adminThe Netherlands has emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for foreigners looking for employment in the hotel and hospitality industry.
With its booming tourism sector, modern infrastructure, and a strong international presence, the country is constantly in demand for skilled and unskilled workers who can contribute to hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other hospitality establishments.
In 2025, this demand is expected to rise further due to the steady influx of tourists and expatriates. According to the Dutch Tourism and Conventions Board, the number of overnight stays in Dutch hotels increased by more than 20% between 2022 and 2024, and the projections for 2025 suggest even higher growth.
A major attraction for foreign applicants is the availability of visa sponsorship. Dutch employers, particularly in hospitality, are increasingly offering sponsorship opportunities for international workers who wish to relocate.
For someone seeking a stable income with the added benefit of international experience, these jobs present a remarkable opportunity. Salary expectations are also competitive when compared to other European nations.
While entry-level hospitality jobs in some countries pay minimum wages, in the Netherlands, even basic roles such as housekeeping and food service can fetch around €1,900 to €2,300 per month. Skilled roles, like front-office managers or chefs, can earn up to €4,500 monthly.
For Africans, Asians, and other international job seekers, the Netherlands presents a welcoming labor market where visa sponsorship eliminates the complexities of independent relocation.
This content aims to guide potential applicants by detailing the reasons to work in this industry, the different types of jobs available, skills required, salaries offered, visa categories, and strategies to secure employment in 2025.
Why Work in the Hotel and Hospitality Industry?
The hotel and hospitality sector has always been considered one of the strongest pillars of the Dutch economy. It is not just limited to offering accommodation but encompasses a wide range of services including dining, event management, catering, housekeeping, customer service, and luxury tourism.
Choosing this sector provides job seekers a steady career path, good salaries, and multiple opportunities for professional growth.
One of the strongest reasons to consider this field is the sheer number of job openings created every year. In 2024 alone, over 50,000 vacancies were recorded in hotels and related industries across the Netherlands.
With 2025 bringing an even stronger focus on international tourism, these numbers are expected to grow significantly. This ensures that foreigners applying with the right skills and qualifications have a high chance of securing work with visa sponsorship.
Another reason is the inclusivity of the industry. Unlike professions that require very specific qualifications, the hospitality sector offers opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.
For instance, someone with little experience can start in housekeeping or as a kitchen assistant, while professionals with hospitality degrees or culinary skills can secure high-paying managerial or chef roles.
The average hourly pay of €30 for certain hotel jobs is particularly attractive, especially when combined with employee benefits like free meals, accommodation, health insurance, and in some cases, flight reimbursement.
Career Growth in the Hospitality Industry
Hospitality careers are not stagnant. Employees often start in entry-level positions and quickly move up the ladder with consistent performance. For example, a hotel receptionist earning €2,200 monthly can progress to become a front-office manager within three to five years, with a salary increase of up to €4,000 per month.
For those working in international chains like Hilton, Marriott, or Radisson, the growth is even faster, and opportunities to transfer to hotels in other countries often come with the package.
Cultural Experience and Work-Life Balance
The Netherlands is globally recognized for its emphasis on work-life balance. Hotel workers benefit from regulated working hours, paid vacation days, and labor laws that protect employee rights.
On average, employees are entitled to 20 days of paid annual leave and often additional vacation allowances. This not only makes the work environment attractive but also enhances personal and professional well-being.
Demand for International Workers
With the growth of international tourism, Dutch hotels are always on the lookout for employees who can communicate in multiple languages.
English is widely spoken, and additional languages such as French, German, Spanish, or even Arabic and Mandarin can add a huge advantage. This gives foreign workers an edge over local candidates and increases the chances of securing long-term contracts with visa sponsorship.
Types of Hotel and Hospitality Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
The range of jobs in this sector is vast, catering to both entry-level workers and professionals with years of experience. Visa sponsorship is available across multiple roles, depending on the type of hotel or establishment.
Large international hotel chains and luxury resorts are usually more willing to sponsor foreign workers due to their constant need for diverse talent.
Hotel Receptionist Jobs
Receptionists are the first point of contact for guests. Their role includes managing reservations, answering inquiries, and providing customer service.
Salaries for receptionists range between €2,000 and €2,500 per month, with higher pay for those fluent in more than one language. Visa sponsorship is often offered by hotels located in high-tourist regions such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Housekeeping and Cleaning Staff
Housekeeping is one of the most accessible jobs for foreigners with little prior experience. Workers ensure cleanliness and upkeep of rooms and common areas.
The salary typically falls between €1,900 and €2,300 monthly. In addition, many hotels provide free meals and sometimes even accommodation. This role is in high demand as it requires a large workforce year-round.
Chefs and Kitchen Staff
The Netherlands has a diverse food culture, and international hotels often require chefs specializing in different cuisines. Salaries for chefs vary based on expertise, with head chefs earning between €3,500 and €4,500 per month, while kitchen assistants make around €2,000. Hotels are eager to sponsor experienced chefs from Asia and Africa due to their unique culinary skills.
Waiters and Bartenders
Waitstaff and bartenders are central to restaurants, bars, and banquet halls. Salaries range between €2,000 and €2,800 monthly, with tips often adding an extra €300 to €500. For large events and tourist-heavy locations, hotels often sponsor foreign bartenders who bring international experience.
Event Planners and Banquet Managers
Hotels in the Netherlands are popular for hosting conferences, weddings, and exhibitions. Event planners and banquet managers oversee these functions.
Salaries average around €3,000 to €4,000 monthly, and international hotels often look for professionals with cross-cultural event management experience.
Hotel Management Positions
Hotel managers and department heads are among the highest earners in hospitality. Salaries often exceed €5,000 per month, with visa sponsorship almost guaranteed in this category due to the expertise required. Such roles also include added benefits such as company cars, bonuses, and relocation packages.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
While high-paying hotel jobs in the Netherlands require specialized degrees or professional backgrounds, many positions remain open for workers with minimal qualifications. Employers often provide on-the-job training, especially for entry-level roles like housekeeping, food service, or cleaning.
Basic Communication Skills
Fluency in English is one of the most essential requirements, as most Dutch hotels cater to international guests. Knowledge of Dutch is a plus but not compulsory, especially for hotels located in tourist-dominated regions. Applicants with multilingual abilities stand out significantly.
Customer Service Orientation
Hospitality is built on customer service. Applicants are expected to be polite, approachable, and willing to resolve guest issues. Even entry-level staff are trained to meet service standards, making this a fundamental skill requirement.
Physical Fitness and Stamina
Many hospitality jobs, such as housekeeping or kitchen work, demand physical effort. Workers should be able to handle long shifts, lifting, cleaning, and standing for extended hours. Hotels prioritize candidates who are physically capable and adaptable.
Educational Requirements
Entry-level positions generally require only a secondary school certificate or equivalent. However, professional jobs like chefs, event planners, or hotel managers usually demand diplomas, bachelor’s, or even master’s degrees in hospitality management or related fields.
Work Experience and Training
Experience plays a key role in determining salaries and positions. A cleaner with one year of experience can earn €1,900, while someone with five years of experience may secure €2,400. Similarly, chefs with international experience in large restaurants or resorts command higher salaries and receive preference for visa sponsorship.
Adaptability and Teamwork
Hotel operations rely heavily on teamwork. Employees should be flexible to work different shifts, weekends, and holidays. Adaptability is also vital, as hospitality workers frequently deal with international guests who may have diverse needs.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Salaries in the hotel and hospitality industry in the Netherlands are not uniform across the country. The region where an employee works plays a big role in determining their income, benefits, and even job stability.
Large metropolitan areas and tourist hotspots often pay more due to higher demand for services and the cost of living. In contrast, smaller towns may offer fewer opportunities but often include accommodation or other benefits to attract workers.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the heart of Dutch tourism and one of Europe’s busiest cities for international travel. With millions of tourists arriving every year, hotels, restaurants, and resorts in Amsterdam are always recruiting. Salaries here are among the highest in the country.
Receptionists earn around €2,500 to €2,800 monthly, housekeepers take home €2,200 on average, and chefs can easily earn over €4,500 depending on their specialization.
Due to the city’s global reputation, international hotels like Hilton, Hyatt, and Radisson are heavily concentrated here, and they regularly sponsor foreign workers for long-term contracts.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture and busy port, is another hub for hospitality jobs. It attracts a mix of business and leisure travelers, leading to a steady demand for hotel staff. Salaries are slightly lower than Amsterdam but still attractive.
Hotel managers earn between €4,000 and €5,200, waiters make about €2,400, and kitchen assistants earn around €2,100. Due to its position as a business center, Rotterdam also pays higher wages for event planners and banquet managers, averaging €3,800 monthly.
The Hague
The Hague, home to international organizations and embassies, is a hotspot for luxury hospitality. High-end hotels often cater to diplomats, government officials, and international delegations.
Salaries are competitive, with receptionists earning €2,700, chefs making €4,200 to €4,800, and managers averaging €5,500. The presence of foreign embassies also means more job opportunities for multilingual workers, which makes The Hague attractive for foreigners who can speak more than one language.
Utrecht and Eindhoven
While not as internationally recognized as Amsterdam or The Hague, cities like Utrecht and Eindhoven have a growing tourism sector. Salaries here are slightly lower, with housekeepers making €2,000, receptionists €2,300, and chefs €3,800.
However, hotels in these cities often provide housing allowances or free meals to balance the lower salaries. This makes them appealing for workers who wish to save more money while living in a less crowded city.
Tourist Towns and Coastal Areas
Dutch coastal towns like Zandvoort, Scheveningen, and Texel experience high seasonal demand. During summer, hotels and resorts require additional workers, leading to salaries being boosted by overtime and tips.
Workers in these regions can earn up to €3,000 monthly during peak tourist months, although the demand slows down during winter.
Salary Expectations for Hotel and Hospitality Workers
The salary structure in the Dutch hospitality sector depends on experience, role, and location. Foreign workers seeking visa sponsorship often want clarity on what they can expect to earn. In 2025, wages in the industry are projected to rise slightly due to inflation adjustments and the continuous demand for labor.
Entry-Level Salaries
For jobs that require little to no prior experience, such as housekeeping, cleaning, or kitchen assistance, salaries start from €1,900 to €2,200 per month.
These roles usually come with extra benefits such as free meals, uniforms, and sometimes discounted accommodation near the workplace. In hotels struggling to fill vacancies, employers may even include free housing to attract international applicants.
Skilled Worker Salaries
Skilled workers such as receptionists, bartenders, and waiters earn between €2,200 and €2,800 monthly. Additional income can come from tips, which can add €300 to €500 depending on the establishment.
Chefs and cooks are among the better-paid skilled workers, with salaries starting from €3,200 and rising up to €4,800 depending on expertise and specialization.
Mid-Level Salaries
Supervisors, banquet coordinators, and assistant managers fall into the mid-level salary bracket. Their monthly income ranges between €3,500 and €4,500. These positions often require prior experience or formal hospitality training. They also come with more responsibilities, such as managing shifts, supervising staff, and handling guest complaints.
Senior-Level Salaries
Hotel managers, executive chefs, and senior administrators are the top earners in the industry. Monthly salaries often exceed €5,000 and can reach €6,500 in international chains and luxury hotels. In addition, these roles often come with benefits such as annual bonuses, travel allowances, and relocation packages for foreign employees.
Hourly Rates
Some hotels prefer hiring on an hourly basis, especially for part-time or seasonal workers. The average hourly wage in 2025 for hospitality jobs is expected to be around €14 to €18 for entry-level staff, while specialized roles such as bartenders and event coordinators may earn €20 to €25 per hour. For highly skilled positions like chefs, hourly rates can go up to €30.
Additional Benefits
Apart from direct salaries, workers in the Netherlands enjoy vacation allowances, paid leave, health insurance, and retirement contributions. Many hotels also offer employee discounts for food and beverages, as well as subsidized accommodation.
For international workers, visa sponsorship packages often include relocation support, airfare reimbursements, and free initial housing for a few months.
Visa Types and Options for Hotel and Hospitality Workers
Securing a visa is a crucial part of working in the Netherlands. Fortunately, the country has several visa options available for hospitality workers, and employers are willing to sponsor foreign candidates to fill labor shortages.
Single Permit (GVVA)
The most common visa type for hotel and hospitality workers is the Single Permit, also known as GVVA. This combines both the residence permit and work permit in one. Employers apply for this on behalf of the employee, and it allows the worker to live and work in the Netherlands for up to one year, renewable annually.
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
This visa is generally for professionals earning above a set salary threshold. While most hospitality workers do not qualify under this category, senior managers and executive chefs can apply if they meet the income requirement of approximately €3,672 per month for workers under 30 and €5,008 for those over 30.
Seasonal Work Visa
For workers hired temporarily during peak tourism seasons, employers can sponsor a seasonal visa. This is typically valid for up to 24 weeks. It is popular for positions in coastal towns and tourist regions that require additional staff during the summer months.
Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa
International hotel chains operating in the Netherlands often use this visa to transfer existing staff from their hotels abroad. This is a good option for workers already employed by global brands like Marriott or Hilton in their home countries.
EU Blue Card
Although not commonly used in hospitality, the EU Blue Card is available for professionals who meet strict education and salary requirements. Senior-level hotel managers and highly qualified professionals may qualify under this scheme.
Family Reunification and Dependent Visas
Foreign workers who secure long-term contracts and visas can also bring their families through dependent visas. Spouses are often allowed to work under this arrangement, making it easier for families to settle in the Netherlands.
How to Find Hotel and Hospitality Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
Finding hotel and hospitality jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship requires research, persistence, and knowing where to apply. Many employers prefer hiring through trusted recruitment channels, while others advertise directly.
Job Portals and Recruitment Agencies
Popular Dutch job portals such as Indeed.nl, Glassdoor, and Nationale Vacaturebank regularly list hospitality jobs. International portals like LinkedIn and Monster also have postings where visa sponsorship is explicitly mentioned.
Specialized recruitment agencies that focus on hospitality, like HRC International, are reliable channels for securing visa-sponsored roles.
Hotel Career Pages
International hotel chains with branches in the Netherlands frequently list vacancies on their official websites. Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, and NH Hotels all post openings that often include visa sponsorship details. Checking these websites directly gives applicants a higher chance of applying early.
Networking and Referrals
Networking plays a significant role in the hospitality sector. Workers who already have connections in the Netherlands can receive referrals, which increase their chances of securing a job with sponsorship. LinkedIn is particularly useful for connecting with hotel managers and HR personnel.
Job Fairs and Expos
The Netherlands often hosts job fairs and international recruitment expos. These events give applicants a chance to meet employers face-to-face and discuss opportunities. Many employers attending these fairs are actively seeking foreign workers and are willing to sponsor visas.
Direct Applications from Abroad
Applicants can also apply directly from their home country. Employers facing labor shortages are usually open to interviewing and hiring candidates remotely. Successful applicants are then issued visa sponsorship paperwork to facilitate their relocation.
Preparation for Applications
To increase chances of selection, applicants should prepare strong resumes highlighting hospitality skills, previous work experience, and language abilities. A well-written cover letter addressing customer service experience is also important. Employers value candidates who demonstrate adaptability and cross-cultural understanding.
admin