The Netherlands has a consistent demand for household and domestic workers due to its aging population, dual-income families, and busy urban lifestyles. This creates stable job opportunities for workers in the sector.
Domestic workers in the Netherlands are entitled to basic labor rights, including minimum wage, holiday pay, and sick leave. These protections ensure a more secure and respectful working environment compared to many other countries.
Many domestic work roles offer part-time or flexible hours, which can be ideal for individuals balancing other responsibilities or studies.
The Dutch society is generally open and respectful toward foreign workers. Many households are accustomed to hiring international domestic help, creating a more inclusive atmosphere.
Working legally in the Netherlands in domestic roles may help in building a long-term stay or residency, depending on individual circumstances and evolving immigration policies.
Household and domestic work can offer opportunities to develop language skills, caregiving expertise, and time management—skills that are transferable to other sectors.
The Netherlands is a multicultural country where international workers are welcomed across many sectors, including domestic work. This diversity allows household workers to interact with different cultures and build strong cross-cultural communication skills.
Household and domestic work in the Netherlands can go beyond traditional tasks. Many families look for workers who can also assist with child enrichment activities, basic tutoring, cooking international meals, or even organizing creative household routines.
Living and working in a Dutch household provides a practical environment for learning Dutch or improving English. This immersion helps international workers develop valuable language skills that can open future opportunities.
Many domestic jobs in the Netherlands are tailored to the household’s needs, allowing for a more personal and flexible job experience. Workers can sometimes negotiate responsibilities that match their strengths—such as childcare, elder care, or pet care.
Dutch employers are known for valuing work-life balance, even in domestic settings. This means reasonable working hours, proper rest, and sometimes weekends off—providing time for personal growth or part-time studies.
Domestic work can be a gateway to other career paths in the Netherlands, such as caregiving, hospitality, or education. Gaining local experience can help international workers build a professional network and gain references for future roles.
The Dutch legal system offers protections for workers, including household employees. With contracts, clear pay standards, and social contributions, international workers can feel secure in their employment.
These workers reside in the employer’s home and provide round-the-clock support with cleaning, laundry, cooking, and occasional childcare. This type of job often includes free accommodation and meals.
Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order of private residences. Tasks include vacuuming, dusting, laundry, ironing, and general tidying. Jobs may be part-time or full-time.
Focuses on the care and supervision of children. Duties may include preparing meals, helping with homework, school pickups, and organizing educational or recreational activities.
Supports elderly individuals with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, medication reminders, and companionship. Often requires some basic training or experience in caregiving.
Young international workers (typically 18–30) who live with a host family and assist with light household tasks and childcare in exchange for accommodation, meals, and a small allowance. This role also offers cultural exchange and language-learning opportunities.
Prepares meals for families based on dietary preferences and cultural cuisine. Some households seek cooks skilled in international or specialized diets, such as vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free cooking.
Assists with scheduling, managing household staff, organizing events, running errands, and managing appointments. Ideal for experienced candidates with good organizational and communication skills.
Takes care of pets in private homes, including feeding, walking, grooming, and occasional pet sitting. Some households seek pet caretakers with experience in handling specific breeds or medical needs.
Job Title |
EUR (€) |
USD ($) |
INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Helper |
€1,400 |
$1,540 |
₹140,000 |
|
Housekeeper / Cleaner (Full-time) |
€1,800 |
$1,980 |
₹180,000 |
|
Part-Time Cleaner |
€900 |
$990 |
₹90,000 |
|
Nanny (Full-time) |
€2,000 |
$2,200 |
₹200,000 |
|
Au Pair |
€400–€500 |
$440–$550 |
₹40,000–₹50,000 |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
€2,200 |
$2,420 |
₹220,000 |
|
Cook / Private Chef |
€2,000 |
$2,200 |
₹200,000 |
|
Personal Assistant (Household) |
€2,500 |
$2,750 |
₹250,000 |
|
Pet Caretaker / Pet Nanny |
€1,300 |
$1,430 |
₹130,000 |
|
House Manager |
€2,800 |
$3,080 |
₹280,000 |
|
Gardener (Residential) |
€1,600 |
$1,760 |
₹160,000 |
|
Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
€1,500 |
$1,650 |
₹150,000 |
|
Driver (Private Household) |
€2,000 |
$2,200 |
₹200,000 |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
€1,600 |
$1,760 |
₹160,000 |
|
Childcare Assistant (part-time) |
€1,000 |
$1,100 |
₹100,000 |
|
Butler / House Steward |
€2,800 |
$3,080 |
₹280,000 |
|
Companion for Elderly (Non-medical) |
€1,700 |
$1,870 |
₹170,000 |
|
Babysitter (Hourly, 20 hrs/week) |
€800 |
$880 |
₹80,000 |
|
General Maintenance Helper |
€1,500 |
$1,650 |
₹150,000 |
|
Household Coordinator |
€2,400 |
$2,640 |
₹240,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Permit / Residence Permit |
Required for non-EU/EEA nationals. Must be sponsored by an employer or through an official au pair or caregiving program. |
|
Nationality |
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit. Non-EU applicants require a valid work visa or permit. |
|
Legal Age |
Must be at least 18 years old (21+ preferred for live-in or childcare roles). |
|
Language Skills |
Basic English or Dutch is often required. Higher proficiency may be needed for roles like nanny or personal assistant. |
|
Educational Background |
No formal education required for basic roles, but a high school diploma or caregiving certification is preferred for certain jobs. |
|
Experience |
Prior experience in domestic work, caregiving, or hospitality is highly valued. |
|
Health and Background Checks |
Medical clearance and police clearance (criminal background check) are often mandatory. |
|
Valid Passport |
Must have a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity. |
|
Contract or Offer Letter |
A signed employment contract or job offer is usually required to apply for a work visa. |
|
Au Pair Eligibility (if applicable) |
Must be between 18–30 years, unmarried, childless, and meet cultural exchange program conditions. |
|
Housing Arrangement (Live-in Roles) |
Employer must provide suitable housing for live-in workers as part of the contract. |
|
Compliance with Dutch Labor Laws |
Employment must follow Dutch wage, tax, and working hour regulations. Informal or undocumented work is not legally protected. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Live-In Domestic Helper |
Full-time housekeeping, cooking, laundry, and assistance with daily household routines. |
|
2. Housekeeper / Cleaner |
Cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, laundry, and maintaining overall cleanliness of the home. |
|
3. Nanny |
Childcare, school pick-ups/drop-offs, meal preparation, playtime, and light housekeeping. |
|
4. Au Pair |
Childcare support, light household tasks, cultural exchange, and language learning. |
|
5. Elderly Caregiver |
Assisting with personal care, medication reminders, mobility support, meal prep, and companionship. |
|
6. Cook / Private Chef |
Preparing meals based on dietary needs, planning menus, grocery shopping, and kitchen hygiene. |
|
7. Personal Assistant (Household) |
Managing schedules, household staff coordination, errand running, and organizing household tasks. |
|
8. Pet Caretaker / Pet Nanny |
Feeding, grooming, walking pets, administering medication, and pet-sitting during travel. |
|
9. House Manager |
Supervising household staff, managing budgets, vendor coordination, and overall home operations. |
|
10. Gardener |
Lawn care, planting, pruning, watering, and maintaining outdoor landscaping. |
|
11. Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
Washing, drying, folding, ironing clothes, and caring for delicate fabrics. |
|
12. Private Driver |
Driving family members, maintaining the vehicle, scheduling service appointments, and running errands. |
|
13. Live-Out Domestic Worker |
Similar tasks to live-in helper, but on a scheduled daily basis without residing in the household. |
|
14. Childcare Assistant |
Supporting main caregiver or nanny with child supervision, playtime, and feeding. |
|
15. Butler / House Steward |
Formal household service, guest hospitality, event coordination, and maintaining household inventory. |
|
16. Companion for Elderly |
Providing non-medical emotional support, conversation, reading, walks, and light help with tasks. |
|
17. Babysitter |
Temporary childcare, often during evenings or weekends; supervising, feeding, and playing with children. |
|
18. Maintenance Helper |
Assisting with minor household repairs, basic plumbing, electrical tasks, and handyman services. |
|
19. Household Coordinator |
Overseeing schedules, coordinating with vendors, organizing events, and maintaining household records. |
|
20. Housekeeping Supervisor |
Managing cleaning staff, setting routines, quality control, and ensuring compliance with hygiene standards. |
Job Profile |
Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
|
1. Live-In Domestic Helper |
Valid work/residence permit, basic English or Dutch, experience in cleaning and caregiving, good physical health. |
|
2. Housekeeper / Cleaner |
Legal work status, prior cleaning experience preferred, basic communication skills, ability to manage tasks independently. |
|
3. Nanny |
Childcare experience, clean background check, work visa, basic language skills, sometimes first aid certification. |
|
4. Au Pair |
Age 18–30, unmarried, no children, valid au pair visa, basic English or Dutch, cultural exchange agreement. |
|
5. Elderly Caregiver |
Relevant experience, caregiver training or certificate (preferred), police clearance, legal work status. |
|
6. Cook / Private Chef |
Cooking experience, knowledge of special diets, basic hygiene certification (optional), legal residency/work permit. |
|
7. Personal Assistant (Household) |
Work permit, fluent English or Dutch, strong organizational skills, experience managing household schedules. |
|
8. Pet Caretaker / Pet Nanny |
Experience with animals, pet care knowledge, physical fitness, basic communication skills, legal work authorization. |
|
9. House Manager |
Several years of household management experience, references, fluent English/Dutch, valid work/residence permit. |
|
10. Gardener |
Gardening experience, physical stamina, knowledge of plant care, valid work visa, basic Dutch or English. |
|
11. Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
Experience in garment care, attention to detail, legal residency, ability to follow instructions. |
|
12. Private Driver |
Valid EU or Dutch driver’s license, clean driving record, legal work permit, basic Dutch/English. |
|
13. Live-Out Domestic Worker |
Similar to live-in, but must arrange own housing; legal work status, prior experience preferred. |
|
14. Childcare Assistant |
Some childcare experience, police clearance, legal residency, basic communication and soft skills. |
|
15. Butler / House Steward |
Professional training or prior experience, formal etiquette, work visa, fluent English/Dutch, clean background. |
|
16. Companion for Elderly |
Good interpersonal skills, legal work status, patience, and some elder care or support experience. |
|
17. Babysitter |
Minimum age 18, some childcare experience, background check, legal work permission, flexible hours. |
|
18. Maintenance Helper |
Basic handyman skills, physical fitness, experience in plumbing/electrical work (optional), valid work permit. |
|
19. Household Coordinator |
Administrative and leadership skills, work experience, language fluency, legal residency or sponsorship. |
|
20. Housekeeping Supervisor |
Leadership experience, ability to manage staff and schedules, legal work status, language fluency (Dutch/English). |
Job Profile |
Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Helper |
1–2 years preferred in general housekeeping, cooking, and caregiving; references often required. |
|
Housekeeper / Cleaner |
6 months to 1 year preferred; professional or private home cleaning experience ideal. |
|
Nanny |
2+ years in childcare; experience with different age groups is a strong advantage. |
|
Au Pair |
No professional experience required, but prior informal childcare (e.g., babysitting) is preferred. |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
1–3 years in caregiving; certificates in elderly care or nursing aid are highly valued. |
|
Cook / Private Chef |
2+ years in household or professional cooking; knowledge of dietary restrictions often required. |
|
Personal Assistant (Household) |
2–3 years in household management or PA roles; scheduling and multitasking skills essential. |
|
Pet Caretaker / Pet Nanny |
6 months–1 year working with pets; experience in pet sitting, grooming, or veterinary assistance is a plus. |
|
House Manager |
3–5 years managing private households; leadership and organizational experience required. |
|
Gardener |
1–2 years in landscaping or residential gardening; knowledge of plant care and tools necessary. |
|
Laundry / Ironing Specialist |
6 months–1 year in laundry handling; experience with delicate or high-end clothing is preferred. |
|
Private Driver |
2+ years of professional driving; valid license and clean driving record mandatory. |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
1–2 years in similar roles; flexibility and reliability are key. |
|
Childcare Assistant |
1 year of experience in childcare, daycare, or home support roles is beneficial. |
|
Butler / House Steward |
3–5 years in formal household service; hospitality or etiquette training often required. |
|
Companion for Elderly |
1–2 years of caregiving or volunteer experience with the elderly preferred; empathy and patience essential. |
|
Babysitter |
Informal or part-time experience acceptable; 6 months+ preferred for regular positions. |
|
Maintenance Helper |
1–3 years in handyman or maintenance roles; plumbing, electrical, or carpentry skills useful. |
|
Household Coordinator |
2–3 years in household or administrative roles; experience managing people and logistics is valuable. |
|
Housekeeping Supervisor |
3+ years in cleaning or supervisory roles; team leadership and quality control experience required. |
Name |
Type |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Care.com Netherlands |
Online Platform |
Connects families with domestic workers including nannies, caregivers, cleaners, and au pairs. |
|
Nannies at Work |
Domestic Staffing Agency |
Specialized in placing nannies, babysitters, and maternity nurses with Dutch and expat families. |
|
Holiday Sitters |
Babysitting Agency |
Hires international babysitters and nannies for multilingual families across major Dutch cities. |
|
HomeWorks |
Domestic Staffing Agency |
Places cleaners, nannies, and elderly caregivers; known for reliable contracts and training. |
|
24/7 Dienstverlening |
Cleaning & Care Agency |
Recruits cleaners and domestic helpers for Dutch households; often hires EU candidates. |
|
Au Pair International Netherlands |
Au Pair Program Provider |
Facilitates legal au pair placements with visa support and host family matching. |
|
Blue House Agency |
Premium Staffing Agency |
Specializes in high-end households needing housekeepers, butlers, and chefs. |
|
Nanny Nina |
Childcare Agency |
Offers part-time, full-time, and live-in nanny jobs, including for international applicants. |
|
WorkBee |
Recruitment Platform |
Posts job openings in domestic work, cleaning, and caregiving—open to EU and some non-EU workers. |
|
HSK Domestic Services |
Housekeeping Agency |
Focuses on cleaning and housekeeping roles; may consider international workers with permits. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (EUR) |
Job Requirements |
Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies / Agencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Live-In Domestic Helper |
€1,400 – €1,800 |
Work/residence permit, experience in cleaning/cooking, basic English/Dutch |
Cleaning, cooking, laundry, assisting with daily routines, general household upkeep |
HomeWorks, 24/7 Dienstverlening |
|
Housekeeper / Cleaner |
€1,500 – €1,800 |
Basic cleaning experience, reliability, legal residency or work permit |
House cleaning, laundry, ironing, organizing, waste disposal |
Care.com, HSK Domestic Services |
|
Nanny |
€1,800 – €2,200 |
Childcare experience, background check, first aid (optional), basic English/Dutch |
Child supervision, playtime, school pickups, meal prep, homework help |
Nanny Nina, Nannies at Work |
|
Au Pair |
€400 – €500 + housing |
Age 18–30, unmarried, no children, au pair visa, cultural exchange agreement |
Childcare support, light chores, cultural exchange, language learning |
Au Pair International Netherlands, Cultural Care Au Pair |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
€2,000 – €2,400 |
Experience, caregiver training/certification (preferred), police clearance |
Personal care, meal prep, medication reminders, mobility assistance |
HomeWorks, Care.com |
|
Cook / Private Chef |
€2,000 – €2,500 |
Cooking experience, menu planning, hygiene training (preferred), work permit |
Preparing meals, grocery shopping, diet-specific cooking, kitchen cleanliness |
Blue House Agency, Private Employers |
|
Personal Assistant |
€2,400 – €2,800 |
Admin or PA experience, excellent organization, fluent English/Dutch |
Scheduling, booking appointments, managing household errands |
Blue House Agency, Private Families |
|
Pet Caretaker / Nanny |
€1,300 – €1,600 |
Experience with pets, physical fitness, basic communication |
Feeding, walking, grooming pets, administering basic medication |
Care.com, Pet Services Platforms |
|
House Manager |
€2,800 – €3,200 |
3–5 yrs in household management, leadership skills, fluent in English or Dutch |
Supervising staff, managing household budget, event planning |
Blue House Agency, Private Employers |
|
Gardener |
€1,400 – €1,800 |
Experience in gardening or landscaping, physical fitness |
Lawn care, pruning, weeding, seasonal planting, tool maintenance |
WorkBee, Local Gardening Services |
|
Laundry/Ironing Staff |
€1,300 – €1,500 |
Fabric care knowledge, attention to detail |
Washing, drying, ironing clothes, handling delicate fabrics |
HomeWorks, Private Households |
|
Private Driver |
€2,000 – €2,400 |
Valid driver’s license, clean record, basic Dutch/English |
Driving employer/family, vehicle maintenance, airport runs, errands |
Private Employers, Blue House Agency |
|
Live-Out Domestic Worker |
€1,600 – €2,000 |
Similar to live-in, but must provide own housing, prior experience preferred |
Cleaning, organizing, meal prep, errands |
HSK Domestic Services, 24/7 Dienstverlening |
|
Childcare Assistant |
€1,000 – €1,400 |
Some childcare experience, soft skills, basic language fluency |
Supporting nanny or parents, feeding, playing, light supervision |
Nanny Nina, Care.com |
|
Butler / Steward |
€2,800 – €3,500 |
Formal hospitality experience, etiquette training, fluent English |
Formal serving, guest reception, managing fine details of household |
Blue House Agency |
|
Elderly Companion |
€1,700 – €2,000 |
Empathy, basic care experience, clean background check |
Emotional support, conversation, walking, reading, light house help |
Care.com, HomeWorks |
|
Babysitter |
€800 – €1,200 (part-time) |
Informal childcare experience, flexible availability |
Temporary child supervision, playing, light snacks/meals |
Holiday Sitters, Nanny Nina |
|
Maintenance Helper |
€1,400 – €1,800 |
Basic handyman experience, physical ability, tools (optional) |
Minor repairs, light plumbing, painting, home maintenance |
WorkBee, Freelance Platforms |
|
Household Coordinator |
€2,400 – €2,800 |
Admin/management experience, language fluency, leadership |
Coordinating staff, schedules, supplies, budgets, and family logistics |
Private Households, Blue House Agency |
|
Housekeeping Supervisor |
€2,200 – €2,800 |
2–3 years in cleaning + supervisory roles |
Overseeing housekeeping team, quality control, scheduling, training |
HSK Domestic Services, Hospitality Staffing Agencies |
Visa Type |
Who It's For |
Eligibility Requirements |
Applicable Job Roles |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Au Pair Visa |
Young individuals (18–30) interested in cultural exchange while assisting with childcare |
Must be unmarried, childless, have basic Dutch/English, and placed via a recognized au pair agency |
Au Pair, Childcare Assistant |
Max stay 1 year, limited working hours (max 30 hrs/week), pocket money instead of salary |
|
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (not common) |
Skilled professionals in high-level roles |
Requires employer sponsorship and high minimum salary threshold |
Rarely applicable in domestic work |
Not typically suitable for domestic workers unless in elite households with managerial duties |
|
Regular Work Visa (GVVA) |
Non-EU workers hired by a Dutch employer for full-time employment |
Employer must be registered with IND and obtain a Single Permit (residence + work) |
Housekeeper, Caregiver, Cleaner, Cook |
Difficult for domestic jobs unless through legal agencies willing to sponsor |
|
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) |
Employees transferred within international companies |
Must be working for a multinational company abroad with a branch in NL |
Not applicable to household workers |
Not suitable for domestic work; for corporate job transfers only |
|
Family Reunification Visa |
Family members of legal residents in the Netherlands |
Must prove relationship and sufficient income/support by sponsor |
Any domestic work after arrival (part-time/full-time based on residency rights) |
Can work legally depending on sponsor’s status |
|
Student Visa with Part-Time Work |
International students studying in Dutch institutions |
Can work up to 16 hrs/week or full-time during holidays with work permit from employer |
Babysitting, Cleaning, Part-Time Housekeeping |
Must be enrolled in a Dutch institution and have residence permit for study |
|
EU/EEA Nationals (No Visa Needed) |
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland |
Freely allowed to live and work in the Netherlands |
All domestic roles |
Must register with municipality and get BSN (citizen service number) |
|
Refugees / Asylum Status |
Approved refugees or asylum seekers with work rights |
Must hold a valid Dutch residence permit with work authorization |
Entry-level cleaning, elderly care, domestic helper |
Subject to labor market access conditions (no restriction if fully approved) |
|
Self-Employment Visa (Rare) |
Freelancers offering domestic services like cleaning or care |
Must prove viable business, income, clients, and meet IND entrepreneurial requirements |
Cleaner, Elderly Care, Pet Care (Freelance) |
Difficult to qualify; rarely used for domestic work unless highly specialized |
