Healthcare Visa in the Netherlands – Opportunities for Nurses and Caregivers

The Netherlands is facing a significant shortage of healthcare workers, which has opened doors for foreign professionals, particularly nurses and caregivers, to build a successful career in Europe.

With an aging population and rising demand for quality medical care, Dutch hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare agencies are increasingly turning to international recruitment to fill critical roles.

A healthcare visa in the Netherlands allows qualified professionals from abroad to live, work, and establish themselves in one of Europe’s most advanced healthcare systems while enjoying attractive salaries and long-term residency options.

For foreign nurses and caregivers, the Netherlands offers more than just employment, it provides visa sponsorship, structured relocation support, and career development opportunities.

Nurses in Dutch hospitals can earn between €38,000 and €65,000 annually depending on specialization, while caregivers typically earn from €27,000 to €42,000 per year, with additional benefits like housing assistance, pension contributions, and paid leave.

This article explores why healthcare is one of the most promising industries in the Netherlands for foreign job seekers, the types of healthcare jobs available with visa sponsorship, the skills required for entry-level professionals, and how international applicants can successfully start their careers in Dutch healthcare.

Why Work in the Healthcare Industry?

The healthcare sector in the Netherlands is one of the most resilient industries in the European labor market. Even during global economic downturns, healthcare employment remains stable because of its essential nature. For foreign nurses and caregivers seeking a secure and rewarding career abroad, the Dutch healthcare industry offers multiple incentives.

First, the financial benefits are highly competitive. A registered nurse working in a general hospital earns an average gross salary of €3,200 to €4,600 per month. Senior nurses and those in specialized fields such as intensive care or surgical nursing can earn €5,500 monthly, which equates to over €65,000 annually.

Caregivers, often employed in elderly care institutions, nursing homes, and private care agencies, typically receive €2,200 to €3,500 per month, or around €30,000 to €42,000 annually. In regions facing severe staff shortages, some employers offer signing bonuses of €5,000 to €8,000 for foreign recruits.

Second, the Netherlands provides long-term career security for healthcare professionals. The country’s population is aging rapidly, with statistics showing that by 2030 nearly 25% of Dutch residents will be over 65 years old.

This demographic shift means that demand for nurses, caregivers, and allied health professionals will continue to grow. According to the Dutch Ministry of Health, the country is expected to face a shortage of more than 135,000 healthcare professionals by 2035, creating stable long-term opportunities for foreign workers with visa sponsorship.

Third, the healthcare system in the Netherlands is globally recognized for its quality. Ranked among the top in Europe, it provides healthcare workers with access to modern medical technology, advanced training programs, and continuous professional development.

Foreign nurses and caregivers benefit from structured orientation programs, language support, and integration training funded by employers or the government.

Finally, visa sponsorship makes relocation feasible for international workers. Employers often cover visa application fees, relocation allowances, housing support, and language training costs.

This reduces the financial burden for foreign applicants and makes the Netherlands one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for healthcare professionals seeking both career growth and a high quality of life.

Types of Healthcare Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers diverse healthcare job opportunities for foreign professionals, ranging from clinical hospital positions to community-based caregiving roles. These roles come with different salary brackets, skill requirements, and visa sponsorship packages depending on the employer and region.

Nursing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Registered nurses are among the most sought-after professionals in Dutch healthcare. Foreign-trained nurses can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, psychiatric facilities, and private clinics.

A newly qualified registered nurse in the Netherlands typically earns between €38,000 and €48,000 annually, while senior nurses or specialized ICU and emergency nurses can earn over €65,000 per year. Employers frequently provide visa sponsorship, housing support, and Dutch language training to ensure smooth integration.

Caregiver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Caregivers (verzorgenden in Dutch) play a vital role in elderly care homes, homecare services, and nursing institutions. This role requires assisting patients with daily activities, including mobility, hygiene, and meal support.

Salaries range from €27,000 to €42,000 per year depending on experience and location. Because the demand for caregivers is extremely high, many Dutch healthcare agencies actively sponsor visas for foreign caregivers, often including paid accommodation and relocation assistance.

Specialist Healthcare Roles

Beyond general nursing and caregiving, the Netherlands is also seeking allied healthcare workers. Physiotherapists, laboratory technicians, midwives, and mental health practitioners are in demand across the country.

For instance, a physiotherapist can earn between €40,000 and €58,000 annually, while a midwife in a hospital setting can earn up to €60,000. Employers often prefer candidates with recognized European qualifications, but visa sponsorship is available for skilled professionals willing to undergo additional certification or training in the Netherlands.

Homecare and Community Healthcare Jobs

Another expanding area is community-based healthcare services. Homecare nurses and caregivers, often employed by municipal healthcare organizations, provide essential support to elderly or disabled patients living independently.

Salaries range from €28,000 to €45,000 per year, with flexible working arrangements and employer-sponsored visas for foreign staff. This is particularly appealing for caregivers seeking work-life balance while still enjoying stable income and residency options.

Hospital Support Staff with Sponsorship

While less common, hospitals also recruit healthcare assistants, patient coordinators, and medical technicians from abroad.

These roles pay between €25,000 and €38,000 annually and often serve as stepping stones to higher-paying positions in Dutch healthcare. Employers may provide visa sponsorship, especially in regions where local staff shortages are critical.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

Foreign nurses and caregivers applying for healthcare visas in the Netherlands must demonstrate certain skills and qualifications. While entry-level roles are available, most positions require evidence of prior experience or relevant certifications.

Educational Requirements

For nurses, a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or equivalent is typically required. Non-EU qualifications must often be validated by Dutch authorities through a process called BIG registration (Beroepen in de Individuele Gezondheidszorg).

This ensures that foreign qualifications meet Dutch healthcare standards. Caregivers generally need vocational training in health and social care, which is often equivalent to Dutch MBO Level 3 certification.

Language Proficiency

Dutch language proficiency is a key requirement. Most healthcare employers expect candidates to achieve at least B1 or B2 level proficiency in Dutch under the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

However, many employers provide sponsored language training programs for foreign recruits. Candidates with stronger Dutch language skills typically earn higher salaries and progress faster into senior roles.

Work Experience

Entry-level caregiver positions may only require one to two years of relevant experience in homecare or nursing home settings. For nurses, employers prefer at least two to three years of clinical experience.

Specialized roles, such as ICU or surgical nursing, demand five or more years of work experience along with advanced certifications. Salaries increase significantly with experience, for example, a nurse with 10 years of experience can earn up to €68,000 annually.

Soft Skills

Beyond technical qualifications, Dutch healthcare employers place great emphasis on soft skills such as empathy, communication, teamwork, and cultural adaptability.

Caregiving roles, in particular, demand patience, compassion, and resilience in handling elderly or chronically ill patients. Demonstrating these qualities during interviews often increases the likelihood of securing visa-sponsored employment.

Additional Requirements

Some employers require candidates to undergo background checks, health assessments, and vaccination verification before visa approval. In addition, applicants must provide a clean criminal record and proof of financial stability to meet Dutch immigration standards.

Many employers assist foreign recruits with these procedures as part of the sponsorship package, reducing the administrative burden.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Healthcare salaries in the Netherlands are not uniform across the country. Pay scales differ based on the region, employer, and type of healthcare facility. Nurses and caregivers can maximize their income by considering locations where shortages are most severe and salaries are adjusted upward to attract international staff.

Randstad Region (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague)

The Randstad metropolitan region, which includes Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, offers the highest healthcare salaries in the Netherlands. A registered nurse in Amsterdam can earn between €4,000 and €5,500 monthly, equating to an annual income of €55,000 to €68,000.

Caregivers in this region typically earn €2,800 to €3,800 monthly (€35,000 to €45,000 annually). The high salaries reflect the cost of living in these cities, where housing and transportation expenses are greater.

Employers in Randstad also frequently offer visa sponsorship bonuses and relocation allowances, with some hospitals covering temporary housing for the first 6–12 months. For example, a hospital in Rotterdam recently offered €7,500 in relocation support to international nurses.

Northern Netherlands (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe)

The northern provinces offer competitive packages to attract healthcare workers willing to relocate away from the busy Randstad region. Nurses in Groningen earn €3,600 to €4,800 per month, while caregivers earn €2,400 to €3,200.

The advantage here is the lower cost of living compared to Amsterdam or Utrecht, meaning foreign workers can save more despite slightly lower salaries.

Employers in this region often provide longer contracts and permanent residency sponsorship, making it attractive for families planning long-term settlement.

Southern Netherlands (North Brabant, Limburg, Zeeland)

In the south, salaries are moderate but boosted by demand for elderly care professionals. Caregivers in Limburg earn €2,500 to €3,400 monthly, while nurses average €3,800 to €5,000.

Employers often provide housing assistance or reduced-cost accommodation. Limburg, bordering Germany and Belgium, also offers bilingual healthcare opportunities for foreign staff who speak Dutch and German.

Rural and Underserved Areas

Outside major cities, rural healthcare centers struggle with severe staff shortages. To attract foreign nurses and caregivers, employers offer enhanced salary packages and additional benefits such as free accommodation, travel reimbursements, and guaranteed permanent contracts.

Salaries can be 10–15% higher in shortage areas, making them attractive for foreign professionals looking to earn more quickly.

Salary Expectations for Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare salaries in the Netherlands are structured based on collective labor agreements (CAO), which define pay scales for nurses, caregivers, and allied health professionals. Foreign workers benefit from transparent salary progression, overtime pay, and annual raises.

Nurses’ Salary Range

• Entry-level Nurse: €2,800–€3,600 monthly (€38,000–€45,000 annually).
• Experienced Nurse: €3,800–€5,000 monthly (€50,000–€65,000 annually).
• Specialist Nurse (ICU, OR, mental health): €4,800–€5,500 monthly (€62,000–€70,000 annually).

Nurses also earn extra income from night shifts, weekend allowances, and holiday pay, which can increase annual salaries by €4,000 to €7,000.

Caregivers’ Salary Range

• Entry-level Caregiver: €2,200–€2,800 monthly (€27,000–€34,000 annually).
• Experienced Caregiver: €2,900–€3,500 monthly (€36,000–€42,000 annually).
• Senior Caregiver/Supervisor: €3,600+ monthly (€45,000+ annually).

Employers in shortage regions often offer higher hourly rates for caregivers, sometimes reaching €18–€20 per hour compared to the standard €15.

Additional Benefits

• 13th-month Salary Bonus: Common across healthcare contracts, adding one extra month of pay each year.
• Pension Contributions: Employers typically contribute 60–70% of pension funds.
• Relocation Packages: €5,000–€8,000 support for foreign recruits.
• Language Training Sponsorship: Covered by employers for foreign healthcare staff.

Long-term Earning Potential

With progression, Dutch healthcare professionals can earn significantly more. For example, a nurse with 10+ years of experience can earn over €70,000 annually, while senior caregivers in management positions can surpass €50,000. These salary levels, combined with visa sponsorship, make the Netherlands a lucrative option for healthcare immigrants.

Visa Types and Options for Healthcare Professionals

Foreign nurses and caregivers require the right visa to work legally in the Netherlands. Several visa types are available, depending on the role, employer, and career goals.

Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant Visa)

The most common pathway for foreign nurses and healthcare specialists is the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. Employers must be recognized sponsored by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

The salary threshold for this visa is €3,909 gross per month for workers under 30 and €5,331 for workers over 30 (as of 2025). Healthcare employers often cover the visa application fee of €350–€400.

Work Permit (GVVA)

For caregivers and lower-level healthcare staff, the GVVA (Combined Residence and Work Permit) is commonly issued. This visa allows non-EU citizens to both live and work in the Netherlands. Employers apply on behalf of the candidate, and approval usually takes 3–6 months. The GVVA is renewable and can lead to permanent residency after five years.

EU Blue Card

For highly qualified healthcare professionals with a university degree and higher salary brackets, the EU Blue Card is an option. This visa requires a minimum salary of €6,245 per month. It is less common for caregivers but suitable for senior nurses, medical technicians, and specialized healthcare workers.

Orientation Year Visa for Graduates

Foreign nursing or medical graduates from Dutch universities may apply for the Orientation Year Visa, which allows them to remain in the Netherlands for 12 months to seek employment. Many healthcare employers use this pathway to hire international graduates and later sponsor them for a permanent visa.

How to Find Healthcare Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands

Finding a visa-sponsored healthcare job in the Netherlands requires research, networking, and direct applications to recognized employers.

Applying Through Dutch Hospitals and Care Institutions

Many Dutch hospitals, elderly care homes, and rehabilitation centers directly advertise international recruitment programs. University Medical Centers in Amsterdam, Groningen, and Utrecht regularly hire foreign nurses and provide full visa sponsorship.

Recruitment Agencies

Specialized healthcare recruitment agencies help connect foreign professionals with Dutch employers. Agencies such as EMC Healthcare, TMI Interim, and Global Care Recruitment offer visa sponsorship, relocation packages, and Dutch language training programs.

Online Job Platforms

Foreign nurses and caregivers can apply through popular Dutch job boards such as:

• Indeed.nl: healthcare vacancies with visa sponsorship.
• WerkenbijUMC: jobs at University Medical Centers.
• Zorgwerk.nl: caregiving and nursing vacancies.
• LinkedIn Jobs: international job listings with relocation support.

Networking and Professional Associations

Joining professional networks like NU’91 (Dutch Nurses Union) or attending healthcare career fairs can increase opportunities for sponsorship. Many Dutch municipalities also organize recruitment events to attract foreign caregivers to shortage areas.

Step-by-Step Job Search Strategy

1. Prepare a CV structured to Dutch healthcare standards.
2. Translate your qualifications into Dutch and check recognition under BIG registration.
3. Apply directly to hospitals, nursing homes, or agencies offering visa sponsorship.
4. Complete the Dutch language training (B1/B2 level).
5. Secure an employment contract and allow the employer to process your visa.

With persistence, most foreign healthcare professionals secure employment within 3–6 months of applying.