherlands has gradually increased since 2023 and reached 408,000 in August 2026.
This happens partly because employers aren't simply looking for “a worker”. They are often looking for someone with a particular qualification, experience, language ability or technical skill.
Someone looking for an administrative position cannot automatically fill a vacancy for an electrician, nurse or engineer.
This mismatch between the people looking for work and the skills employers need is one reason labour shortages can continue even while unemployment increases.
What Does This Mean for International Workers?
For people considering working in the Netherlands, the long-term situation remains interesting.
There will continue to be demand for workers, but opportunities won't necessarily be equally strong everywhere.
Having a recognised qualification, technical skills, professional experience or Dutch-language ability can put you in a much stronger position.
Rather than simply asking whether there are jobs in the Netherlands, ask a more useful question: Where are workers with my skills actually needed?
That will give you a much better picture of your opportunities.
Source: CBS / NL Times, September 2026.
Dutch Unemployment Remains at 4% as Job Market Slowly Cools
The Dutch labour market remains relatively strong, but there are signs that finding work may be becoming slightly more difficult.
According to the latest figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), 408,000 people were unemployed in August 2026. The unemployment rate remained at 4%, the same as in July.
The number of unemployed people has nevertheless been gradually increasing. Over the three months leading up to August, unemployment increased by an average of around 3,000 people per month.
At the same time, the number of people in paid employment remained almost unchanged.
Is This Bad News for Job Seekers?
Not necessarily.
A 4% unemployment rate still means that the Netherlands has a relatively active labour market. Many employers continue to have difficulty finding suitable employees, particularly for certain skilled and specialist positions.
However, the situation is different from a few years ago, when labour shortages were extremely severe and companies were competing heavily for workers.
The balance between employers and job seekers is slowly changing.
This can mean more competition for certain vacancies, particularly entry-level office positions and jobs that attract large numbers of applicants.
There Are Still Staff Shortages
The important thing is that the Dutch labour market is not the same across every profession.
Some sectors can have many candidates while another sector struggles to find anyone with the required qualifications.
The Dutch central bank has noted that the labour market remains tight even as the balance between supply and demand gradually improves. At the beginning of 2026, there were still around 91 vacancies for every 100 unemployed people.
For job seekers, this means choosing where you look can be just as important as how many applications you send.
Research the demand for your profession, consider different regions and don't automatically limit yourself to the largest cities.
Source: Statistics Netherlands (CBS), September 2026.
Finding Your First Job in the Netherlands Is Becoming More Difficult
Young people and people looking for their first professional job may be noticing that the Dutch job market is not quite as easy as it was a few years ago.
Demand for junior and entry-level employees has fallen faster than demand for more experienced workers.
According to figures from staffing company Randstad reported by NL Times, the number of vacancies for entry-level positions is now more than 30% below the level recorded in 2022, when shortages in the Dutch labour market were particularly severe.
Why Are Junior Vacancies Falling?
Artificial intelligence is often blamed for the disappearance of junior positions, especially in office and technology jobs. However, Randstad argues that the situation is more complicated.
A cooling labour market often affects younger and less experienced workers first. When companies become more cautious about hiring, experienced employees may be considered a safer choice because they require less training.
AI and automation may still be having an effect in certain areas. The decline in junior demand has been particularly noticeable in IT and administrative work, where AI tools are increasingly being introduced.
But it would be too simple to say that AI is responsible for the entire decline.
What Should Young Job Seekers Do?
If you're looking for your first job in the Netherlands, don't be discouraged by vacancy descriptions asking for experience you don't yet have.
Internships, temporary work, traineeships and junior positions can all help you get your first Dutch work experience. It can also be useful to apply when you meet most, but not necessarily every, requirement in a vacancy.
Your CV should focus on what you can already offer. Education, internships, volunteering, projects, language skills and part-time work can all demonstrate useful skills.
Learning Dutch can also increase your options. English may be enough for many international jobs, but speaking Dutch gives you access to a much larger part of the labour market.
The Dutch job market still offers opportunities. However, people starting their careers may now need to search more actively and be more flexible than they did during the exceptionally tight labour market of a few years ago.
Source: NL Times / Randstad, September 2026.
Dutch Wages Rise by 4%: Construction and Business Services Lead Growth
There is some positive news for employees in the Netherlands. Wages agreed through collective labour agreements continued to increase in the third quarter of 2026.
According to the latest figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), negotiated wages, including special remuneration, were 4% higher than a year earlier. After taking inflation into account, the increase was around 0.8% in real terms.
This means wages are still growing faster than prices on average, although the difference is much smaller than the headline 4% figure might suggest.
Which Sectors Saw the Biggest Pay Increases?
The strongest wage growth was recorded in construction and specialised business services, where negotiated wages increased by 5% compared with the same quarter last year.
Financial services were close behind with growth of 4.9%, followed by education at 4.4% and manufacturing at 4.2%.
There was relatively little difference between the broader private and public sectors. Private-sector negotiated wages increased by 4.1%, while subsidised institutions recorded 4% and the public sector 3.9%.
Wage Growth Is Slowing Down
Although a 4% increase is significant, wage growth in the Netherlands is gradually slowing.
In the third quarter of 2025, negotiated wages had increased by 4.6% compared with the previous year. Wage growth reached an even higher 6.8% in the third quarter of 2024.
This doesn't mean salaries are falling. They are still increasing, but generally at a slower pace than during the period of particularly strong wage growth following the sharp rise in inflation.
What Does This Mean for Workers?
If you work under a CAO (collective labour agreement), changes negotiated between employers and employee organisations can directly affect your salary and other employment conditions.
When applying for a new job, it is therefore worth checking whether a CAO applies to the position. Don't compare jobs based only on the salary shown in the vacancy. Holiday allowance, shift allowances, working hours, pension arrangements and other benefits can also make a considerable difference.
For people currently looking for work, construction and specialised business services are particularly interesting sectors to watch, at least in terms of recent negotiated wage growth.
Source: Statistics Netherlands (CBS), October 2026.
Job For Order Pickers in Sligro B.V.
About
Sligro is the market leader in the food service wholesale sector, where craftsmanship and teamwork are highly valued. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work and contribute directly to the company's success. You will join a friendly working environment with supportive colleagues, receive thorough onboarding, and be guided by a buddy during your first period on the job.
Additional benefits include:
- Well-equipped company canteens with affordable lunches
- Free coffee, tea, soft drinks, and fresh fruit every day
- Supportive and welcoming work atmosphere
Salary & Accommodation
- Salary: from €16.00 gross per hour
- Accommodation available in shared double rooms
Responsibilities
As an Order Picker, you will use a low-level electric order-picking truck and a Bluetooth finger scanner to collect products throughout the logistics center.
Your tasks include:
- Collecting food and non-food products using an electric order-picking truck and finger scanner
- Checking that the correct products have been picked
- Preparing collected products for the expedition department
- Keeping the workplace clean and organized
- Working partly in a cooled environment when required
Requirements
- English language skills at B1 level or higher
- At least 6 months of logistics experience
- Good physical condition
- Driving licence is an advantage
Location
📍 The Netherlands
Employment Agency
Want2Work
Job For Order Pickers in Sligro B.V.
About
Sligro is the market leader in the food service wholesale sector, where craftsmanship and teamwork are highly valued. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work and contribute directly to the company's success. You will join a friendly working environment with supportive colleagues, receive thorough onboarding, and be guided by a buddy during your first period on the job.
Additional benefits include:
- Well-equipped company canteens with affordable lunches
- Free coffee, tea, soft drinks, and fresh fruit every day
- Supportive and welcoming work atmosphere
Salary & Accommodation
- Salary: from €16.00 gross per hour
- Accommodation available in shared double rooms
Responsibilities
As an Order Picker, you will use a low-level electric order-picking truck and a Bluetooth finger scanner to collect products throughout the logistics center.
Your tasks include:
- Collecting food and non-food products using an electric order-picking truck and finger scanner
- Checking that the correct products have been picked
- Preparing collected products for the expedition department
- Keeping the workplace clean and organized
- Working partly in a cooled environment when required
Requirements
- English language skills at B1 level or higher
- At least 6 months of logistics experience
- Good physical condition
- Driving licence is an advantage
Location
📍 The Netherlands
Employment Agency
Want2Work
Order picker at Sligro
About
Sligro is the market leader in the food service wholesale sector, where craftsmanship and teamwork are highly valued. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work and contribute directly to the company's success. You will join a friendly working environment with supportive colleagues, receive thorough onboarding, and be guided by a buddy during your first period on the job.
Additional benefits include:
- Well-equipped company canteens with affordable lunches
- Free coffee, tea, soft drinks, and fresh fruit every day
- Supportive and welcoming work atmosphere
Salary & Accommodation
- Salary: from €15.00 gross per hour
- Accommodation available in shared double rooms
Responsibilities
As an Order Picker, you will use a low-level electric order-picking truck and a Bluetooth finger scanner to collect products throughout the logistics center.
Your tasks include:
- Collecting food and non-food products using an electric order-picking truck and finger scanner
- Checking that the correct products have been picked
- Preparing collected products for the expedition department
- Keeping the workplace clean and organized
- Working partly in a cooled environment when required
Requirements
- English language skills at B1 level or higher
- At least 6 months of logistics experience
- Good physical condition
- Driving licence is an advantage
Location
📍 The Netherlands
Employment Agency
Want2Work
Logistics & Warehouse Jobs (Netherlands)
Our partner Want2Work is currently looking for motivated workers for multiple logistics positions in well-known distribution companies across the Netherlands. Want2Work is an international recruitment agency that connects employees with reliable logistics companies and supports workers throughout the whole process – from recruitment to starting work.
About Want2Work
Want2Work helps people find stable employment in the logistics sector and supports employees after arrival in the Netherlands. The company provides assistance with documents, onboarding, and daily support to make the transition to a new job as smooth as possible.
Available positions
We currently have several job openings for:
- Order Pickers
- Warehouse Workers
- Reach Truck Drivers
- Expedition Employees
- Emballage / Logistics Support Staff
Work locations
Positions are available in large logistics and food distribution companies in cities such as Deventer, Amsterdam, Tilburg, and Utrecht.
Shifts
Depending on the position, you can work:
- Morning shifts 🌅
- Evening shifts 🌙
- Night shifts 🌌
- In normal temperature warehouses or fresh/food environments
What we offer
- Many open positions – possibility to start quickly
- Stable working hours
- Work in modern and well-organized warehouses
- Different departments available (order picking, warehouse work, expedition, logistics support)
- Accommodation provided by Want2Work 🏠
- Full support from the agency before and after arrival
What we are looking for
- Motivation to work in logistics
- Willingness to work in shifts
- Responsible and reliable workers
- Experience is an advantage, but not always required
- Reach truck experience required for reach truck driver positions
If you are interested in working in logistics in the Netherlands and want a stable job with accommodation and support, apply now and we will contact you with the best available position for you.
Live and Work in the Netherlands 2026
Are you ready to kickstart your career and experience life in the Netherlands 2026? We have a variety of job openings available across different sectors including logistics, production, construction, and services. Whether you’re skilled in your field or looking to start fresh, we have something for everyone!
SEE ALL JOB OFFERS AVAILABLE THIS WEEK
What We Offer:
Comfortable Housing: Moving to a new country can be challenging, but we make it easier by providing comfortable, fully equipped accommodation. You’ll feel right at home from day one.
Transportation Provided: Forget the hassle of commuting. We organize transportation to and from your workplace, so you can focus on your job.
Diverse Job Opportunities: With positions available in logistics, production, construction, and various service industries, there’s a role waiting for you. Whether you’re looking for warehouse work, production line jobs, construction projects, or service roles, we’ve got you covered.
Work with Friends or as a Couple: Don’t want to move alone? No problem! We offer the possibility to apply and work together with friends or your partner, making your experience even more enjoyable.
Competitive Pay & Growth: Enjoy fair wages with opportunities for growth and development in your career. The Netherlands is known for its worker-friendly environment and balanced work-life culture.
Who We're Looking For:
- Motivated individuals looking for steady work in a dynamic and international environment.
- Those with experience in logistics, production, construction, or services are highly encouraged to apply, but we also have positions available for entry-level candidates.
- Flexible and team-oriented individuals ready to work in a multicultural environment.
- EU citizens or those with a valid work permit for the Netherlands.
Why Work in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers a fantastic work-life balance, excellent labor conditions, and the chance to live in a beautiful and vibrant country. By joining us, you’ll not only enjoy a great job but also experience Dutch culture, friendly locals, and an international community.
Summer Jobs in the Netherlands – 2026 Season
Work. Earn. Explore!
Are you looking for an exciting summer job abroad? Join us in the Netherlands for the 2026 season and experience a fantastic opportunity to work, earn, and meet new people!
🔹 Job Roles Available:
We offer various positions in:
✅ Logistics 📦
✅ Production 🏭
✅ Agriculture 🌱
🔹 What We Offer:
✔ Guaranteed Accommodation 🏠 (fully arranged)
✔ Free Transport 🚐 to work and back
✔ Attractive salary 💰 (weekly or monthly payments)
✔ Contracts for 2-3 months – ideal for students 🎓
✔ Work with friends or as a couple 💑👫
🔹 Job Locations:
🌍 Various cities: Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Venlo, Veghel, Nijmegen, and more!
🔹 Requirements:
✅ English language skills (B1 level or higher)
✅ Availability for 2-3 months (May - September 2025)
✅ Motivation & willingness to work
💡 Perfect summer job for students, travelers, and adventure seekers!
📩 APPLY NOW and secure your spot for summer 2025!
For more details or to submit your application, contact us today!
🌍 Work. Travel. Experience. 🌍
New Exciting Job Opportunities in the Netherlands!
Are you ready to kickstart your career and experience life in the Netherlands? We have a variety of job openings available across different sectors including logistics, production, construction, and services. Whether you’re skilled in your field or looking to start fresh, we have something for everyone!
SEE ALL JOB OFFERS AVAILABLE THIS WEEK
What We Offer:
Comfortable Housing: Moving to a new country can be challenging, but we make it easier by providing comfortable, fully equipped accommodation. You’ll feel right at home from day one.
Transportation Provided: Forget the hassle of commuting. We organize transportation to and from your workplace, so you can focus on your job.
Diverse Job Opportunities: With positions available in logistics, production, construction, and various service industries, there’s a role waiting for you. Whether you’re looking for warehouse work, production line jobs, construction projects, or service roles, we’ve got you covered.
Work with Friends or as a Couple: Don’t want to move alone? No problem! We offer the possibility to apply and work together with friends or your partner, making your experience even more enjoyable.
Competitive Pay & Growth: Enjoy fair wages with opportunities for growth and development in your career. The Netherlands is known for its worker-friendly environment and balanced work-life culture.
Who We're Looking For:
- Motivated individuals looking for steady work in a dynamic and international environment.
- Those with experience in logistics, production, construction, or services are highly encouraged to apply, but we also have positions available for entry-level candidates.
- Flexible and team-oriented individuals ready to work in a multicultural environment.
- EU citizens or those with a valid work permit for the Netherlands.
Why Work in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers a fantastic work-life balance, excellent labor conditions, and the chance to live in a beautiful and vibrant country. By joining us, you’ll not only enjoy a great job but also experience Dutch culture, friendly locals, and an international community.
Order picker at Hobij, Sligro
About
Sligro is the market leader in the food service wholesale market. It isn’t without reason that craftsmanship is of paramount importance. As an employee, you feel like an entrepreneur within your own field and you make an important contribution to the overall result. Together, we make it a success with enthusiasm and the will to win.
The working environment is really good, with friendly colleagues. Sligro will take time to explain the job to you, and you will have a buddy at the start who will guide you on the work floor. Sligro has well-equipped canteens where lunch doesn’t cost much. You can get coffee, tea, and soda beverages for free in the canteen, as well as free fresh fruit every day.
Responsibilities
What are you going to do?
With the help of a low-level order picking truck and a Bluetooth finger scanner, you drive through our logistics center to collect products for our customers. Through the screen on your collection truck, you receive collection orders and collect for several customers at the same time. Thanks to your fast and accurate approach, you ensure that our customers receive their orders on time.
Collecting food and non-food products using an electric collection truck and a finger scanner
Checking whether you have collected the correct products
Placing the collected products correctly for your colleagues in expedition
Keeping your workplace clean
Some orders are collected in a cooled environment
Requirements
You speak English at B1 level
You have at least 6 months of experience in logistics
You are in good physical condition
It is a plus if you have a driving licence
It is a plus if you have your own house
Location
The Netherlands
Company name (uitzendbureau)
HOBIJ
Top Dutch Agencies for Logistics & Production Jobs
Looking for work in the Netherlands, especially in logistics, warehouse, or production sectors? Using a staffing agency can be one of the easiest ways to get started. Many Dutch employment agencies don’t just connect you with jobs—they also provide housing, transport, and assistance with important documents, which is especially helpful if you’re moving from another country or starting a temporary position.
Whether you’re looking for flexible work, seasonal jobs, or long-term positions, these agencies can simplify the hiring process, handle administrative paperwork, and support you as you start your new role. This makes working in the Netherlands more accessible, safe, and convenient.
Below is a list of the top 20 agencies that specialize in logistics, production, warehouse, and industrial jobs across the Netherlands.
Top 20 Employment Agencies in the Netherlands for Logistics and Production Jobs
Randstad Netherlands – A major international staffing agency with a wide network of logistics, warehouse, and production roles throughout the country. Ideal for temporary and permanent positions.
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Adecco Netherlands – Offers production and logistics jobs for entry-level to mid-level candidates, with opportunities for both temporary and permanent contracts.
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Manpower Netherlands – Strong in industrial, logistics, and warehouse staffing. Provides flexible and permanent contracts, making it a reliable choice for many workers.
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Luba Uitzendbureau – A regional agency with opportunities in manufacturing, warehouse operations, and light industry. Particularly useful for local placements.
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Tempo-Team – Well-known for temporary logistics, warehouse, and production work, making it a go-to agency for those looking for flexible jobs.
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Unique Netherlands – Mainly focuses on administrative roles but also offers logistics and warehouse positions for candidates with broader interests.
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Olympia Uitzendbureau – Provides both temporary and permanent production and logistics jobs across various regions, catering to a wide range of workers.
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T&S Flexwerk (Tensflexwerk) – Specializes in flexible work within logistics, production, and warehouse sectors. Many positions also come with housing and transport support, which is especially helpful for international workers.
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HOBIJ – Focuses on technical, production, and industrial roles. Great for candidates with technical skills or those wanting to work in manufacturing and logistics.
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Covebo NL – Targets warehouse, logistics, and production roles, including entry-level jobs for newcomers to the sector.
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Flexcraft – Provides opportunities in production, light industry, and logistics. Ideal for those seeking temporary or flexible positions.
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DailyFlex – Specializes in temporary logistics, production, and seasonal work, often in warehouses or agricultural sectors.
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SBA Flex – Known for flexible production and warehouse staffing, offering quick placement options.
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Eurojob NL – Focuses on hands-on work in logistics and production, providing quick employment opportunities for candidates ready to start immediately.
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Wiertz Company – Covers warehouse, logistics, and production roles, as well as some service and hospitality work, making it versatile for job seekers.
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ABflexkracht – Provides staffing solutions for production and logistics sectors, supporting both temporary and permanent contracts.
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RGF Staffing (formerly USG People) – Covers logistics, manufacturing, and production jobs along with other sectors, offering a wide range of opportunities.
-
Start People – Reputable for both temporary and permanent positions in logistics, production, and warehouse roles, helping candidates find stable employment.
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Otto Workforce – Well-known for staffing distribution centers, warehouses, and logistics operations, often providing opportunities for international workers.
-
UBN Uitzendbureau – Specializes in blue-collar work, including production, logistics, and warehouse roles, with support for flexible or temporary employment.
Working in the Netherlands through a staffing agency is one of the easiest ways to start a job in logistics, production, or warehouse sectors. Agencies not only connect you with employers but often provide housing, transport, and help with important documents, making the relocation and onboarding process much smoother.
To simplify your job search even further, you can connect to multiple agencies at once through the We Relocate platform. With just one click, you can submit your profile to several agencies and increase your chances of landing the right position quickly. Try it HERE and start your journey toward a logistics or production job in the Netherlands today!
Homebuyers in the Netherlands Now Need €160,000 in Savings to Afford a Hous
As house prices in the Netherlands continue to climb, buying a home is becoming increasingly difficult for many Dutch residents. According to research by price comparison site Independer, prospective homeowners now need an average of €160,000 in savings to cover the gap between what banks are willing to lend and the actual cost of houses.
Why Homes Are So Expensive
The average house in the Netherlands currently costs over €520,000, while the typical mortgage a buyer can secure is only about €360,000. This leaves a significant shortfall that must come from personal savings, which has grown 28% in just six months. Despite these high costs, demand remains strong, with mortgage applications rising 20% in the third quarter of 2025.
Experts say several factors are driving the price surge: a long-standing housing shortage, low interest rates over previous years, and high demand in urban areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Even with these pressures, buyers continue to enter the market, partly because renting has also become expensive, leaving homeownership as the preferred long-term option.
Dual-Income Households Have an Edge
Couples and dual-income households are better positioned to handle the rising costs. They can typically borrow around €475,000, leaving a smaller gap of about €45,000 to cover with personal savings. Mortgage expert Marga Lankreijer-Kos notes that since not every home costs €520,000, dual-income buyers can still find opportunities in the market, especially for smaller homes or properties outside city centers.
Single-Income Buyers Struggle
Single earners face far steeper challenges. With mortgages averaging just over €300,000, they can afford only about 2% of homes on the Dutch market. Competition is fierce, as they are often bidding against couples or families with higher combined incomes, making it increasingly difficult to secure a property without substantial savings.
Housing Shortage Shows No Signs of Easing
The Netherlands continues to face a severe housing shortage, with new construction often falling short of government targets. Urban areas are particularly affected, and waiting lists for affordable housing remain long. Lankreijer-Kos advises buyers to use as much of their own funds as possible and to explore programs aimed at first-time buyers, former students, or smaller-scale developments.
Additionally, consulting local mortgage advisors is recommended, as they are typically well-informed about recent developments in the housing market and can provide practical guidance on navigating competitive conditions.
The Bigger Picture
This trend highlights broader challenges in the Dutch housing market. Rising house prices combined with mortgage limits mean that homeownership is increasingly out of reach for single earners and low- to middle-income households. Analysts warn that without a significant increase in new housing supply and targeted policy interventions, these affordability issues are likely to persist for years to come.
Over 200,000 Homes Empty in the Netherlands
Despite a growing housing shortage, the number of empty homes in the Netherlands keeps rising. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that over 200,000 homes were vacant this summer, a 3% increase since the start of the year.
Vacancy numbers rising
On January 1, 2025, there were 194,500 empty homes. By July 1, this rose to 200,670—equivalent to 21.5 million square meters.
The largest cities have the most vacant homes:
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Amsterdam: 21,770
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Rotterdam: 10,870
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Eindhoven: 4,000
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The Hague: 2,640
Most homes do not stay empty for long. At the start of 2025, only 64,360 homes had been unoccupied for more than a year.
Government plans vacancy tax
To reduce vacancies, the Dutch government has approved a tax on homes empty for more than a year. The Association of Municipalities (VNG) hopes cities can start using it soon.
Municipalities can use energy consumption data to check if a property is truly vacant. Amsterdam is also planning a permit system for second homes starting in 2026 to reduce empty houses.
Criticism of the tax
Some experts argue the tax may not solve the problem. Edward Touw of VastgoedBelang says delays often come from municipalities, not landlords. Renovation permits or rules about dividing buildings into smaller homes can leave properties empty for long periods.
Housing expert Peter Boelhouwer adds that most empty homes are not intentionally left vacant. Some are being renovated, or heirs of deceased owners cannot find a solution.
The Netherlands to Boycott Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation
The Netherlands will not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS pulled out after the contest organizers confirmed that Israel would still be allowed to compete.
Why the Netherlands is withdrawing
Several Dutch broadcasters, including AVROTROS, wanted Israel banned from Eurovision because of the ongoing war in Gaza.
AVROTROS CEO Taco Zimmerman said in a statement:
"This was not an easy decision. Eurovision is very important to us, but culture does not come at any cost. Last year’s events crossed our boundaries. Core values like humanity and a free press cannot be compromised."
The broadcaster also mentioned political interference in last year’s contest. Israel, which finished second, ran government campaigns encouraging people in other countries to vote for its entry. AVROTROS said staying true to its values as a public broadcaster was more important than participating.
Even though the Netherlands will not compete, the national broadcaster NPO will still broadcast the event to Dutch viewers.
Other countries pulling out
Besides the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia will also skip Eurovision 2026. Spain’s broadcaster RTVE has traditionally been a major supporter of Eurovision. Iceland and Belgium are still deciding whether they will participate.
The decision to allow Israel to compete was made under pressure at a meeting of European broadcasters in Geneva. Some countries opposed Israel’s participation, while others, like Germany and Austria, strongly supported it. Austria, which will host the 2026 contest in Vienna, said excluding Israel was "unthinkable" given its own history.
New voting rules coming
To prevent vote manipulation, Eurovision plans to introduce new rules for 2026. Media campaigns will be limited, and viewers will only be able to cast 10 votes per person, instead of the previous 20.
Join Our Logistics Team – Order Pickers Needed Across the Netherlands
Locations: Tilburg, Veghel, and several other logistics hubs
Salary: From €14.40 per hour, depending on experience
Start Date: Flexible – start whenever you’re ready
Partner: Want2Work (accommodation & transport arranged)
Are you ready for a fresh start in the Netherlands? We’re looking for motivated Order Pickers to join leading logistics companies across multiple cities. Whether you're experienced or just getting started in warehouse work, this role offers stability, support, and the chance to build a dependable career.
Our recruitment partner Want2Work will take care of your accommodation and daily transport, so you can focus on your job and settling into life in the Netherlands with confidence.
What You’ll Be Doing
As an Order Picker, you’ll be a key part of the warehouse operations. Your tasks may include:
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Collecting, scanning, and preparing orders with accuracy and speed
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Working with handheld scanners, warehouse management systems, and basic machinery
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Ensuring all items are correctly packed and prepared for shipment
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Keeping your work area organized and maintaining safety guidelines
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Collaborating with a diverse international team
This is a dynamic role suited for people who enjoy active work, teamwork, and structured routines.
What We Offer
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Competitive hourly wage starting at €14.40 (higher depending on experience)
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Reliable accommodation arrangements provided by Want2Work
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Daily transport to and from work
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A supportive team that helps you get settled quickly
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Opportunities for long-term contracts, internal growth, and skill development
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Multiple warehouse locations to match your preference
Requirements
To be successful in this role, you should have:
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English communication skills (required for work and safety instructions)
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EU nationality (essential for legal employment and registration in NL)
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Motivation to work in a fast-paced warehouse environment
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Ability to work shifts depending on location
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A driving licence is a strong advantage, but not mandatory
Why This Job?
This role is ideal for people seeking stability, clean accommodation, and straightforward logistics work. Whether you're relocating for new opportunities or already living in the Netherlands, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Ready to start your next chapter? Let Want2Work guide you into a stable and well-organized logistics job—with flexibility, security, and room to grow.