Netherlands Warehouse Worker Jobs for Foreign Nationals

Netherlands is commonly referred to as the Gateway to Europe and harbors one of the most vibrant Logistics Sector economies in the world, which are powered by School Airport and Port of Rotterdam. This is an all-time round-the-clock operation that has resulted in a systematic labor deficit, thus making the jobs of Warehouse Worker and Order Picker (Order picker) among the most available and sought-after positions among Foreign Nationals.

Non-EU Work Permit jobs are however not easy to get without going through an accurate system referred to as TWV ( Work Permit) process. This guide contains the formal guidelines, the mandatory remuneration rates and the significant role the Dutch Employment Agencies (Bureaucratizes) can play in ensuring that your Dutch career takes shape.

Essential Financials

When applying it is of much essence to be aware of the legal minimums that have been guaranteed to every worker regardless of whether they are EU nationals or not. The Netherlands has one of the best minimum wages in Europe, and this is one of the main attractions to labour migrants.

The Minimum Wage Standard

As of January 1, 2025, the statutory minimum concerning the employees of 21 years and above is set at an hourly rate, which has to be fulfilled by all employers:

Minimum Hourly Wage (21 and older): gross hourly: 14.06.

Collective Labour Agreements (CAO)

The vast majority of Logistics Employee and Distribution Center Employee positions fall under an industry specific CAO. This contract establishes the legal norm of such things as:

Assured working hours and overtime allowance

Shift Allowances (e.g. night work and weekend work bonuses).

To ensure E-A-T compliance and financial safety, you have to make certain that your Employment Contract has to comply with the applicable CAO.

Both high-demand and core locations are mentioned

These positions are ideal entry-level jobs as Dutch Language skills are not usually required.

In-Demand Job Titles

The most fundamental requirements of the logistics industry concern movement and processing:

Order Picker (Orderpicker)
Packer (Inpakker)
Warehouse Employee (Magazijnmedewerker)
Forklift Driver (Needs certification, may also receive a higher hourly wage)

Distribution Hubs

Target your job search on the following logistical giants:

Port of Rotterdam: This is the largest port in Europe and Loading/Unloading Staff are always required.
Schiphol Airport: Giant air cargo and e-commerce distribution center.
Regional Centers: Handwoven, Til-burg and Slovenly areas of operation, which play host to massive international E-commerce Warehouse Specialist.

Why the Employer is Key

The TWV , or Work Permit, is the most important, employer-controlled obstacle to the non-EU Foreign Nationals who want to get an employment in the lower-skilled category.

The TWV and Labour Market Test.

The employer has to apply the TWV via UWV the Employee Insurance Agency. The permit will only be given to the employer who meets the Labour Market Test by the UWV.

Requirement: It has to be demonstrated by the employer that no appropriate Dutch or EU/EEA applicant was available to the job. This includes aggressive publicizing of the job in at least five weeks in the country and in most cases in the EU.

Strategic Importance of Bureaucratize.

The main point of entry of the foreign Warehouse Workers is the Bureaucratize (Temporary Employment Agency) of the TWV and the complexity of the Labour Market Test.

The Bridge: These agencies are experts in manoeuvring the UWV regulations and frequently have the status of Render Referent (Recognized Sponsor) with the IND, the Immigration and Naturalization Service making the whole process easier.
The Package: Most of the large agencies offer a complete relocation package, which includes: Housing/Accommodation (which needs to be done since there is a housing shortage), transportation and legal registration assistance.

After landing, administrative measures.

After having your TWV and the corresponding Residence Permit or entry visa, you have to take the following administrative steps directly after arriving in the Netherlands:

BRP Registration: Within five days of arrival, you have to enroll with your local municipality in (BRP) (Municipal Personal Records Database).
BSN: This will give you your BSN , the obligatory Citizen Service Number you will need to obtain any jobs, bank services, and taxes.
Health Insurance: It is obligatory that you get basic Dutch Health Insurance within four months of registering as a resident.

Actionable Tip

When dealing with an Bureaucratize, it is always necessary to check their compliance history and the accommodation that they offer is SN F-certified to provide housing standards to migrant workers.

FAQs

Can I apply for the TWV myself?

No. As the Foreign National worker, you are not entitled to apply to the TWV. A Dutch employer or a known agent such as an Bureaucratize (Employment Agency) is the only person who can submit the TWV application to UWV.

What is the Labor Market Test, and how do I, as a job seeker, respond to it?

The UWV is very strict on the Labour Market Test. The employer needs to show that he or she could not identify a suitable candidate in the Netherlands or the general EU/EEA market to occupy the vacancy. This takes a number of weeks to advertise the job. It influences your search, in that it is vital to seek Bureaucratize who have gone through and have passed this test as it is only them that could get you the permit.

Final Thought

The massive and real opportunity is that there is a high demand in the jobs of the Warehouse Worker in the Netherlands. But, Foreign Nationals can only be successful when you choose to do it your way: it is not necessarily about finding a job, it is about finding an employer who can give you some solid Visa Sponsorship by walking you through the UWV process.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this job is only educational and informational. The immigration system of the Netherlands is also extremely controlled and the condition of the TWV (Work Permit) and the Residence Permit is strictly observed by the UWV and the IND. The requirement, in specific to the Labor Market Test and Minimum Wage (as of January 2025: €14.06/hr), is revised on a bi-annual basis. Before arriving at any decision to travel or make an application, please ensure that all the information and the exact requirements you must have under the conditions of your nationality and employment opportunity are verified with the official Dutch government websites (UWV and IND) or a licensed immigration expert.