The demand for senior care workers in the Netherlands continues to rise as the population ages rapidly. By 2025, more than 20% of Dutch citizens will be aged 65 or older, which has created an urgent need for professional caregivers, healthcare assistants, and elderly support staff.
This shift in demographics has opened the door to thousands of employment opportunities for both local and foreign workers.
For foreigners seeking secure and well-paying jobs abroad, the senior care sector in the Netherlands presents one of the most promising options, especially with visa sponsorship opportunities.
Employers across Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are actively hiring caregivers from outside the European Union due to the shortage of local workers willing or available to take on these roles.
With average annual salaries ranging from €32,000 to €48,000, senior care positions offer financial stability, comprehensive benefits, and in many cases, accommodation support.
For immigrants, these jobs are particularly attractive because employers frequently provide work visa sponsorship, relocation support, and Dutch language training.
Unlike other industries that require advanced academic degrees, the senior care sector in the Netherlands values compassion, basic healthcare knowledge, and a willingness to support elderly individuals with their daily needs.
This makes it possible for workers with modest qualifications to access high-paying jobs, provided they demonstrate commitment and reliability.
Foreigners entering this profession also benefit from the country’s robust labor laws, which guarantee fair wages, overtime pay, health insurance, and pension contributions.
For caregivers coming from Africa, Asia, or Latin America, these opportunities represent life-changing career paths, with salaries significantly higher than in their home countries.
A senior care worker in Nigeria, for example, might earn less than €5,000 annually, while in the Netherlands, the same worker can earn more than €40,000 yearly with full benefits.
The Netherlands government has also introduced various programs to attract migrant workers into its healthcare system, ensuring streamlined visa procedures for those entering the elderly care profession.
This makes 2025 a particularly opportune year for job seekers who want to secure senior care positions with long-term career growth and permanent residency options.
Why Work in the Caregiver Industry?
The caregiver industry in the Netherlands is not only financially rewarding but also socially impactful. Workers entering this field play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for elderly individuals, many of whom rely entirely on caregivers for daily tasks such as meal preparation, mobility assistance, medication management, and companionship.
From a career perspective, the caregiver industry provides stability even during economic downturns. Unlike sectors that fluctuate with market conditions, senior care remains consistently in demand.
With the country’s elderly population projected to increase by 1.5 million people over the next decade, the need for trained caregivers will only grow stronger. This guarantees long-term job security for foreign workers who secure employment with visa sponsorship in the Netherlands.
Emotional and Social Value of Caregiving
Caregiving is more than a job; it is a service that directly impacts human lives. Workers often form deep emotional bonds with the elderly, which brings personal satisfaction that many office-based jobs cannot offer.
The gratitude expressed by families and seniors creates a fulfilling work environment where caregivers feel valued every single day.
Professional Growth in Senior Care
Another reason to pursue a career in caregiving is the opportunity for professional advancement. Many caregivers start as assistants with a salary of around €30,000 per year but can progress to supervisory roles such as senior healthcare aides or care managers, earning €50,000 or more annually.
Some even use caregiving as a stepping stone to train as registered nurses, physiotherapists, or social workers within the Dutch healthcare system.
Visa Sponsorship and Migration Benefits
The Netherlands government supports labor migration into the healthcare industry because the country cannot meet demand with local workers alone.
This makes caregiving one of the most accessible routes for foreigners to obtain work visas. Once employed, workers can often bring family members under dependent visas, creating a path to permanent settlement.
Financial Rewards
The high demand for caregivers directly translates into attractive salaries. On average, caregivers in smaller towns earn between €32,000 and €36,000 annually, while those in larger metropolitan areas can make up to €48,000 per year.
Employers also provide overtime pay, with extra hours often billed at €20 per hour, allowing workers to significantly increase their earnings.
By 2025, the Netherlands is expected to open more than 40,000 new caregiving positions nationwide.
This surge in vacancies is a clear indicator that working in the caregiver industry is not just about filling jobs, it\’s about building stable careers in a country known for its fair labor policies and strong healthcare infrastructure.
Types of Senior Care Positions with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
Senior care is a broad field that offers multiple job roles depending on the worker’s experience, language skills, and professional background. Foreigners applying for jobs in the Netherlands can choose from different types of senior care positions, many of which include visa sponsorship.
Each role carries unique responsibilities and salary ranges, making it possible for workers to enter the sector at various levels.
Home Care Assistants
Home care assistants are among the most in-demand workers in the Netherlands. They provide support to elderly individuals living in their own homes, assisting with cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, and companionship.
Salaries for home care assistants range from €30,000 to €36,000 annually, with many employers offering housing subsidies for foreign workers.
Residential Care Workers
Residential care workers operate in care homes or nursing facilities where elderly individuals require full-time support.
This role often includes assisting with medication, physical therapy, and mobility training. Workers in this category can earn between €34,000 and €42,000 per year, depending on the size of the facility and their level of experience.
Specialized Dementia Caregivers
The Netherlands faces a rising number of elderly citizens diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, specialized dementia caregivers are highly sought after.
This position requires patience, strong observation skills, and sometimes additional training, but it pays higher salaries ranging from €38,000 to €48,000 annually.
Senior Care Supervisors
For workers with prior experience in the healthcare industry, supervisory roles are available. Senior care supervisors manage a team of caregivers, create schedules, and oversee the overall well-being of residents. Salaries for supervisors start at €45,000 and can go up to €55,000 per year.
Employers often provide visa sponsorship for these roles because the domestic labor market cannot fill the rising demand. By hiring foreign workers, care facilities ensure that their elderly residents receive the consistent and quality support they require.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
One of the most appealing aspects of senior care positions in the Netherlands is that many jobs are accessible even to workers with limited formal education. While advanced medical qualifications are not always necessary, certain entry-level skills and experiences are highly valued by employers offering visa sponsorship.
Basic Caregiving Skills
Employers expect workers to demonstrate the ability to assist elderly individuals with daily living activities. This includes tasks such as feeding, bathing, and maintaining a clean environment. Caregivers who show patience, empathy, and reliability are more likely to secure higher-paying jobs quickly.
Language Skills
Although English is widely spoken in the Netherlands, knowledge of Dutch can be a major advantage. Some employers provide language training programs for foreign workers. However, those who arrive with basic Dutch language skills already in place often earn higher salaries and are promoted faster.
Work Experience in Healthcare or Support Roles
Workers with previous experience as hospital aides, nursing assistants, or domestic helpers are well-suited for senior care positions. Even six months of relevant experience can make a significant difference when applying for visa sponsorship roles.
Physical and Emotional Readiness
Caring for seniors requires both strength and compassion. Workers must be prepared to assist elderly individuals with mobility, which may involve lifting or supporting them physically.
At the same time, patience and emotional resilience are crucial, especially when working with patients suffering from dementia or other long-term illnesses.
Certifications and Training
Some employers may require caregivers to complete short certification courses in elderly care, first aid, or nursing assistance. These certifications are often affordable and can increase salary prospects by €2,000 to €5,000 annually.
Overall, the senior care industry in the Netherlands is accessible to foreigners from diverse backgrounds. By demonstrating basic caregiving skills, a willingness to learn Dutch, and a commitment to supporting the elderly, applicants can successfully secure jobs with visa sponsorship that pay up to €48,000 annually.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Wages for senior care positions in the Netherlands vary depending on the region, type of facility, and cost of living in the area.
While the average salary across the country for senior care workers ranges between €32,000 and €48,000 annually, certain regions consistently offer higher wages due to labor shortages, high demand, and competitive recruitment strategies.
Amsterdam and the Randstad Area
Amsterdam, along with nearby cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, forms part of the Randstad region, which is the economic heart of the Netherlands. Because the cost of living is significantly higher here compared to rural towns, employers offer higher salaries to attract and retain caregivers.
In Amsterdam, senior care assistants typically earn €38,000 to €44,000 annually, while specialized caregivers can command salaries up to €50,000 per year. The high concentration of private healthcare facilities and senior residences in this area drives up competition for qualified workers, especially foreigners with visa sponsorship.
Eindhoven and Southern Netherlands
Eindhoven, known as the country’s technology and innovation hub, also has a rapidly growing elderly population. Care facilities in the region often struggle to fill vacancies, particularly for dementia and home care services.
As a result, salaries are competitive, averaging between €36,000 and €42,000 per year. The southern provinces such as North Brabant and Limburg also offer additional housing allowances for foreign caregivers due to labor shortages.
Northern Netherlands (Groningen and Friesland)
Although the cost of living is lower in the northern regions, there is still strong demand for senior care workers. Employers in Groningen and Friesland often attract foreign workers by offering relocation benefits and long-term contracts.
Salaries in these areas usually range from €32,000 to €38,000 annually, which can stretch further due to the affordable cost of housing and living expenses. For caregivers looking to save more money, these regions can be financially advantageous.
Specialized Facilities Across the Country
Certain specialized care centers, especially those focusing on dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or palliative care, tend to offer the highest salaries regardless of the region.
Workers in these facilities can earn €45,000 to €55,000 annually, particularly if they hold additional certifications. Employers are willing to pay more because the skillset required is not easy to find, especially among local workers.
In summary, while wages for caregivers vary across regions, workers employed in Amsterdam and larger urban centers earn the highest, often exceeding €48,000 per year. Those willing to work in rural or northern regions may earn slightly less but enjoy a lower cost of living and generous employment benefits.
Salary Expectations for Senior Care Workers
Salary levels in the Dutch senior care industry are structured based on job role, years of experience, qualifications, and region. However, the overall range remains highly attractive compared to many other professions available to foreign workers.
Entry-Level Caregivers
For workers just beginning their careers in the Netherlands, entry-level caregiver jobs pay between €30,000 and €34,000 annually.
This includes home care assistants and basic residential caregivers with limited prior experience. Many employers add relocation packages and free accommodation to compensate for the lower salary bracket.
Mid-Level Senior Care Workers
After two to three years of experience, salaries increase significantly. Mid-level caregivers who have gained practical skills and possibly completed training courses can earn between €36,000 and €42,000 annually.
At this stage, workers often take on more responsibility, such as coordinating daily routines or assisting with minor medical tasks.
Specialized Caregivers
Workers with training in dementia care, Alzheimer’s support, or advanced medical assistance are highly valued. Specialized caregivers usually earn between €40,000 and €48,000 annually.
Employers also offer additional hourly pay for overtime, often between €18 and €22 per hour, which allows caregivers to significantly boost their total income.
Supervisors and Senior Roles
Care supervisors and coordinators earn the highest wages in the sector, with annual salaries ranging from €48,000 to €55,000.
These roles involve managing staff, overseeing compliance with healthcare regulations, and ensuring high standards of care in facilities. Workers who aim for these positions typically require at least five years of experience and fluency in Dutch.
Beyond wages, caregivers enjoy extensive benefits under Dutch labor laws. These include employer contributions to pension funds, paid annual leave ranging from 20 to 25 days, and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
For foreigners, the salary packages combined with visa sponsorship and family reunification opportunities make senior care an especially lucrative career path.
Visa Types and Options for Senior Care Workers
Foreign workers seeking senior care jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship must understand the different visa types available. The country has structured its immigration framework to allow skilled and semi-skilled workers to enter legally, provided they meet employer and government requirements.
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
For senior care workers with specialized training or higher-level roles such as supervisors, the highly skilled migrant visa is often applicable.
This visa category is designed for workers earning salaries above a threshold, usually €42,000 or more annually. It provides fast-track processing and allows family members to join the worker in the Netherlands.
Work Permit (TWV) and Residence Permit (GVVA)
For most entry- and mid-level caregivers, employers apply for a combined residence and work permit known as the GVVA. This permit is valid for up to one year and can be extended.
To obtain this, the employer must demonstrate that the position could not be filled by a Dutch or EU worker, making foreign applicants eligible. Salaries under this permit typically range from €30,000 to €40,000 annually.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Some international care organizations with branches in the Netherlands transfer workers from abroad to fill positions. In such cases, the intra-company transfer visa applies. Workers continue to be employed by their original company while performing their duties in Dutch care facilities.
Permanent Residency Pathway
Foreign workers who remain employed for five consecutive years in the Netherlands under legal work visas are eligible to apply for permanent residency. For caregivers, this is a major advantage, as it allows them to settle permanently with their families while continuing their career.
Employers usually cover the cost of visa applications, making the process more accessible to foreign applicants.
By 2025, the Dutch government expects to simplify work visa procedures further, especially for the healthcare sector, in order to meet the growing demand for senior care workers.
How to Find Senior Care Positions with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
Finding senior care jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship requires preparation, networking, and awareness of trusted recruitment channels. Many foreign workers succeed by applying directly through employers or using international recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare placements.
Applying Directly to Dutch Care Facilities
Large care homes, hospitals, and elderly support centers often list job openings on their official websites.
Applicants can submit their CVs directly, especially when job postings mention visa sponsorship. Employers prefer motivated applicants who clearly outline their caregiving experience and willingness to relocate.
International Recruitment Agencies
Numerous agencies recruit foreign workers specifically for the Dutch healthcare sector. These agencies assist with paperwork, interview preparation, and visa applications. While some charge fees, reputable ones collaborate directly with Dutch employers who cover most relocation expenses.
Online Job Platforms
Websites such as Indeed Netherlands, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn regularly feature senior care vacancies with visa sponsorship.
Job seekers can filter results to focus on roles open to foreigners, increasing the likelihood of successful applications. Salary ranges are usually mentioned, giving workers a clear expectation before applying.
Government-Supported Programs
The Dutch government occasionally launches recruitment initiatives for healthcare professionals. Workers can check the official Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) website for updates. These programs often guarantee faster visa processing and relocation support for approved applicants.
Networking and Referrals
Many caregivers already working in the Netherlands help connect new applicants with employers. Word-of-mouth referrals remain a powerful way to secure jobs quickly, especially for specialized roles in senior care.
Applicants should prepare strong CVs highlighting caregiving skills, work history, and any certifications obtained. Employers also appreciate applicants who show willingness to learn Dutch, as this improves integration into the workplace and society.
By 2025, with thousands of senior care vacancies expected to remain unfilled, determined foreign workers have an excellent chance of securing employment with visa sponsorship.
With salaries reaching up to €48,000 annually and the possibility of permanent residency, the Netherlands represents one of the most attractive destinations for senior caregivers worldwide.