Start your job search in English and Dutch. Study the language that appears in the work you want to do. B1 and B2 are Dutch language levels for work or study in the Netherlands.
Dutch-language problems can make job seeking harder
In a 2021 survey from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), 10–15% of people who moved to the Netherlands from another country said Dutch-language problems made it harder to find work. Add Dutch to your job search alongside English.
Check the language section in every job advert. An employer may state the working language, a Dutch level or a language test. Save this information with the advert. It helps you choose what to study before you apply.
Language is one part of an application. Employers also consider the skills, experience and professional qualifications that a role needs.
Jobs are available, but each job has its own requirements
In the second quarter of 2026, CBS’s preliminary figures showed 95 vacancies for every 100 unemployed people. In the first quarter of 2026, the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) described 87 of 93 occupational groups as tight or very tight.
These figures describe the labour market as a whole. They do not promise a job. The employer decides which language level, qualification and experience a specific role needs.
Dutch statutory minimum wage in an EU comparison
In January 2025, the Dutch statutory hourly minimum wage equated to €2,193 a month in CBS’s 36-hour-week comparison. It ranked third among the 22 EU countries with a national minimum wage.
This is a legal minimum, not the salary for every job. Before you accept an offer, compare the gross salary, expected net income, hours, contract type and local living costs.
B1 and B2 are Dutch language targets for work or study
The Staatsexamen Nederlands als tweede taal (NT2) is the national Dutch-as-a-second-language exam for adults. Programme I is B1. Programme II is B2. Both programmes test reading, listening, speaking and writing.
Choose the programme that matches the work or study level you plan to enter.
| Exam programme | Dutch level | Work or study context |
| Programme I | B1 | Secondary vocational education (MBO levels 3–4) or work at that level |
| Programme II | B2 | Higher vocational education (HBO), university or work at that level |
An NT2 diploma can show an employer or school that you meet a Dutch level. Employers and schools set their own entry requirements.
Job adverts help you choose B1 or B2
Save five adverts for jobs you want. For each advert, write down:
- the language level it asks for;
- the tasks that need Dutch;
- the professional qualification it asks for; and
- the salary, hours and contract.
These notes help you decide whether B1 or B2 fits your goal. They also give you useful vocabulary for an interview.
NT2 practice covers the four exam skills
If you choose Staatsexamen NT2, practise reading, listening, speaking and writing. Start with the skill that appears most often in your target job. For example, practise writing if you need to send Dutch emails. Practise speaking if you need to take part in meetings or speak with customers.
Inburgering.org’s Programma I courses and Programma II courses provide online practice for the four NT2 skills. Choose the programme that your employer, school or future plan requires.
