Is the Netherlands good for software engineers?

As a top destination for expats, the Netherlands has ample opportunities for Software Engineers.

Bryony

3 minute read

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Updated on 1 Jul 2024

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Working

Are you considering software engineering jobs in the Netherlands? The country's growing tech scene, strong economy, high quality of life make it perfect for anyone wanting to work in IT. Read on to find out the reasons why the Netherlands should sit at the top of your list of countries in which to advance your career as a software engineer!

Vast stretches of land, dotted with windmills and criss-crossed with sparkling canals, make the Netherlands a living, breathing postcard. But the country also offers plenty of job and internship opportunities at startups and international companies. Let's see what makes this country so special.

Work-life balance

When you’re looking toward the Netherlands for Software Engineering jobs, another benefit that may be advantageous is the work-life balance. The Dutch are most definitely hard-working people, but they prefer to be extremely dedicated and complete more work in less time. On average, most full-time positions equal 35-hour weeks, leaving plenty of time for home life, activities and travel.

Location

Whether you're exploring houses for rent in Amsterdam or discover rental properties in Rotterdam, you'll quickly realise Dutch cities can provide electric environments for expats!

If you want to go for a smaller city, you can find houses to rent in Maastricht, a city in the south of the Netherlands. If you're searching for homes to rent in Eindhoven you'll have an airport close by to help you explore other European cities like Berlin, Brussels and Paris.

What makes the living in the Netherlands great is also its a supreme location from which to broaden your horizons and explore the rest of Europe. Found in-between Germany and Belgium, taking off on a weekend adventure is a popular and convenient activity for people living in the Netherlands, especially if you’re keen on popping over to Berlin or Brussels.

Safety

When moving to the Netherlands, the last thing you want to worry about is your well-being. So you'll be delighted to know that the Netherlands ranks 9th in Europe when it comes to safety. The country reports low to moderate levels of crime, mostly thefts and pickpocketing.

Language

Whenever you move to a foreign country, it’s always advisable to learn the language basics before you actually arrive. However, last-minute studying can be stressful and courses can be pricey, meaning that ‒ prior to their big move ‒ many expats don’t always learn as many Dutch language tips as they intended. Therefore, it’s reassuring to know that, according to the EU’s most recent language report, 94% of the Dutch population speak a second language, with an impressive 90% speaking English.

Statistics show that the Netherlands has the 2nd highest need for software engineers in the world. So, beyond the people themselves and the numerous benefits to working in such an international and forward-thinking nation, there are several reasons why taking a position in the Netherlands can be the best move for your engineering career.

Salaries for software engineers in the Netherlands

With an average salary between €44,634 and €113,154 annually, software engineers in the Netherlands earn higher than the country's average of €44,000. Software engineering income in other nearby countries start at €31,000, making it easy to see why working as a software engineer in the Netherlands can be much more profitable.

The 30% ruling

This reimbursement ruling is a huge draw for expats to seek employment in the Netherlands. This advantage applies to highly-skilled workers who are relocating for a specific role, as long as certain criteria is met. The company can then provide a tax-free allowance that is equal to 30% of the employee’s gross pay; in other words, if you qualify for this ruling, you are only taxed for 70% of your salary. Not bad!

As you can imagine, this is a huge incentive for workers to take up residence in the Netherlands. However, it is also reason enough for new startups and aspiring corporations to base themselves in the country, especially with a steady stream of highly skilled expats as potential applicants.

International Companies

The Netherlands boasts, not only some of the best international companies on the planet, but countless tech businesses, the majority of which employ engineers from around the world. A few you should pay special attention to include:

• Airbus - To work here, you'll need to locate homes for rent in Leiden
• Google - This office is based in Amsterdam
• Oracle - Find rental homes in Utrecht and you'll be able to work at Oracle
• IBM - This office is based in Amsterdam
• Cisco - This office is based in Amsterdam
• LinkedIn - This office is based in Amsterdam
• Apple - This office is based in Amsterdam
• Intel - Their offices are based in Amsterdam and Eindhoven
• Microsoft - To work here, it's wise to explore houses for rent in Schiphol
• Verizon - This office is based in Amsterdam

Of course, HousingAnywhere, situated in hip and happening Rotterdam, is always searching for software engineers at all levels. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits and an environment teeming with growth. Be sure to regularly check out our listings for software engineer jobs.

As you explore your options as a new or seasoned software engineer, it becomes apparent that the Netherlands can provide unique opportunities that may not be readily available in other countries. With such a wonderful quality of life, the Netherlands has a pull that few can resist!