Working in the Netherlands without experience: jobs, salary and housing in 2026

Are you looking for work in the Netherlands without experience? At ABflexkracht, you can start in beginner-friendly jobs in agriculture, horticulture, production and logistics; even if this is your first job abroad.

We help international workers find reliable work in the Netherlands, often with housing, guidance, health insurance support and clear information about salary and working conditions. On this page, you will learn which jobs are suitable for beginners, what Dutch employers expect, how much you can earn in 2026 and how ABflexkracht helps you get started safely and well prepared.

Yes, you can work in the Netherlands without previous experience. Many entry-level jobs in agriculture, horticulture, production and logistics allow you to learn on the job.

For these roles, motivation, reliability and a practical attitude are often more important than a diploma or years of work experience. You do need to be willing to work carefully, follow instructions and show up on time.

ABflexkracht specialises in jobs in agriculture and horticulture. Many of these jobs are suitable for people who are new to working in the Netherlands and want to build experience step by step.

Examples of beginner-friendly work include:

• sorting flowers;
• caring for plants;
• packaging cuttings;
• preparing bulbs, flowers or plants for shipment;
• assisting with harvesting work;
• checking and packing products;
• supporting production or warehouse teams.

It is important to be realistic. Technical jobs, forklift driving, machine operation and specialised agricultural roles usually require previous experience, certificates or specific training.

That is why we always encourage you to be honest when you register. Tell us what you can already do, what you have done before and what you would like to learn. This helps us match you with work that fits your experience level, so you can start with confidence.

Starting without the perfect experience does not mean you have to stay in the same role forever.

Adam came to the Netherlands from Poland and was given the opportunity to develop himself through ABflexkracht. He followed training, obtained his crop protection licence and eventually became a Crop Specialist at a young plant nursery.

His story shows what is possible when you are motivated, reliable and willing to learn.

“I really appreciate that I was given the opportunity to develop myself,” Adam says.

→ Read Adam’s full story

There are several types of jobs in the Netherlands that are suitable for people without previous experience:

• Horticulture and floriculture jobs: Common tasks include sorting flowers, caring for plants, packaging flower bulbs, preparing cuttings and helping with greenhouse work. You do not always need experience, but you do need to work carefully. In horticulture, small mistakes can sometimes damage plants or affect product quality.
• Production jobs often involve sorting, checking, packing or preparing products. The work can be repetitive, so focus and consistency are important. You usually receive clear instructions before you start. If you work accurately and keep a steady pace, production work can be a good first step into the Dutch labour market.
• Some logistics jobs are also suitable for beginners. You may help with order picking, scanning packages, preparing shipments or supporting inventory work. Please note that forklift positions usually require a valid forklift certificate. If a certificate is required, this will be clearly mentioned in the vacancy.
• Agricultural companies often need practical support during busy periods. You may help prepare materials, clean work areas, support production teams, assist with planting or harvesting, or help process agricultural products.

You can find all currently available vacancies on this page!

Even if you have no previous experience, Dutch employers still need to know they can rely on you. In practice, employers look for people who:

• arrive on time;
• stick to the agreed working hours;
• follow instructions carefully;
• ask questions when something is unclear;
• work accurately and responsibly;
• treat colleagues, tools and materials with respect;
• are available for the agreed number of hours;
• are open to shift work or weekend work when this is part of the job.

You do not have to know everything on your first day. But you do need the right attitude. Employers appreciate workers who listen, learn quickly and take their work seriously. For these jobs, you will also need a valid EU passport or identity card. A driving licence can be an advantage for some positions, but many jobs are located within cycling or walking distance of the accommodation arranged by ABflexkracht.

For many entry-level jobs in the Netherlands, speaking Dutch is not required; you can read more in our article Working in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch: is it possible in 2026? In agriculture, horticulture, production and logistics, international teams are very common. In many workplaces, basic English is enough to understand instructions and communicate with colleagues. Some companies also offer support in Polish, Romanian or other languages. We clearly explain which language is spoken at work before you start.

That said, learning a few words of English or Dutch can make your life easier. It helps you understand instructions faster, feel more confident and communicate better with colleagues. If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period, learning Dutch can also help you grow into a more skilled role. It is useful when dealing with local authorities, your doctor, your bank or other practical matters.

Your salary depends on your role, age, sector, working hours and any allowances that apply. For workers aged 21 and older, the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands is €14.99 gross per hour. For younger workers, lower statutory youth minimum wages apply.

Based on a 40-hour working week, €14.99 gross per hour equals approximately €599.60 gross per week. Your net pay will be lower, because taxes, social security contributions, health insurance and possibly housing costs are deducted from your gross salary. Depending on your job and the collective labour agreement that applies to the client company, you may also receive extra allowances for:

• evening work;
• night shifts;
• weekend work;
• overtime;
• irregular hours;
• peak-season work.

From 1 January 2026, the Collective Labour Agreement for Temporary Workers gives temporary agency workers the right to employment conditions that are equivalent to those of permanent employees in comparable positions. This may cover elements such as:

• salary;
• allowances;
• paid holiday days;
• holiday allowance;
• pension accrual through StiPP;
• training and development opportunities.

Equivalent does not always mean that every individual condition is exactly the same. It means the total employment package must be comparable in value.

We always discuss with you before you start what you can expect to earn on average, how many hours are available and which allowances apply to your role. This way, you know in advance what you will approximately take home. For the most up-to-date minimum wage figures, you can always consult the official website of the Dutch Government.

Yes. If you do not have your own accommodation in the Netherlands, ABflexkracht can arrange housing for you. This is one of the most important questions for people who come to the Netherlands for work. You want to know where you will stay, what it costs and how you will travel to work.

ABflexkracht works with certified accommodation that meets Dutch standards for temporary worker housing. Accommodation is usually furnished and shared with other workers. Facilities may include a kitchen, bathroom, Wi-Fi and laundry options.

Before you travel to the Netherlands, we give you clear information about:

• where your accommodation is located;
• how you will travel to work;
• whether you will share a room;
• how many people you may share with;
• the weekly housing costs;
• which facilities are available.

Housing costs are usually deducted directly from your salary, so you do not have to arrange separate payments yourself.

In the Netherlands, there are rules for housing costs for temporary agency workers. In several agricultural collective labour agreements, such as Greenhouse Horticulture and Open Field Cultivation, stricter limits may apply. We explain the housing costs before you start, so you know what will be deducted.

Would you like to learn more about living and working in the Netherlands? Read our article about working and living in the Netherlands in 2026 for tips and experiences.

When you start working through ABflexkracht, you are not on your own. We help you with the practical things that need to be arranged before and after you start your job in the Netherlands. This may include:

• finding a suitable vacancy, matched to what you can do and want.
• arranging housing if you do not yet have accommodation of your own.
• Travel to your work, or advice on cycling and public transport.
• registration in the Netherlands: applying for your BSN, arranging health insurance and explaining your contract.
• a dedicated point of contact: a recruiter or coordinator who can support you in your own language or in English, for questions about your schedule, payslip, accommodation or work. You always know who to contact.

Real-life example: support in your own language

Ewa works at a plant nursery and knows how important it is to have a reliable point of contact. She has been working with orchids in the Netherlands for several years and is building a future here. She recently bought a house together with her husband. When she talks about the support she receives through ABflexkracht, she is clear: “I enjoy working here. I know that if something comes up, I can always contact my personnel coordinator, Zbigniew. It gives me peace of mind knowing that I can simply speak Polish with him.”

→ Read how Ewa is building her future in the Netherlands

Would you like to know which vacancies are currently suitable for people without experience? Register with ABflexkracht today. We will give you an honest overview of the work, salary, housing options and support available to you, so you can start your new adventure in the Netherlands well prepared.