AdminManufacturing jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship are rapidly becoming a top opportunity for international workers looking to start or advance their careers in Europe.
As of 2025, the Netherlands has positioned itself as one of the leading countries for industrial production, automation, and advanced technology.
With competitive salaries ranging between €28,000 and €75,000 annually depending on skill levels, this sector offers not just financial stability but also long-term career growth.
The Dutch government and several private employers are eager to fill labor shortages in manufacturing by sponsoring visas for qualified foreign workers.
This makes it easier for job seekers from countries like India, Nigeria, South Africa, the Philippines, and other regions to secure well-paying manufacturing roles in Europe.
In this guide, we explore why manufacturing jobs in the Netherlands are in high demand, the types of roles available, skills required for entry-level positions, and regions where you can expect the highest salaries.
With visa sponsorship opportunities and structured recruitment programs, 2025 promises to be a turning point for many foreign professionals eager to build a future in the Dutch manufacturing sector.
Why Work in the Manufacturing Industry?
Manufacturing in the Netherlands contributes over €100 billion annually to the nation’s economy, making it one of the strongest pillars of Dutch industry.
For foreign workers, this means a wealth of opportunities in areas such as food processing, electronics, automotive parts production, and heavy machinery.
The demand for skilled and semi-skilled labor continues to rise as companies adopt cutting-edge technologies like robotics and AI-driven production systems.
One of the main reasons to work in the Dutch manufacturing sector is financial security.
Entry-level workers typically start with salaries around €2,200 to €2,800 per month, while specialized roles such as CNC machinists, industrial engineers, and production supervisors can earn between €45,000 and €75,000 annually.
Companies like ASML, Philips, and VDL Groep are constantly seeking international talent to keep up with global demand, often offering relocation assistance and visa sponsorship.
Another key advantage is career growth. The Dutch government collaborates closely with manufacturing firms to provide continuous training programs for employees.
This ensures that even entry-level workers have opportunities to upskill and move into higher-paying positions within two to three years.
Moreover, the Netherlands boasts one of the best work-life balance systems in Europe, with strict labor laws guaranteeing paid holidays, overtime compensation, and health insurance benefits.
Additionally, visa sponsorship programs make the transition smoother for foreign workers. Many employers handle visa applications on behalf of their employees, covering expenses related to residence permits and sometimes even providing housing assistance.
This level of support reduces the financial burden on new immigrants while allowing them to focus on building a stable career in the manufacturing industry.
The manufacturing sector also offers job stability in comparison to some service-based roles. Even during economic downturns, production industries tend to retain a significant workforce because they form the backbone of trade, exports, and domestic supply chains.
With a projected 6% annual growth rate in manufacturing output for 2025–2026, job security remains one of the strongest incentives for foreign workers considering relocation to the Netherlands.
Finally, the multicultural environment of Dutch companies creates an inclusive workplace for international staff.
Many production plants and factories already employ workers from multiple countries, ensuring language assistance programs and cultural integration workshops are available.
This diversity not only enhances teamwork but also makes the transition smoother for newcomers arriving through visa sponsorship programs.
Types of Manufacturing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
Manufacturing in the Netherlands encompasses several sub-industries, each offering distinct career paths with attractive salary packages for international workers.
Companies actively seeking foreign talent through visa sponsorship programs typically advertise roles in electronics manufacturing, food production, automotive assembly, pharmaceuticals, and precision engineering.
One of the most common entry points for foreign workers is in assembly line operations. These positions require minimal prior experience, offering salaries starting at around €2,300 per month, with opportunities to move into supervisory roles within a year or two.
For example, companies like VDL Nedcar in Born hire hundreds of international workers annually for automotive production lines, often providing accommodation and visa support.
Skilled trades such as welding, CNC machining, and industrial maintenance mechanics are in even greater demand. Welders, for instance, can earn between €35,000 and €55,000 annually, while CNC operators and machinists typically see salaries ranging from €38,000 to €60,000 depending on expertise.
Because these roles require specific technical skills, employers are willing to sponsor visas for qualified workers from countries outside the EU to address ongoing labor shortages.
In addition, engineering roles within manufacturing plants offer some of the highest salaries in the sector. Process engineers, quality assurance specialists, and production managers often earn upwards of €70,000 annually.
These positions typically require a degree in mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering, along with prior experience in manufacturing systems.
Food processing plants, a major part of Dutch manufacturing, employ thousands of international workers for packaging, quality control, and logistics.
Salaries in this sector range from €2,200 per month for entry-level packers to €50,000 annually for production coordinators and logistics managers.
Visa sponsorship programs in food production are especially common because companies face seasonal labor shortages that require international recruitment drives.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing is another high-paying segment. With companies like DSM and Janssen Pharmaceuticals investing heavily in Dutch production facilities, job opportunities for chemical process operators, lab technicians, and quality controllers have grown significantly.
Salaries here often exceed €60,000 for mid-level roles, with visa sponsorship available for workers meeting specific qualifications.
Overall, the diversity of manufacturing jobs in the Netherlands ensures that both skilled and semi-skilled international workers can find opportunities suited to their experience levels while benefiting from competitive salaries and employer-sponsored visas.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
For many international job seekers, one of the biggest advantages of the Dutch manufacturing sector is that not all positions require advanced degrees or years of prior experience.
Employers frequently sponsor visas for entry-level roles provided applicants meet basic skill requirements and demonstrate a willingness to undergo on-the-job training.
Typically, entry-level workers in assembly, packaging, and logistics need only a high school diploma or equivalent qualifications.
These positions offer salaries between €2,200 and €2,600 per month and provide pathways for promotion into supervisory roles after one or two years of experience.
Basic English proficiency is often required, although some companies prefer candidates who can learn or speak Dutch to improve workplace communication.
For semi-skilled roles such as machine operators or production technicians, employers usually seek candidates with vocational training or certifications in areas like mechanical maintenance, electrical systems, or welding.
Workers with these skills often start with salaries around €35,000 annually, with increases after probationary periods.
Experience in operating industrial equipment, following safety protocols, and adhering to quality control standards is highly valued.
Many Dutch companies run paid apprenticeship programs for new hires, allowing them to gain industry certifications while working full-time.
For instance, CNC machinists who complete certified training programs can see their salaries rise from €38,000 to over €55,000 within a few years.
Soft skills are equally important. Manufacturing companies look for workers who can collaborate in multicultural teams, follow detailed production instructions, and maintain consistent output under tight deadlines.
Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a willingness to work in rotating shifts are often highlighted in job postings.
Importantly, employers offering visa sponsorship prefer candidates who meet Dutch immigration requirements, such as securing a recognized employment contract before applying for a work visa.
Many provide assistance through in-house HR teams familiar with residence permit applications and the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) process.
By focusing on building both technical and soft skills, entry-level workers can quickly progress into mid-level roles with salaries ranging from €45,000 to €60,000 annually, making the manufacturing industry in the Netherlands a lucrative option for international job seekers.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
When exploring manufacturing jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship, salary levels can vary significantly depending on the region.
Industrial hubs with strong technological infrastructure, proximity to ports, and major manufacturing companies tend to offer higher wages for both entry-level and experienced workers.
North Brabant
North Brabant, home to companies like ASML and VDL Groep, offers some of the highest salaries for manufacturing professionals.
Entry-level roles here start at around €2,500 per month, while specialized positions such as process engineers or production managers earn salaries exceeding €70,000 annually.
The region’s focus on semiconductor production and precision engineering ensures steady demand for skilled international workers with visa sponsorship.
South Holland
South Holland, with cities like Rotterdam and The Hague, is another hotspot for manufacturing jobs.
Rotterdam’s port, the largest in Europe, supports logistics, shipbuilding, and food processing industries, paying salaries ranging from €2,300 per month for entry-level workers to over €60,000 annually for technical supervisors.
Employers in this region frequently recruit foreign talent, making visa sponsorship common across several sectors.
Limburg
Limburg, known for its automotive and chemical industries, offers competitive salaries for roles such as machine operators, chemical process engineers, and packaging supervisors.
Average annual earnings range from €35,000 for mid-level positions to over €65,000 for experienced engineers and managers.
Gelderland and Overijssel
Regions like Gelderland and Overijssel focus on food production, machinery manufacturing, and logistics.
While salaries here may be slightly lower than in North Brabant or South Holland, entry-level workers still earn between €2,200 and €2,500 per month, with opportunities for rapid salary growth based on experience and certifications.
Regions offering the highest salaries often coincide with areas where manufacturing employers face labor shortages. This increases the likelihood of visa sponsorship for international workers who meet the skill requirements set by Dutch immigration authorities.
Salary Expectations for Manufacturers
Manufacturing salaries in the Netherlands depend on several factors, including job type, experience level, and industry specialization.
For foreign workers arriving through visa sponsorship programs, salary structures typically align with Dutch labor regulations and collective bargaining agreements, ensuring fair compensation across sectors.
Entry-level Salaries
Entry-level manufacturing jobs such as packaging assistants, assembly line operators, and logistics workers typically pay between €2,200 and €2,600 per month.
Many companies also provide additional benefits like housing allowances or transportation support, reducing living costs for international employees.
Skilled and Semi-skilled Roles
Semi-skilled roles such as machine operators, welders, and maintenance technicians earn salaries ranging from €35,000 to €50,000 annually.
For example, a certified welder with two years of experience can earn around €42,000 per year, while a CNC machinist may make up to €55,000 depending on the region and company size.
Engineering and Management Positions
Engineering and supervisory roles command the highest salaries in the manufacturing sector.
Production engineers, quality assurance managers, and plant supervisors often earn between €60,000 and €80,000 annually, particularly in regions like North Brabant or South Holland where industrial growth remains strong.
Many Dutch employers also offer overtime compensation, annual bonuses, and pension contributions, further increasing overall earning potential.
These financial incentives, combined with visa sponsorship programs, make the Netherlands a highly attractive destination for skilled manufacturing professionals from abroad.
Visa Types and Options for Manufacturers
Foreign workers seeking manufacturing jobs in the Netherlands must secure the appropriate work visa or residence permit before employment begins.
Employers offering visa sponsorship usually guide candidates through the immigration process, covering application fees and documentation requirements.
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is one of the most common pathways for experienced professionals earning above a certain salary threshold.
For 2025, this minimum salary requirement is approximately €3,672 per month for workers under 30 and €5,008 for those over 30.
Engineering roles, quality control specialists, and production managers often qualify under this scheme.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card provides residency and work rights across multiple European Union countries, including the Netherlands. To qualify, candidates must have a recognized employment contract, a minimum annual salary (around €62,000), and relevant educational qualifications.
Regular Work Visa (GVVA)
For entry-level or semi-skilled positions, the GVVA (Single Permit) combines both residence and work authorization in one application. Employers sponsoring foreign workers typically handle this process, ensuring compliance with Dutch labor laws.
Intra-company Transfer Visa
Multinational manufacturing companies operating in the Netherlands often transfer existing employees from overseas offices through the Intra-company Transfer Visa, making relocation easier for skilled workers seeking opportunities in Dutch production facilities.
Employers offering visa sponsorship ensure candidates meet IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) requirements, reducing delays and increasing the chances of a successful relocation to the Netherlands.
How to Find Manufacturing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
Securing manufacturing jobs with visa sponsorship in the Netherlands requires a strategic approach. International job seekers should target reputable companies known for hiring foreign talent while ensuring they meet skill and language requirements.
Online Job Portals
Several Dutch and international job platforms list manufacturing roles offering visa sponsorship. Examples include:
- LinkedIn Jobs: Frequently lists engineering, assembly, and logistics roles with relocation assistance.
- Indeed Netherlands: Popular for both entry-level and mid-level job postings across multiple industries.
- Glassdoor and Monster: Useful for researching company reviews, salary data, and visa sponsorship opportunities.
Recruitment Agencies
Specialized recruitment firms like Undutchables, Adams Multilingual Recruitment, and Hays often assist foreign workers in finding manufacturing roles with visa sponsorship, particularly in technical fields.
Company Websites
Many Dutch manufacturing giants, including Philips, VDL Groep, and ASML, advertise visa-sponsored vacancies directly on their career portals. Applicants benefit from detailed job descriptions, salary information, and relocation support options.
Government and Expat Resources
The Dutch government’s Werk.nl platform and expat websites like IamExpat.nl provide official job listings, immigration guidelines, and visa sponsorship information for international job seekers.
Candidates should prepare professional CVs highlighting technical skills, certifications, and prior manufacturing experience to increase their chances of receiving job offers with visa sponsorship.
Learning basic Dutch phrases can also improve employability, even though many workplaces operate in English.
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