🇳🇱 Moving to Netherlands from South Africa
Afrikaans speakers have a head start in the Netherlands: Dutch is surprisingly easy to read and pick up. English is widely used at work, and the country actively recruits international talent.
Visa routes for South Africans
- Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant): Needs a job offer from an employer recognised by the IND as a sponsor, above a salary threshold set by age.
- EU Blue Card: For highly qualified workers. It also makes it easier to move to other EU countries later.
- Orientation year: For graduates of top-ranked universities who want to look for work in the Netherlands.
Getting your qualifications recognised
- Diplomas: Nuffic or IDW can evaluate your qualifications. Regulated professions (healthcare, for example) need BIG registration.
- Language: Dutch is needed for many healthcare and public-sector roles. Afrikaans speakers usually reach working fluency quickly.
Where South Africans live in Netherlands
Amsterdam, The Hague (and nearby Wassenaar), Rotterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven all have South African communities. Browse South African shops, restaurants and pubs in Netherlands and upcoming Saffa events.
Settling in: practical tips
- Ask your employer about the expat tax ruling (the '30% ruling'), which is being phased down. Check the current terms.
- Register at your municipality (gemeente) to get your BSN (citizen service number).
- Health insurance is compulsory and you buy it yourself, within four months of registering.
Official sources
Before you go, work through our emigration checklist and read up on SARS and tax residency.
Visa-sponsored jobs in Netherlands
Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Technician
Netherlands
Electrical & Instrumentation (E&I) Technician -POS26315 Based: The Netherlands Visa sponsorship Qualifications & Education • Formal Trade Qualification: Recognized National Trade Test Certificate (e.g., Red Seal Electrician / Instrumentation Mechanician) or equivalent international equivalent (e.g., NVQ Level 3/4, Journeyman certification). • Academic Background: National Diploma (N6 / Higher…
BIM Engineer
Netherlands
BIM Engineer - POS26314 Based The Netherlands Visa Sponsor We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced BIM Engineer to join our engineering and project delivery team. In this role, you will be responsible for creating, coordinating, and managing intelligent 3D digital models for complex construction and infrastructure projects. You will act as the technical bridge between design teams,…
Millwright/Fitter
Numerous Locations
I’m currently looking for experienced South African Millwrights interested in making the move to the Netherlands. The roles are primarily with food manufacturing and production clients, so hands-on experience with three-phase motors — installation, maintenance and repairs — is important. The package: ✔ From €4,357 per month ✔ Permanent employment contract ✔ 5-year work visa ✔ Visa + flights…
Associate Director Facility Management
MSD · Nederland
Job Description Heb jij ruime ervaring binnen Facility Management, een afgeronde hbo- of wo-opleiding en ben je een inspirerende people leader? Wil jij een zichtbare impact maken op een van de grootste farmaceutische locaties van Nederland? Dan zijn wij op zoek naar jou! Voor onze locatie in Haarlem zijn wij op zoek naar een Associate Director Facility Management. Welkom in ons team Vanuit Haarlem…
A taste of home in Netherlands
Simply South African
Deli · 's-Gravenhage · 🇳🇱 Netherlands
184 Noordeinde, 2514GR