Finding a job in the Netherlands – for (life) partners
Are you moving to the Netherlands with your partner and looking to build your own career here? Whether your partner will be working at Leiden University or elsewhere, this page is for anyone relocating to the Netherlands and exploring job opportunities. Here you’ll find useful tips, resources, and links to help you take the first steps toward your professional journey in the Netherlands
Where to start your job search
The most effective way to start looking for work is through online job platforms. Below are some well-known websites that list vacancies in English:
- Academic Transfer (Scientific positions)
- EURAXESS (Scientific and research jobs)
- Expatica Jobs (General job site for internationals)
- Stepstone (Wide range of vacancies)
- Together Abroad (Career portal for internationals)
- Careers in Holland (General jobs)
- International Jobs in The Netherlands
Would you like personal support in your job search? You can also contact a temp agency (uitzendbureau) for temporary work or a recruitment agency for longer-term roles, especially if you have a Bachelor's or Master’s degree. Some agencies that specialize in non-Dutch speakers are:
Employment rights for non-EU partners
If your partner (the employee at Leiden University) is registered as a sponsor with the Dutch immigration office (IND), and you are a non-EU national, you will have full access to the Dutch labour market once you receive your residence permit. This means you do not need a separate work permit to be employed.
LinkedIn – A valuable networking tool
Having a LinkedIn profile is highly recommended when searching for a job in the Netherlands. Employers and recruiters often check candidates’ online profiles before making contact. It’s a powerful tool for building your network, sharing your experience, and being visible to potential employers.
Tip: There is a LinkedIn group specifically for (life) partners of scientific staff working at Leiden University, TU Delft, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Join the LinkedIn Group.
Considering starting your own business?
Perhaps your (life) partner is contemplating starting an own business in the Netherlands. In this webinar (4 parts of 15 minutes) you will find useful information about starting your own business.
Faculty of Science Workshops and Career Coaching
The Faculty of Science at Leiden University offers workshops and career coaching sessions for the partners of scientific staff (on payroll). These sessions are organized in collaboration with Delft University of Technology and are designed to support your orientation in the Dutch job market.
Please note:
- These services are available only to partners of scientific staff in a payroll position at the Faculty of Science.
- A minimum English proficiency of B1 level is recommended to participate.
What to expect
You’ll start with a one-on-one intake and follow-up session with a professional career counselor. Together, you’ll create a personal action plan and begin drafting your personal profile. Meeting with a career counselor is especially helpful if you're unsure about your next career step and would like guidance in exploring your options.
Your career counselor
Our career counselors are experienced professionals who specialize in career development and international mobility. Whenever possible, meetings take place in person. In special cases, support via phone or video call (e.g. Skype or Teams) is also possible.
At the first meeting, your counselor will already have reviewed your CV.
Personal profile development
In a few confidential sessions, you will explore:
- Who you are and what motivates you
- What kind of work you are looking for
- What skills or experiences you may need in the Dutch labour market
- Any potential blind spots or challenges
You’ll work together to build a realistic plan to move forward.
If you already have a clear idea of the kind of work you're looking for, but would like to better understand the Dutch labour market and learn how to navigate the application process, you are welcome to join our practical workshops directly.
These workshops are designed to strengthen your application skills and boost your confidence. You will learn how to:
- Improve your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile
- Tailor your application style to fit the academic, public, or private sector
- Prepare for job interviews and present your skills and experience effectively
- Highlight why you're a strong candidate – even for roles that aren't publicly advertised
Interested in joining?
Partners of scientific staff on payroll can contact SCIS team leader Marlon van Leeuwen to learn more about upcoming workshops and how to register.
Expat ruling – plan ahead
The Expat ruling (formerly known as the 30% ruling) is a Dutch tax benefit aimed at attracting highly skilled workers from abroad by allowing part of their salary to be paid tax-free. If your partner (or you) find a job before arriving in the Netherlands, you may be eligible. It compensates for the extra costs of relocating to the Netherlands and is available for up to five years. To qualify, expats must meet residency, salary, and expertise criteria.
The Expat ruling offers advantages:
- Up to 30% of your salary is tax-free
- The benefit lasts up to five years
- Until 2025 (or 2027 for some), it includes partial non-resident tax status, limiting taxation on certain foreign assets.
Starting from 1 January 2027, the advantages of the Expat ruling will change in several ways. The tax-free allowance will be reduced from 30% to 27% of gross salary, slightly lowering the financial benefit. While the ruling will still help cover relocation costs, it will do so via the new flat 27% rate. The maximum duration of five years remains unchanged, but the eligibility salary threshold will rise to €50,436 (or €38,388 for under-30s with a relevant master’s degree) however, this threshold does not apply to scientific staff and PhD. Additionally, the option for partial non-resident tax status—previously available—will no longer apply to new applicants under the 2027 regime.