Thinking about moving to the Netherlands without a job lined up? Perhaps you have savings, your partner has secured employment or you’re hoping to find work once you’re here.
It’s indeed possible in certain circumstances, but personally, I wouldn’t recommend relocating without first securing a job or another reliable source of income.
The Netherlands has become increasingly expensive. Housing, groceries, healthcare and everyday expenses add up, and finding employment can take longer than expected. Even if your partner already has a job, I’d encourage you to consider finding work too, if your circumstances allow it.
I moved to The Hague in the Netherlands in 2013, having secured a job in The Hague while still living in Barcelona. Even with employment arranged, those first few months were financially difficult. I can’t imagine how much more stressful they would have been without a salary!
Here’s what you need to know before making the move.
Can you move to the Netherlands without a job?
The answer depends largely on your nationality and residence rights.
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
Firstly, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can generally move to the Netherlands without a job offer. You don’t need a Dutch residence or work permit, and you’re free to look for employment. However, conditions apply if you stay longer than three months. Jobseekers must be able to demonstrate that they’re actively looking for employment. The IND explains the requirements concerning UWV registration during the first six months and evidence of a realistic chance of finding work afterwards.
People who aren’t economically active may also qualify to stay if they have sufficient financial resources and meet the applicable conditions. Read the official IND requirements for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens.
If you’re from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland
The rules are different for people from countries such as South Africa, India, the United States or the United Kingdom. Generally, you cannot relocate indefinitely to look for work without a qualifying right of residence. Employment-based residence will often require a job offer and the appropriate immigration permission. Alternative residence routes may be available through a partner, family member, entrepreneurship or the orientation year for highly educated people.
Remember, permission to visit the Netherlands isn’t the same as permission to live or work here. Check your circumstances with the IND before making arrangements.
Is there a job seeker visa for the Netherlands?
The Netherlands offers an orientation year residence permit, known as the zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden, for certain highly educated graduates and researchers.
Eligible applicants can include graduates of Dutch institutions and certain qualifying international universities. The permit is valid for one year and allows holders to work without a separate work permit. However, this isn’t a general job seeker visa. Specific qualifications and application conditions apply. Check the IND orientation year requirements.
Other possible routes include family-based residence, self-employment, start-up permits and the Working Holiday programme, depending on your circumstances.
You may also be able to visit for interviews under the applicable short-stay rules, but a tourist visit doesn’t automatically allow you to start working or remain permanently.
What if you’re self-employed or running a business?
If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur or business owner, relocating without a traditional employment contract may be possible. However, I’d strongly advise making sure your business is generating enough income before moving. Ideally, you’ll already have regular paying clients, predictable revenue or sufficient savings to sustain yourself.
Running a business while adapting to a new country can be challenging, particularly when you’re also paying for housing, healthcare, insurance and taxes. You’ll need to consider business expenses, tax obligations and whether your customers or contracts will remain viable after relocating.
If you’re from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you must also establish whether your residence status allows self-employment.
My advice is to secure reliable income first rather than moving here and hoping your business will eventually generate enough money.
How to find a job in the Netherlands before moving
Even if you’re legally allowed to relocate without employment, I’d recommend starting your job search while you’re still in your home country.
Look for international employers
If you don’t speak Dutch, international organisations and companies where English is used may be good starting points. There are opportunities in sectors such as technology, engineering, logistics, research and business services. However, many positions still require Dutch, so read vacancy requirements carefully.
If you need immigration sponsorship, check whether the employer can support the relevant application.
Use Dutch job platforms
Useful websites include:
- LinkedIn Jobs — international vacancies and networking (LinkedIn was how I got my first job here!).
- Indeed Netherlands — jobs across many sectors.
- Undutchables — recruitment for multilingual and international candidates.
- EURES — European employment opportunities.
- Werk.nl — the Dutch public employment service.
Keep your CV clear, highlight relevant experience and explain your availability and work-authorisation status accurately. Networking can also help you understand the Dutch employment market and identify opportunities. I run a business here and I must say that networking has been fundamental to my success here so make this a priority when you arrive.
How much money should you save before moving without a job?
This is where I’d be quite careful. If you arrive without employment, you’ll need enough money to cover your expenses until you find work, which could take longer than expected.
Rent is likely to be your biggest expense, followed by groceries, utilities, healthcare and transport. You’ll also need money for rental deposits, temporary accommodation and initial moving costs. Our guide to how much it costs to move to the Netherlands in 2027 explains the upfront expenses.
Personally, I’d want enough savings to cover at least six months of essential living expenses, in addition to relocation costs. That’s my cautious personal recommendation, not a legal requirement or guarantee of finding work within six months.
You should also consider whether you’ll be able to rent a property without employment. Many Dutch landlords require proof of regular income and may have minimum income thresholds, making accommodation difficult to secure even if you have savings.
For a breakdown of recurring expenses, including housing, healthcare, groceries and taxes, see our guide to the cost of living in the Netherlands in 2027.
What if your partner already has a job?
Having a partner with employment can make relocating financially easier, but I’d still encourage you to consider finding work or establishing a reliable income of your own. Living on one income can be challenging in the Netherlands, especially if you’re renting privately, supporting children or hoping to buy a home.
Of course, there may be reasons why one partner cannot work immediately, including childcare, learning Dutch or waiting for permission to work. But if your circumstances allow it, two incomes can make a considerable difference to your financial security and ability to save.
What should you arrange after arriving?
If you’re legally entitled to live in the Netherlands and intend to stay for more than four months, you’ll generally need to register with your municipality within five days of arrival. This registration gives you a citizen service number (BSN), which you’ll need for many official processes.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to arrange Dutch health insurance, a bank account, DigiD and any necessary employment or immigration registrations. Health insurance rules vary according to your residence and employment circumstances, so check your specific obligations. The Dutch government’s moving checklist is a useful starting point.
My advice: don’t move to the Netherlands without financial security
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend moving to the Netherlands without securing employment or having a reliable source of business income and sufficient savings.
I know this from experience. When I moved here back in 2013, I’d already secured a job in The Hague at an EU organisation. Even so, I struggled financially. I had no relocation allowance (aside from my flights and the company paying for me to stay for one week in a hotel), I needed to pay a substantial rental deposit, find furniture, get transport cards, medical insurance etc. etc. and I was spending around half my salary on rent at the time (excluding utilities!).
Years later, when I met my husband and we combined our incomes, things became considerably easier. Sharing mortgage repayments and household expenses meant I finally had more money left over each month. Being able to save regularly was a great feeling and gave me a greater sense of financial security.
That’s why I believe a reliable income and savings are so important. It’s not just about paying your bills. You also want to enjoy life, visit family abroad, take holidays and have money set aside for unexpected expenses.
Of course, everyone’s circumstances differ. Substantial savings, established business income or other financial support may make relocating without a traditional job manageable, provided you meet the relevant residence requirements. But I wouldn’t advise arriving in the Netherlands and just hoping things will work out.
Moving to the Netherlands: prepare before you relocate
Moving to the Netherlands without a job is legally possible for some people, but that doesn’t necessarily make it financially sensible.
If you’re considering relocating, you might also enjoy my article about living in the Netherlands as an expat, covering some of the everyday realities of settling here.
For practical guidance on moving to and living in the Netherlands, explore SecondSoil, an audio-led app featuring short, human-recorded guides, bite-sized articles and useful links. The app covers relocation, finding work, housing, banking, insurance and everyday Dutch life.
Download SecondSoil on Google Play and listen to the Moving & Relocation and Career & Working Life guides. Free and premium content is available.
Frequently asked questions about moving to the Netherlands without a job
Can I move to the Netherlands without a job offer?
Yes, in certain circumstances. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can generally relocate and look for work, subject to the rules for longer stays. Non-EU nationals usually need a qualifying residence route.
Can I move to the Netherlands and then find a job?
Yes, if you have the legal right to reside and work here. However, permission to enter as a visitor doesn’t automatically grant permission to work or settle permanently.
Does the Netherlands offer a job seeker visa?
The Netherlands offers an orientation year residence permit for certain highly educated graduates and researchers. It isn’t a general job seeker visa available to everyone.
Can I move to the Netherlands if my partner has a job?
Possibly, depending on your nationality, relationship and residence circumstances. Your partner’s employment doesn’t automatically establish your residence or work rights.
Can I move to the Netherlands with my own business?
Possibly, provided you have the appropriate residence and work rights. I’d also recommend having reliable clients, sufficient income and financial reserves before relocating.
How much should I save before moving without a job?
I’d personally aim for at least six months of essential living expenses, on top of relocation costs. This is a budgeting recommendation, not a legal requirement. Your actual needs depend on your circumstances.
Written by Elizabeth Joss, founder of SecondSoil, who moved to the Netherlands in 2013.
Information reviewed: November 2026. Immigration and work-permit requirements depend on nationality and individual circumstances and may change. Always check the latest rules with the IND before making relocation decisions.
