Seasonal Farm Work in the Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship – Earn €3,200+ Monthly

By user July 14, 2025 Jobs 0 Comments

Looking for a way to work in Europe legally and earn well? Seasonal farm jobs in the Netherlands offer one of the most accessible options, especially if you want short-term work with a clear income. These roles are open to non-EU nationals, and many farms provide visa sponsorship and basic accommodation. On average, workers earn between €2,000 and €3,200 per month, depending on hours, overtime, and type of crop or season.

This guide explains what the work involves, how to apply, and what documents you’ll need. If you’re serious about traveling for work and starting quickly, the Netherlands could be your next move.

What Seasonal Farm Work in the Netherlands Actually Means

In the Netherlands, seasonal farm jobs usually include picking fruits, vegetables, flowers, or doing simple greenhouse tasks. It’s physically demanding work, but you don’t need advanced education or high-level experience. The busiest times are from March to October, depending on what’s being harvested.

Farms need extra workers for crops like strawberries, asparagus, apples, and tulips. Some workers are hired for 4–6 weeks, others for up to 6 months. Most farms provide basic shared accommodation, and some offer meals or transportation.

Jobs are available to people from outside the EU if they’re sponsored by a Dutch employer, and that’s where the visa comes in.

Visa Sponsorship – How It Works and What to Expect

To legally work on a farm in the Netherlands as a non-EU citizen, you need a temporary seasonal work visa. Employers who want to hire you must be recognized sponsors by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). You can find the list of registered employers here: Recognized Sponsors – IND

Here’s how the process goes:

Find a job through a registered employer or recruitment agency.
The employer applies for your work and residence permit (combined as a Single Permit).
Once approved, you get your visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands.
After arrival, you receive a residence card and can legally work for that employer.

Processing takes around 3–6 weeks, and contracts must include hours, wages, housing, and duration. Most sponsors help with the paperwork if you’re selected.

What You Can Earn – Monthly Salary, Bonuses, and Deductions

Farm work in the Netherlands is usually paid per hour. In 2025, the minimum hourly wage is around €13.27, and some jobs pay more depending on skill and demand. Here’s how your earnings might look:

€13.27/hour x 40 hours/week = €2,123/month
With overtime and bonus days: €2,800 to €3,200/month
If paid per kilo/piece (for picking): earnings depend on your speed and quality

Deductions can include:

Accommodation (approx. €300–€400/month)
Health insurance (mandatory – around €120/month)
Food (some farms provide it, some don’t)

Most farms deduct rent and insurance directly from your paycheck, so you’ll know what’s left.

Who Can Apply and What Documents You Need

To apply for seasonal farm work in the Netherlands, you must:

Be 18 years or older
Have basic physical fitness
Be ready to live in rural areas
Agree to work outdoors in any weather

You don’t need to speak Dutch, but basic English helps. Employers value reliability and a willingness to follow safety rules.

Here are the usual documents:

Valid passport
Signed job contract or offer letter
Passport-size photos
Proof of health insurance
Accommodation agreement (if not arranged by the employer)
Visa application form (done by the employer)

Some agencies may ask for a medical certificate. Once the employer submits your documents to IND, you wait for approval and your entry visa.

How to Find Seasonal Farm Jobs with Sponsorship

Here are trusted platforms and agencies where you can find sponsored jobs:

When searching, use keywords like “visa sponsorship,” “non-EU workers,” and “seasonal contract.” Some job listings are in Dutch, so use Google Translate or apply through agencies with English support.

You can also directly contact large Dutch farms or greenhouse companies that are listed as recognized sponsors.

Best Time to Apply and Start Dates

Most farms begin hiring in February and March, especially for flower harvesting (like tulips) and asparagus. Summer (May to August) is peak for strawberries, tomatoes, and fruit picking.

Apply at least 2–3 months before the season starts, so the visa can be processed in time. Some employers hire all year round, especially for greenhouse work, which is less seasonal.

If you want to work for 3 to 6 months, apply during March–June. For shorter roles (under 2 months), apply in April or July.

What It’s Like to Work and Live on a Dutch Farm

Life on the farm is simple and structured. You usually work:

6 days a week, 7–9 hours per day
Early morning start (6 or 7 AM)
Breaks in between, depending on the weather and crop

Accommodation is often on-site or nearby. Expect shared rooms, basic kitchens, and shared bathrooms. Some farms offer bicycles or minivans for transport to the field.

Don’t expect luxury, but many workers say the experience is peaceful, and the earnings are worth it. You also meet people from other countries, mostly Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting Hired

Apply early – most farms fill spots 1–2 months before the season.
Use an agency that works with international candidates.
Make sure your passport is valid for the entire contract period.
Have a clean background and good references if available.
Be ready for video interviews or calls from HR teams.

If you’ve worked in agriculture or physical labor before, mention it. Even small experience can help, like gardening, fruit handling, or warehouse work.

Final Notes – Is It Worth It?

If your goal is to earn well, live simply, and get legal seasonal work in Europe, the Netherlands is a strong option. You don’t need to be a graduate or speak perfect English. You just need to be hardworking and apply early.

With monthly pay going up to €3,200, even after rent and insurance, many workers save €5,000–€10,000 in one season. That’s enough to invest, study further, or support your family.

Make sure you’re applying through official channels and recognized employers. If in doubt, always check with the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) or your country’s Dutch embassy before paying fees.

By planning well, you can turn a seasonal job into a real opportunity—and open the door to future options in Europe.