Summary

If you have moved to the Netherlands to join your spouse or partner, one of your first questions is likely: Can I work in the Netherlands on a partner visa?

The good news is that in many cases, the answer is yes. Most partners of highly skilled migrants, EU citizens, and Dutch citizens are allowed to work without needing a separate work permit.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• Whether your partner visa allows you to work

• What jobs you can apply for

• How to find employment as an expat partner

• Common challenges spouses face in the Dutch job market

• How Brave Ones and Together Matters can help you build your career in the Netherlands

The Challenge: Starting Your Career After Moving to the Netherlands

Relocating to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

Many expat partners arrive in the Netherlands after putting their own careers on hold. Suddenly, they find themselves navigating:

• A new job market

• Different recruitment practices

• Language barriers

• Limited professional networks

• Uncertainty about visa and work rights

For many spouses and partners, finding meaningful work becomes one of the biggest challenges of settling into Dutch life.

The first step is understanding exactly what your residence permit allows.

Can You Work on a Partner Visa in the Netherlands?

In most situations, yes.

Many residence permits issued for family reunification or partnership include unrestricted access to the Dutch labour market.

You can usually work if you are the partner of:

• A Dutch citizen

• An EU/EEA citizen living in the Netherlands

• A highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant)

• A researcher

• Certain other residence permit holders

Your residence permit card typically states whether you are allowed to work.

Look for wording such as:

"Arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist."

This means:

"Work freely permitted. No work permit required."

If your card contains this statement, employers do not need to apply for a separate work permit for you.

How Can You Check Your Work Rights?

The easiest way is to examine your residence permit card.

The back of the card contains information about employment restrictions.

If you're unsure, you can also verify your status through:

• The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

• Your employer's HR department

• An immigration specialist

Always confirm your individual situation, as visa conditions can vary.

What Jobs Can You Do on a Partner Visa?

If your residence permit allows unrestricted work, you can apply for the same positions as other legal residents.

Popular options for internationals include:

Customer Support

Many international companies hire English-speaking customer support professionals.

Marketing and Communications

Companies with international teams often seek content marketers, social media specialists, and communications professionals.

Sales and Business Development

Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Rotterdam have growing international business sectors.

IT and Technology

Software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and product management remain in high demand.

Hospitality and Tourism

Hotels, restaurants, and tourism organisations often hire multilingual employees.

Education and Tutoring

International schools and online teaching platforms regularly recruit qualified professionals.

Do You Need to Speak Dutch?

Not always.

The Netherlands has one of the strongest English-speaking workforces in Europe.

Many international companies operate entirely in English.

However, learning Dutch can:

• Expand your job opportunities

• Improve networking opportunities

• Increase your long-term career prospects

• Help you integrate more quickly

Even basic Dutch skills can make a positive impression on employers.

Brave Ones Partnership: Career Support Through Together Matters

At Brave Ones, we know that moving countries often means rebuilding your professional life from scratch.

That's why we've partnered with Together Matters to help spouses and partners navigate their career journey in the Netherlands.

Together Matters offers a dedicated program for expat partners:

Through this partnership, Brave Ones members receive:

• A 30-minute welcome intake with a Together Matters coach

• A personal positioning review

• A tailored walkthrough of the Together Matters platform

• A personalised plan for the first two weeks of the programme

The programme is designed specifically for spouses and partners who want to:

• Regain professional confidence

• Build a network in the Netherlands

• Clarify career goals

• Improve employability

• Create a successful transition into the Dutch labour market

Rather than navigating the process alone, participants receive practical guidance and support from professionals who understand the unique challenges of international relocation.

Common Mistakes Expat Partners Make

Waiting Too Long to Start Networking

Many people focus exclusively on job applications. Building relationships often leads to better opportunities.

Applying Without Adapting Their CV

Dutch employers expect applications to be tailored to the position.

Ignoring Dutch Language Learning

Even basic Dutch can improve employability and integration.

Underestimating Transferable Skills

Experience gained abroad is often highly valuable to Dutch employers.

Trying to Navigate Everything Alone

Career coaching, networking groups, and expat programmes can dramatically shorten the adjustment period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work immediately after receiving a partner visa?

In many cases, yes. If your residence permit states that work is freely permitted, you can begin working as soon as you meet any employer onboarding requirements.

Do I need a separate work permit?

Usually not. Many partner residence permits include unrestricted labour market access. Always check the wording on your residence card.

Can I be self-employed on a partner visa?

This depends on the specific conditions attached to your residence permit. Check your permit details or consult the IND.

Can I work if my partner is a highly skilled migrant?

In most cases, yes. Partners of highly skilled migrants generally receive residence permits that allow them to work without a separate work permit.

Is Dutch required for most jobs?

No. Many international companies operate in English. However, learning Dutch can significantly increase your opportunities.

How can Together Matters help me find work?

Together Matters helps spouses and expat partners improve their professional positioning, build confidence, develop networks, and better understand the Dutch job market through coaching and structured career support.

Glossary

Partner Visa
A residence permit allowing someone to live in the Netherlands with their spouse or partner.

IND
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service responsible for residence permits.

Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)
A residence category for international professionals recruited by recognised Dutch employers.

TWV
A Dutch work permit that some foreign workers require. Many partner visa holders are exempt.

Professional Positioning
The process of defining and communicating your skills, experience, and career value to employers.

Sources

• IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service): https://ind.nl

• Government of the Netherlands: https://www.government.nl

• Together Matters Spouses of Expats Programme: https://together-matters.com/programs/spouses-of-expats/

• Brave Ones: https://braveones.com