Top Companies in the Netherlands Hiring English Speakers (2026 Guide)

One of the biggest questions expats have when moving to the Netherlands is simple:

Which companies actually hire people who don’t speak Dutch?

You’ll hear that “everyone speaks English” and that’s true. But when it comes to jobs, not every company operates in English.

Some do. And those are the ones you need to focus on.

This guide gives you a clear overview of top companies in the Netherlands hiring English speakers in 2026, based on real hiring patterns, international teams, and expat-friendly environments.

Why Some Companies Don’t Require Dutch

The Netherlands has a highly international economy. Many companies operate globally, which means English is the main working language.

This is especially true in:

• Tech companies

• Multinationals

• Startups and scale-ups

• Research institutions

• 
  

According to the EF English Proficiency Index, the Netherlands consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for English proficiency, making it one of the easiest places in Europe to work without the local language.

1. Booking.com (Amsterdam)

Booking.com is one of the largest employers of international talent in the Netherlands.

Why it stands out:

• English is the official working language

• Employees from over 100 nationalities

• Strong presence in tech, data, and customer operations

  
  

Roles:

• Software development

• Data analysis

• Customer support

• Product management

If you’re looking for a fully international environment, this is one of the most accessible entry points.

2. ASML (Eindhoven)

ASML is one of the most important tech companies in Europe and a global leader in semiconductor technology.

Why it stands out:

• English is widely used internally

• Highly international workforce

• Strong demand for skilled professionals

Roles:

• Engineering

• IT and data

• Supply chain

• Operations

Important: Some roles may still require basic Dutch, but many technical roles do not.

3. Adyen (Amsterdam)

Adyen is a global fintech company and one of the fastest-growing companies in the Netherlands.

Why it stands out:

• International company culture

• English-speaking environment

• Strong focus on growth and innovation

  
  

Roles:

• Finance and fintech

• Data and analytics

• Marketing

• Customer operations

4. Uber (Amsterdam HQ for Europe)

Uber’s European headquarters is based in Amsterdam.

Why it stands out:

• English is the main working language

• Diverse international teams

• Roles across multiple departments

Roles:

• Customer support

• Operations

• Marketing

• Tech

5. Tesla (Tilburg / Amsterdam)

Tesla has major operations in the Netherlands, including logistics and European support functions.

Why it stands out:

• International workforce

• English is commonly used

• Opportunities in both technical and operational roles

Roles:

• Customer support

• Logistics

• Engineering

• Operations

6. Philips (Amsterdam / Eindhoven)

Philips is a global health technology company with a long history in the Netherlands.

Why it stands out:

• International company structure

• English widely used in corporate roles

• Opportunities across multiple disciplines

  
  

Roles:

• Healthcare technology

• Business and strategy

• Engineering

• Marketing

  
  

7. Heineken (Amsterdam)

Heineken operates globally, and its headquarters is in Amsterdam.

Why it stands out:

• International business environment

• English is standard in many departments

• Opportunities in corporate and operational roles

  
  

Roles:

• Marketing

• Supply chain

• Business operations

• Finance

8. ING Bank (Amsterdam)

ING is one of the largest banks in the Netherlands and has a strong international focus.

Why it stands out:

• English-speaking teams, especially in tech and innovation

• Strong digital transformation focus

Roles:

• IT and tech

• Data analytics

• Finance

• Business operations

9. Coolblue (Rotterdam)

Coolblue is a fast-growing e-commerce company.

Why it stands out:

• Increasing number of English-speaking roles

• Dynamic company culture

Reality check:

Dutch is often preferred, but some departments are becoming more international.

10. Startups and Scale-ups (Amsterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven)

This is where many expats find opportunities.

Why this works:

• English is often the default language

• Less formal hiring requirements

• More open to international talent

  
  

Examples:

• Bunq (digital bank)

• Picnic (online supermarket)

• MessageBird (tech company)

These companies often care more about skills than language.

Where to Actually Find These Jobs

Instead of applying randomly, focus on the right platforms:

• LinkedIn Jobs

• Glassdoor

• IamExpat Jobs

• Undutchables (expat recruitment agency)

• Company career pages

Tip: Use filters like “English speaking” or “no Dutch required”.

The Reality Most People Don’t Tell You

Yes, you can work in the Netherlands without Dutch.

But that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Competition is high. Many expats are applying for the same roles.

The difference is not language.

It’s:

• Skills

• Experience

• Clarity in what you want

  
  

Common Mistake Expats Make

They apply everywhere.

Without focus.Without strategy.Without understanding the market.

And then they think:“There are no jobs.”

But the problem is not the market.It’s the approach.

What Actually Works

If you want to succeed:

• Focus on industries that hire internationals

• Target specific companies

• Build relevant skills

• Talk to people already working there

This is how you move forward faster.

Final Thought

The Netherlands gives you access to international companies, English-speaking environments, and real opportunities.

But you still have to position yourself for them.

You don’t need to speak Dutch to get started.

But you do need to be intentional about where you’re going.

Sources

• EF English Proficiency Index

• Company career pages (Booking.com, ASML, Adyen, Uber, Tesla, Philips, ING, Heineken)

• IamExpat Jobs

• Undutchables recruitment insights

• LinkedIn Jobs data (2025–2026 trends)