How to Secure a Seasonal Work Visa in the Netherlands | Simple Steps for Foreign Agricultural Workers

Every year, thousands of foreign workers travel to the Netherlands to fill seasonal jobs in agriculture, horticulture, and food processing. The country’s farming and greenhouse industries rely heavily on immigrant labor, especially during harvest and planting seasons.

With wages ranging between €10 to €15 per hour and the potential to earn €2,000–€3,000 per month, seasonal work opportunities in the Netherlands have become one of the most attractive options for temporary employment abroad.

For foreign workers, especially from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, the Netherlands offers a structured and legal pathway through its Seasonal Work Visa.

Seasonal jobs in the Netherlands are in high demand because the country is a global leader in greenhouse farming, vegetable exports, flower production, and dairy. Over €100 billion worth of agricultural products leave the Netherlands annually, creating constant demand for additional workers.

Since Dutch companies cannot always fill these positions locally, they open their doors to foreign applicants, offering temporary contracts tied directly to visa sponsorship.

This visa not only gives foreign workers access to short-term employment but also provides an opportunity to gain European Union work experience, which can strengthen future applications for long-term jobs and visas.

With clear regulations and well-structured recruitment procedures, the Netherlands has positioned itself as one of the top destinations for foreign agricultural workers looking for fair pay and secure employment abroad.

In this guide, we will break down the seasonal work visa process in simple steps. You will learn what the visa is all about, the different types available, where to find legitimate job offers, the requirements to qualify, and how to apply successfully.

We will also highlight top companies in the Netherlands that sponsor seasonal workers and the categories of jobs linked to these visas.

What is the Seasonal Work Visa all About?

The Netherlands Seasonal Work Visa is a short-term residence permit that allows foreign workers to legally live and work in the country for up to 24 weeks (approximately six months). It was designed specifically to meet labor shortages in industries that depend heavily on seasonal demand, such as fruit picking, greenhouse farming, and food packaging.

Unlike long-term residence permits, this visa is strictly tied to temporary jobs, meaning the worker must leave the country once the contract ends.

The visa is processed under the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and falls under the Single Permit system. This means the worker receives one permit covering both residence and work authorization.

To obtain this visa, a Dutch employer must sponsor the worker by applying for a work permit (TWV) on their behalf. Without employer sponsorship, applicants cannot secure this type of visa.

Statistics show that over 45,000 seasonal workers are employed annually in the Netherlands, with the majority coming from Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and other non-EU countries. However, applications from Africa and Asia have been increasing, as workers seek better-paying opportunities abroad.

On average, seasonal workers can earn €12 per hour, and working 40–48 hours weekly translates to monthly earnings between €1,900 and €2,600. Since accommodation and sometimes meals are provided by employers, a large portion of wages can be saved and sent home.

The visa is popular for its flexibility. Workers can move between roles such as fruit harvesting, greenhouse planting, mushroom picking, or working in flower farms depending on employer demand. Some contracts even include overtime, which can push total monthly earnings above €3,000.

Key benefits of the Seasonal Work Visa in the Netherlands include:

• Legal right to work for up to 24 weeks.
  
• Sponsored by recognized Dutch employers.
  
• Fair wages under Dutch labor law.
  
• Access to housing and sometimes transport provided by employers.
  
• Gaining valuable European work experience.

This visa is ideal for foreigners who want short-term employment without long-term residency obligations. It also serves as a stepping stone for those considering permanent work in Europe, as successful applicants can use their experience to transition to other visa categories later.

Types of Seasonal Work Visas in the Netherlands

Seasonal work visas in the Netherlands are generally categorized under one framework but can differ depending on the industry and employer arrangements. Understanding the distinctions is crucial for applicants aiming to choose the best option.

• Agricultural Seasonal Work Visa: This is the most common type, covering jobs such as fruit and vegetable harvesting, greenhouse planting, flower cultivation, and dairy farm support. Contracts under this visa typically last three to six months and align with planting or harvest cycles.
  
• Horticulture and Greenhouse Seasonal Visa: The Netherlands is the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products, largely due to its advanced greenhouse industry.

This visa allows foreign workers to work in controlled farming environments, planting and packaging tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and flowers. Hourly wages average €11.50, and employers often provide subsidized accommodation.

• Food Processing Seasonal Visa: Many Dutch food companies recruit temporary foreign workers to meet production peaks. Jobs include meatpacking, vegetable sorting, and dairy product packaging. These roles may offer higher wages, sometimes up to €14 per hour, due to the physical nature of the work.

While all seasonal work visas fall under the same residence and work permit system, the industry determines the kind of contract a worker receives. For example, agricultural work may require longer hours outdoors, while greenhouse work involves indoor farming. The employer plays a key role in specifying the type of visa since they file the initial application.

An important detail is that seasonal work visas are non-renewable. Once the 24 weeks expire, the worker must leave the Netherlands. However, many workers return in subsequent seasons, as employers often rehire reliable foreign staff. Some workers even progress to skilled roles after multiple contracts, eventually qualifying for long-term visas.

How to Find Seasonal Work Visas in the Netherlands

Finding a legitimate seasonal work visa opportunity requires careful research and working only with approved employers. Since fraudulent recruitment agencies often target foreign workers, applicants should always confirm that a company is recognized by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) before signing contracts.

The first step is identifying industries with the highest demand. Agriculture and horticulture remain the top sectors, with major labor needs between March and September. Fruit farms, flower exporters, and vegetable greenhouses all rely on foreign workers during this period.

Foreign applicants can explore several options to secure job offers:

• Official Job Portals: The Dutch government operates job portals where seasonal vacancies are posted. International applicants can also find listings on EURES (European Employment Services).
  
• Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialize in recruiting seasonal workers for Dutch farms. However, applicants must ensure the agency is licensed and recognized.
  
• Direct Applications to Employers: Large agricultural companies often advertise job openings directly on their websites, especially during peak hiring seasons.
  
• Networking: Many seasonal jobs are filled by word-of-mouth recommendations from previous workers. Staying in touch with workers who have already worked in the Netherlands can open direct opportunities.

Average salaries for seasonal workers range between €400 and €600 per week, depending on hours worked and the type of job. Some employers pay bonuses for overtime or productivity, making it possible to earn over €10,000 within a six-month contract.

For workers from countries where the average monthly salary is less than €500, this presents a significant financial opportunity.

A common mistake many foreign workers make is applying without first securing a job offer. Since the visa process requires employer sponsorship, workers must prioritize finding a legitimate job contract before beginning the application. Once an employer submits a work permit request, the visa process becomes much smoother.

For those searching from abroad, it is recommended to apply early—usually two to three months before the start of the agricultural season. Since thousands of workers compete for limited slots, early applications have higher chances of approval.

General Requirements for Seasonal Work Visas in the Netherlands

To obtain a Seasonal Work Visa in the Netherlands, applicants must meet certain requirements set by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and the Dutch labor authority (UWV). These requirements are designed to protect both the worker and the labor market, ensuring that only legitimate applications are processed.

The most important condition is that an employer in the Netherlands must first apply for a work permit (TWV) on behalf of the foreign worker.

Without employer sponsorship, individual applications will not be accepted. This sponsorship system helps prevent illegal recruitment practices and ensures that workers are contracted under fair labor standards.

Other general requirements include:

• Valid Employment Contract: Applicants must present a signed seasonal job contract, typically lasting between 3–6 months. The contract must clearly state wages, working hours, and accommodation details.
  
• Proof of Accommodation: Employers are required to provide housing for foreign workers. In most cases, seasonal workers are housed in shared farm accommodations near the work site.
  
• Sufficient Wages: According to Dutch labor law, seasonal workers must earn wages that meet the statutory minimum wage. For 2025, the minimum hourly wage for workers aged 21 and above is approximately €13.27.
  
• Health Insurance: Workers must have Dutch health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. Some employers arrange this on behalf of their employees.
  
• Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from their home country to prove they have no criminal background.
  
• Passport Validity: The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the Netherlands.

Financial requirements are also worth noting. While employers often provide housing and, in some cases, meals, applicants should still budget for initial expenses such as travel costs.

A return flight to the Netherlands typically costs between €600 and €1,000, depending on the applicant’s home country. Workers must also prove they have enough funds to support themselves until their first paycheck.

In terms of eligibility, seasonal work visas are open to applicants from outside the European Union (EU), as EU citizens can freely work in the Netherlands without a visa. Non-EU nationals—such as those from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—must follow the visa application route.

Each year, thousands of applications are rejected due to missing documents, incomplete contracts, or fraudulent job offers. To avoid rejection, applicants must work only with recognized employers listed with the IND and ensure all documents are accurate and up to date.

Application Guide for Seasonal Work Visas in the Netherlands

The process of applying for a Seasonal Work Visa in the Netherlands involves several steps. While the employer initiates the process by applying for a work permit, the worker must also complete certain formalities. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

Before starting the application, the worker must receive a seasonal employment contract from a Dutch employer. Without a job offer, the visa process cannot begin. Employers in agriculture and horticulture usually recruit workers directly or through registered agencies.

Step 2: Employer Applies for Work Permit (TWV)

The Dutch employer submits a request for a work permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning – TWV) to the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). This application must show that there are no available Dutch or EU workers for the position, justifying the need for foreign labor.

Step 3: IND Residence Permit Application

Once the TWV is approved, the employer applies for a Single Permit (GVVA), which combines both the residence and work permit. This step is crucial because it gives the foreign worker legal authorization to enter and work in the Netherlands.

Step 4: Visa Application at Dutch Embassy/Consulate

The worker applies for a temporary residence visa (MVV) at the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country. Required documents usually include:

• Valid passport.
  
• Employment contract.
  
• TWV approval letter.
  
• Proof of accommodation and health insurance.
  
• Police clearance certificate.

Step 5: Travel to the Netherlands

Once the MVV is approved, the worker can travel to the Netherlands. Upon arrival, they must register with the local municipality (gemeente) and receive a Citizen Service Number (BSN), which is required for tax and salary payments.

Step 6: Start Work and Receive Residence Card

The IND issues a residence card confirming the worker’s legal status. The worker can then officially begin their seasonal employment contract.

The total application process can take anywhere between 8 and 12 weeks. For this reason, workers are advised to apply at least three months before the start of the agricultural season.

Costs vary depending on embassy fees and supporting documents, but workers should budget between €250 and €400 for the application process. Employers often cover part of these costs, especially when they are desperate for seasonal labor.

Top Netherlands Companies Offering Seasonal Work Visa

Several companies and cooperatives in the Netherlands are well-known for recruiting seasonal workers from abroad. These companies operate in agriculture, horticulture, and food production, offering legal contracts and visa sponsorship for foreign workers.

1. Royal FloraHolland: One of the world’s largest flower auction companies, FloraHolland recruits foreign workers for sorting, packaging, and transporting flowers. Seasonal contracts here can last up to six months, with hourly wages around €12.50.
   
2. Greenport Venlo: Located in the Limburg region, Greenport Venlo is a major agricultural hub that hires workers for greenhouse farming, fruit picking, and logistics. Workers often receive free transport and accommodation.
   
3. The Greenery BV: This cooperative of fruit and vegetable growers employs seasonal workers to handle greenhouse cultivation and packaging. Average pay ranges between €11 and €13 per hour.
   
4. Van Oers United: A leading producer of fresh vegetables, Van Oers United sponsors workers from outside the EU for seasonal roles in planting, harvesting, and packaging.
   
5. LTO Nederland: This agricultural organization represents Dutch farmers and regularly coordinates the hiring of foreign seasonal workers.
   
6. FruitMasters: Specializing in apples, pears, and other fruits, FruitMasters hires foreign workers during harvest seasons, usually between August and October.

According to labor market reports, the Netherlands employs over 25,000 seasonal workers in greenhouse farming alone every year. Demand peaks between March and September, while fruit harvesting continues into late autumn. Workers are usually hired in groups, making it easier for employers to manage transport and accommodation.

For foreign applicants, applying directly through these recognized companies ensures transparency and protection under Dutch labor law. Contracts issued by these firms are legally binding, guaranteeing workers fair wages and safe working conditions.

Visa Sponsorship Jobs with Netherlands Seasonal Work Visa

The Seasonal Work Visa is directly tied to visa sponsorship jobs in the Netherlands. Without employer sponsorship, foreign workers cannot apply for this visa. Fortunately, there are numerous industries and roles that fall under this category.

Common Visa Sponsorship Jobs Include:

• Fruit Pickers: Apples, pears, cherries, and berries are major exports, and farms employ thousands of workers during harvest.
  
• Greenhouse Workers: Greenhouses require year-round staff for planting, maintaining, and harvesting vegetables and flowers.
  
• Flower Industry Jobs: The Netherlands exports tulips and roses worldwide. Seasonal workers are employed to sort, package, and prepare flowers for export.
  
• Dairy Farm Assistants: Workers help with milking, feeding livestock, and maintaining barns. These jobs pay slightly higher due to the physical nature of the work.
  
• Food Processing Workers: Factories employ workers for packaging, labeling, and sorting agricultural products.

Salary expectations vary depending on the role, but most jobs pay between €1,900 and €2,800 monthly. With overtime, earnings can exceed €3,000 per month. Since employers often provide subsidized housing and transport, workers can save up to 60% of their monthly income.

The demand for seasonal workers in the Netherlands is projected to grow in 2025 and beyond, as the agricultural sector continues to expand.

Dutch exports reached €123 billion in 2024, with labor shortages being one of the key challenges for employers. This creates more opportunities for foreign workers, especially those from non-EU countries.

For applicants, the best approach is to target visa sponsorship jobs directly through recognized employers. Once hired, the employer handles the permit application, significantly reducing the risk of rejection. Workers must, however, ensure all their personal documents are accurate to avoid delays.