Ultimate Guide: working in the Dutch hospitality industry

This guide provides everything you need to know about working in a hotel in the Netherlands. You’ll find information about language requirements, work permits, applying for jobs, career growth, and frequently asked questions.

Working in a hotel in the Netherlands is dynamic and international. You’ll collaborate with people from various countries and cultures. Whether you're looking for a side job, a permanent position, or aiming to grow into a management role, there are plenty of opportunities. Dutch hotels are known for their positive work environment, clear structure, and opportunities to learn or get promoted.

What hotel jobs are available in the Netherlands?

The Dutch hospitality industry offers a wide range of roles, from operational positions to management. There are opportunities for both newcomers with no experience and seasoned hospitality professionals.

Here are some common roles in hotels:

In addition to these, there are also roles in HR, administration, marketing, or wellness. Job availability may vary depending on the season and location.

Check out the full job listings on our career page to see the current hotel vacancies.

Tip: No experience yet? Start in housekeeping or F&B. Many hotels offer on-the-job training, so you can quickly learn and grow.

Do I need to speak Dutch to work in a hotel?

Not always. English is sufficient in many hotels, especially in larger cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague. However, speaking Dutch can be an advantage, particularly when communicating with colleagues or Dutch guests.

Tip: mention the languages you speak on your CV – it’s a big plus in this industry.

Language requirements by role
Whether you need to speak Dutch depends on the position:

  • For reception roles, it depends on the location and type of hotel.

  • In housekeeping, Dutch is rarely required.

  • In the kitchen, Dutch is usually not necessary.

  • For F&B service roles, it varies depending on the hotel and location.

  • For sales or management positions, Dutch is almost always required.

What documents or permits do I need?

The requirements depend on your nationality, whether you’re an EU citizen or from outside the EU.

For EU citizens:
If you’re from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you don’t need a work permit. You can work in the Netherlands if you meet the following requirements:

  • A valid passport or ID card

  • A BSN (citizen service number) apply for this at your local municipality upon arrival

  • Registration with a Dutch municipality at a residential address

For non-EU citizens:
If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need:

  • A work visa (usually arranged by your employer)

  • A residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands

  • Sometimes, proof of experience or qualifications (depending on the job)

Tip for non-EU citizens: Apply to large international hotel chains or hotels in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, or Utrecht. These employers are often experienced in hiring international staff and can help with the necessary paperwork.

How do I find a hotel job in the Netherlands?

1. Define your goal

Before applying, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Do you want a part-time job alongside your studies? An internship to gain work experience? Or are you ready to start a full-time career in hospitality? Knowing your goal helps you search more effectively and explain your motivation clearly.

Ask yourself:

  • How many hours per week do you want or can you work?

  • Which city or region are you targeting?

  • What kind of hotel suits you best – large and international or small and personal?

  • Are you looking to gain experience, grow into a leadership role, or work flexibly?

2. Tailor your CV for hospitality

A well-structured CV is essential. Highlight hospitality-relevant traits like customer service, friendliness, teamwork, flexibility, and resilience. If you’ve worked in hospitality or with guests before, put that at the top. No experience? Focus on your motivation, language skills, and willingness to learn.

Language skills are highly valued in this sector. List all languages you speak and your proficiency level. Also include a professional photo – this is common in the hospitality industry.

Need help creating your CV? Check out our sample hospitality CV with helpful tips for each section.

Tip: Save your CV as a PDF and use a clear filename, like CV_YourName_Hotel.pdf. This looks professional and is easy for recruiters to find.

3. Search smart

Use a specialized platform like Hotelprofessionals.nl to find jobs that match your preferences. You can filter by region, role, or contract type and apply directly.

Tip: Create an account to apply faster and receive updates on relevant new jobs.

Apply with a personal motivation

A strong application stands out – and it starts with a personal motivation letter. Show that you're genuinely interested in working in hospitality and understand what great service means. Employers look for people with enthusiasm and care for guests.

Explain why you want to work at that specific hotel – maybe because of its location, atmosphere, values, or a department you’re excited about. Maybe you've stayed there before or love their concept. Show that you’ve done your research.

Need help with your motivation letter? Read our article Applying in hospitality with ChatGPT for smart tips and prompts. Or use our ready-made sample letter as a starting point.

Tip: Always include a short motivation note, even when applying via an online form. A personal touch strengthens your application – even for entry-level jobs.

What should I pay attention to during the application process?

  • Mention your availability (days & hours)

  • Highlight your language skills (Dutch/English)

  • Carefully review job requirements and tailor your CV and letter accordingly

  • Be honest about your experience – many hotels provide training

  • Ask about secondary benefits (meals, accommodation, travel expenses)

  • Show motivation during the interview – personality often matters more than experience

What are the career opportunities?

Hospitality is known for offering rapid growth for motivated individuals. If you take initiative, are eager to learn, and take responsibility, you can progress quickly. Many hotels offer internal training, coaching, and development programs – even without formal qualifications.

Here’s a quick overview of common entry-level roles and their potential career paths:

Career progression from entry-level roles
Typical growth opportunities within the hotel industry include:

  • From housekeeping, you can progress to supervisor or floor manager roles.

  • From the reception desk, you can grow into shift leader or front office manager positions.

  • From F&B service, you can move up to restaurant manager or F&B manager.

  • In the kitchen, you can advance from chef de partie to sous-chef, and eventually to executive chef.

  • As a management trainee, you can grow into roles such as hotel manager, general manager, or operations manager.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work in a hotel without experience?

Absolutely. Many hotel roles are entry-level and don’t require prior experience or formal education – such as housekeeping, F&B service, or kitchen help. What matters most is your attitude: are you guest-oriented, reliable, motivated, and willing to learn?

Hotels are used to training new staff on the job. You’ll often learn by doing – how to greet guests, clean rooms, or serve drinks according to the hotel’s standards. You’ll also usually work in a team, which helps you get support and feedback in your first weeks.

Tip: Mention that you’re open to training in your application, and highlight your customer focus and stress-resilience – this will improve your chances, even without experience.

What does a hotel worker earn on average?

Indicative gross monthly salary (as of July 2025, based on 40 hours/week):

Salary Indications (as of July 2025, based on a 40-hour workweek)

  • Housekeeping staff earn between €2,493 and €2,700 gross per month. This typically starts at minimum wage and increases with experience or supervisory responsibilities.

  • Receptionists earn between €2,600 and €3,000 gross per month, including evening and weekend allowances.

  • F&B service staff earn between €2,500 and €2,900 gross per month, depending on the type of establishment (hotel vs. restaurant), with tips often added on top.

  • Supervisors earn between €2,900 and €3,800 gross per month and are responsible for team management, scheduling, and handling guest complaints.

Is hotel work physically demanding?

It can be – especially when you’re just starting out or working long shifts. Many roles involve being on your feet all day, walking a lot, lifting heavy items (like linens or trays), and working at a fast pace, especially during peak times like breakfast or check-out. You’ll often work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Can I work part-time?

Definitely. The hospitality sector is well suited for part-time roles. Many positions – like F&B, housekeeping, reception, or kitchen – are offered from 8 to 12 hours per week, making it ideal for students, parents, or those with another job or studies. You can usually indicate your availability, and hotels often try to accommodate that in their planning.

Conclusion

The Dutch hotel industry is welcoming, international, and full of growth potential. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a new challenge, with the right preparation, you’ll soon find a hotel job that fits you.