adminFor professionals and experienced workers around the world, the idea of earning a €90,000 annual salary in Europe while enjoying a stable economy, excellent work-life balance, and long-term residency options is no longer a distant dream. In 2026, the Netherlands remains one of the strongest destinations for foreigners seeking high-paying jobs with visa sponsorship.
With a globally connected economy, a transparent immigration system, and thousands of registered employers authorised to sponsor foreign workers, the Netherlands continues to recruit international talent across technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, logistics, and research. Salaries in many of these sectors now reach or exceed €90,000 per year, especially for professionals with in-demand skills and experience.
This comprehensive guide explains how visa sponsorship works in the Netherlands, which jobs pay the highest salaries in 2026, what qualifications employers look for, and how foreign workers can legally secure well-paid employment with long-term security.
Why the Netherlands Is Actively Hiring Foreign Workers in 2026
The Netherlands faces a persistent and growing labour shortage. An ageing population, rapid digitalisation, and expanding international business operations mean local talent alone cannot meet demand. As a result, Dutch employers are increasingly turning to foreign professionals to fill critical roles.
Several factors make the Netherlands particularly attractive for international workers:
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A strong, diversified economy with global companies
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High demand for skilled professionals across multiple sectors
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Widespread use of English in the workplace
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Clear and employer-driven visa sponsorship rules
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Competitive salaries and generous employee benefits
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Strong labour protections and social security systems
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Clear pathways to permanent residence and citizenship
In 2026, these conditions combine to make the Netherlands one of the most realistic European countries for foreigners aiming for high income and legal work authorization.
How Visa Sponsorship Works in the Netherlands
Visa sponsorship in the Netherlands means that a Dutch employer offers you a job and supports your legal right to live and work in the country. Most high-paying roles fall under the Highly Skilled Migrant framework, which allows recognised employers to sponsor non-EU workers.
Under this system:
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The employer must be a registered sponsor
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A minimum salary threshold must be met
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The employer submits the application on your behalf
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Processing times are usually fast
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Family members can join you
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Long-term residence becomes possible after several years
This employer-led structure removes much of the uncertainty found in other immigration systems and gives foreign workers a clear, legal route into the Dutch labour market.
Why €90,000 Salaries Are Achievable in 2026
A €90,000 salary in the Netherlands is achievable because of:
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Severe shortages in specialised roles
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High productivity expectations
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International competition for talent
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Strong collective agreements and salary transparency
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Performance-based bonuses and stock options
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Seniority-based salary progression
While not every worker will start at €90,000, many professionals reach this level through promotions, contract renewals, leadership roles, and employer incentives within a few years.
€90,000 High-Paying Jobs in the Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship
1. Software Engineers, Developers, and IT Specialists
Technology remains the strongest sector for high salaries and visa sponsorship. Dutch companies rely heavily on international tech talent to remain competitive in global markets.
Common high-paying roles include:
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Senior software engineers
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Backend and full-stack developers
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Cloud infrastructure specialists
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DevOps engineers
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Cybersecurity experts
Salary range: €65,000 – €95,000+
Visa sponsorship: Very strong
Language requirement: English is usually sufficient
Technology roles offer some of the fastest visa approvals and highest long-term earning potential.
2. Data Scientists, AI Engineers, and Machine Learning Specialists
Data-driven decision-making continues to transform Dutch businesses in finance, healthcare, logistics, and e-commerce. This has pushed salaries for advanced analytics professionals sharply upward.
High-demand roles include:
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Data scientists
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AI engineers
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Machine learning specialists
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Business intelligence architects
Salary range: €70,000 – €100,000+
Visa sponsorship: Strong
Growth outlook: Excellent
These roles are especially common in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Rotterdam.
3. Engineering Professionals (Mechanical, Electrical, and Systems)
The Netherlands is a global leader in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and semiconductor technology. Engineers remain among the most sponsored foreign professionals.
In-demand engineering fields include:
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Mechanical engineering
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Electrical and power systems
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Industrial automation
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Renewable energy engineering
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Semiconductor and chip technology
Salary range: €60,000 – €95,000+
Visa sponsorship: Strong
Engineering roles often include relocation packages and long-term contracts.
4. Finance, Banking, and Risk Management Professionals
The Netherlands hosts international banks, fintech companies, and corporate finance departments that actively recruit foreign professionals.
High-paying finance roles include:
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Financial controllers
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Risk and compliance officers
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Investment analysts
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Corporate finance managers
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Internal audit specialists
Salary range: €70,000 – €95,000+
Visa sponsorship: Moderate to strong
Language requirement: English often sufficient in multinational firms
5. Medical Specialists and Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare continues to face staffing shortages, particularly in specialised and technical roles. Foreign healthcare professionals remain essential to the system.
In-demand roles include:
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Medical doctors and specialists
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Clinical researchers
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Medical technologists
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Specialist nurses
Salary range: €60,000 – €100,000+
Visa sponsorship: Strong
Language requirement: Dutch usually required for patient-facing roles
Healthcare offers stability, structured progression, and permanent residence opportunities.
6. Project Managers and Technical Consultants
As companies expand and modernise, experienced project managers and consultants are increasingly valuable.
Typical roles include:
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IT project managers
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Infrastructure project leads
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Technical consultants
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Digital transformation managers
Salary range: €65,000 – €95,000+
Visa sponsorship: Strong
These roles reward leadership, cross-functional experience, and accountability.
7. Supply Chain, Logistics, and Operations Managers
The Netherlands is Europe’s logistics hub, anchored by major ports, airports, and distribution centres. Skilled international managers are in constant demand.
Roles include:
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Supply chain managers
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Logistics planners
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Operations directors
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Procurement specialists
Salary range: €60,000 – €90,000+
Visa sponsorship: Moderate to strong
8. Research Scientists and R&D Specialists
The Netherlands invests heavily in innovation, research, and development. Universities and private companies recruit international experts across multiple disciplines.
Fields include:
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Scientific research
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Industrial R&D
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Environmental science
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Technology innovation
Salary range: €60,000 – €90,000+
Visa sponsorship: Strong
Can Unskilled Workers Earn €90,000 in the Netherlands?
Unskilled or entry-level workers typically do not start at €90,000. However, the Netherlands still offers visa-sponsored opportunities for roles such as:
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Warehouse and logistics workers
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Production and factory staff
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Construction and infrastructure labour
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Cleaning and facility services
These roles usually start between €28,000 and €45,000, but they can provide:
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Legal entry into the Netherlands
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Stable income and benefits
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Skill development and promotion opportunities
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Long-term residence pathways
Over time, workers can transition into supervisory or technical roles with higher pay.
Step-by-Step: How to Secure a €90,000 Visa-Sponsored Job in the Netherlands
Step 1: Target High-Demand Sectors
Focus on technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, logistics, and research.
Step 2: Apply to Recognised Sponsors
Only registered employers can legally sponsor work visas.
Step 3: Secure a Formal Job Offer
The contract must meet salary and immigration requirements.
Step 4: Employer Submits the Visa Application
Processing is often completed within weeks.
Step 5: Relocate and Register
After arrival, register with local authorities and begin work legally.
Living and Working in the Netherlands
Foreign workers benefit from:
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Strong employee rights
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Paid annual leave
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Universal healthcare access
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Family reunification options
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Permanent residence eligibility
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Citizenship pathways
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the best countries in Europe for quality of life and professional stability.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, the Netherlands remains one of Europe’s most realistic destinations for foreigners seeking €90,000 high-paying jobs with visa sponsorship. With transparent immigration rules, global employers, and strong salary growth across key industries, the country offers both immediate income and long-term security.
For skilled professionals willing to meet employer requirements and follow legal pathways, the Netherlands provides opportunity backed by law, demand, and economic strength.
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