Hotel and hospitality assistant
Look for hotel housekeeping, breakfast service, kitchen porter and other support roles. Some employers provide on-the-job training.
Amsterdam Careers Guide
Jobs in Amsterdam Without Experience
Looking for your first job in Amsterdam? Discover entry-level work in hospitality, retail, cleaning, logistics, customer service and temporary employment. Learn where to search, what employers may expect, how Dutch minimum-wage rules work and what international job seekers need to know.
Can You Get a Job in Amsterdam Without Experience?
Yes. Some Amsterdam employers recruit people who are starting their careers or changing industries. Roles in hotel housekeeping, kitchen support, cleaning, stock handling, warehouse operations and temporary events can be useful starting points. However, entry-level does not mean every vacancy accepts applicants with no experience.
Employers may still ask for a minimum age, particular availability, language skills, physical capabilities, certificates or the legal right to work in the Netherlands. Read the complete job description before applying.
Practical tip: Search for phrases such as
“no experience required”, “entry-level”, “starter”, “trainee”,
“junior”, “housekeeping”, “kitchen assistant” and “part-time”.
Dutch search terms can also help: bijbaan (part-time or side job),
starter (beginner) and zonder ervaring (without experience).
Best Jobs in Amsterdam Without Experience
The following roles are worth investigating if you have limited work experience. They are examples of job categories, not a guarantee that vacancies are currently available.
Restaurant and café staff
Restaurants, cafés and catering businesses may recruit kitchen assistants, dishwashers, runners and junior service staff.
Retail assistant
Explore supermarket, shop-floor, stockroom and seasonal retail vacancies. Previous experience may be preferred but is not always essential.
Cleaning and housekeeping worker
Cleaning companies, offices, hotels and other facilities may offer entry-level or part-time work.
Warehouse and logistics assistant
Search for order-picking, packing, sorting and goods-handling jobs in Amsterdam and nearby logistics areas.
Delivery and bicycle courier
Delivery roles may be available for people who meet the employer’s age, equipment, safety and legal work requirements.
Customer service assistant
Some companies recruit junior support agents, contact-centre employees and service assistants who speak English or other languages.
Temporary event and catering worker
Events, conferences, festivals and catering companies may offer temporary assignments, including work that provides initial training.
Which jobs are worth applying for first?
If you have no work history, consider positions that advertise paid training, on-the-job instruction or no previous experience required. Temporary staffing agencies can also help you identify vacancies, but check the contract, pay, working hours, travel arrangements and any agency fees before accepting an assignment.
Salary for Entry-Level Jobs in Amsterdam
Pay depends on the job, your age, the number of hours you work, the applicable collective labour agreement (CAO), shift premiums and the employer. Instead of assuming that every beginner earns a fixed annual salary, start by checking the statutory hourly minimum wage and the advertised rate for the specific vacancy.
Statutory minimum hourly wage in the Netherlands
The following gross hourly rates apply from 1 July 2026. They are national statutory minimum rates, not Amsterdam-specific average salaries. The applicable rate depends on the employee's age and legal circumstances.
| Age | Gross minimum wage per hour |
|---|---|
| 21 and older | €14.99 |
| 20 | €11.99 |
| 19 | €8.99 |
| 18 | €7.50 |
| 17 | €5.92 |
| 16 | €5.17 |
| 15 | €4.50 |
Source: Government.nl — official minimum-wage amounts . Check the current rate before accepting a job. These figures are before tax; take-home pay will differ. Monthly earnings depend on the hours actually worked.
How to compare job offers
- Compare the gross hourly rate, not just an advertised monthly amount.
- Check the guaranteed weekly hours and whether shifts change each week.
- Ask how holiday allowance, holiday pay and shift premiums are handled.
- Review travel costs, uniform requirements and any deductions.
- Read the contract and the relevant collective labour agreement, if applicable.
For a broader look at professional earnings, see IT Jobs and Salaries in Amsterdam and Highest-Paying Jobs in Amsterdam.
Jobs in Amsterdam for Foreigners Without Experience
If you are moving to Amsterdam from another country, check your right to work before applying. Your nationality and residence status matter more than whether you have previous work experience.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
Citizens of EU countries, EEA countries and Switzerland can generally live and work in the Netherlands without a Dutch work permit. You still need valid identity or travel documents and must follow any applicable registration, tax and insurance rules.
Applicants from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland
Many non-EU/EEA nationals need an appropriate work permit, residence permit or other qualifying status. Depending on the situation, a prospective employer may need to apply for a Dutch employment permit (TWV) or a combined residence and work permit (GVVA). Specific exceptions and alternative residence routes exist, so check the rules that apply to you.
Do not assume that a job offer automatically gives you permission to work. Also, a role that requires little experience is not necessarily eligible for a particular immigration route. Confirm the requirements with the official Dutch authorities before making relocation plans.
- Government.nl: Can I work in the Netherlands as a foreign worker?
- Government.nl: Work permits for foreign workers
- IND: Living and working in the Netherlands as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
- UWV: Working in the Netherlands as a non-EU/EEA or Swiss national
Important: Be wary of anyone promising a guaranteed Dutch
job or work visa in exchange for a large upfront payment. Verify the
employer, recruitment agency and immigration requirements independently.
Where to Find Entry-Level Jobs in Amsterdam
Use several channels rather than relying on one job website. Check vacancy dates, apply directly where possible and follow up professionally.
1. I amsterdam job listings
I amsterdam provides job-search resources and listings for the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, including opportunities at international employers. Not every listed job is entry-level, so filter carefully and read the experience requirements.
2. Recruitment and temporary staffing agencies
Recruitment agencies may have temporary, part-time and permanent roles across hospitality, logistics, administration and other industries. Tell the recruiter clearly that you are seeking a starter position and explain your availability and language skills.
Explore recruitment agencies recommended by I amsterdam
3. General job websites
- Indeed — search for entry-level and part-time jobs in Amsterdam.
- LinkedIn Jobs — search vacancies and check employers' profiles.
- Werk.nl — the Dutch public employment service's job platform.
- EURES — European job mobility information and vacancy resources.
These links are starting points, not endorsements of every vacancy or recruiter. Confirm that each listing is genuine and current.
How to Get Hired Faster Without Experience
Prepare a clear CV
Keep your CV easy to scan and generally one page if you have little experience. Include your contact details, language skills, education, relevant projects, volunteering, practical skills and availability. Do not invent work history or qualifications.
Show transferable skills
If you have never held a formal job, you can still demonstrate responsibility through school projects, volunteering, caring duties, community activities, sports teams or independent projects. Explain what you did and what skills you developed.
Apply for suitable vacancies
- Prioritise adverts that explicitly accept beginners or offer training.
- Tailor your CV and short application message to the job.
- State when you can start and which shifts you can work.
- Be honest about your Dutch and English language levels.
- Respond promptly to interview invitations and missed calls.
- Keep a record of applications and follow up politely.
- Check that the employer can legally hire you under your work status.
Should you learn Dutch?
You can find some jobs where English is sufficient, especially in international environments. However, basic Dutch can help you communicate with colleagues, customers and supervisors, and may open additional vacancies. The language requirement depends on the job rather than the city as a whole.
Can You Afford to Live in Amsterdam on an Entry-Level Salary?
Plan your budget before accepting a job or moving to Amsterdam. Housing costs can be substantial, and the amount left after tax depends on your pay, working hours, personal circumstances and deductions.
Build a realistic budget that includes:
- Rent, deposit and any permitted housing-related charges
- Food and household essentials
- Local public transport or bicycle expenses
- Health insurance and other applicable insurance costs
- Phone, internet, clothing and other essentials
- Emergency savings in case shifts or working hours change
Consider searching in the wider Amsterdam Metropolitan Area if you can commute reliably. Compare total travel time and transport costs against any rent difference. Do not sign a housing agreement or transfer a deposit before checking the property, landlord and contract carefully.
For local information, visit I amsterdam's guide to moving to the Amsterdam Area .
Amsterdam vs Smaller Dutch Cities for First-Time Job Seekers
Amsterdam offers a broad mix of employers and international workplaces, but it is not automatically the best choice for every beginner. Vacancies, competition, housing availability and commuting costs differ across the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam: a range of hospitality, retail, service and international-business opportunities.
- Nearby towns: potentially useful logistics, warehouse, retail and service vacancies, depending on the area.
- Other Dutch cities: may offer suitable jobs or housing alternatives, depending on your sector and language skills.
Compare the actual job offer, guaranteed hours, commute and accommodation costs rather than choosing a city based on salary headlines alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a job in Amsterdam without experience?
Yes. Some employers recruit beginners for hospitality, cleaning, retail, logistics, catering and support roles. Vacancies may still require particular language skills, availability, qualifications or legal permission to work.
What is the easiest job to get in Amsterdam without experience?
There is no single easiest job. Cleaning, kitchen support, housekeeping, warehouse work and temporary event assignments can be worth exploring, depending on current vacancies, your language skills, schedule and right to work.
Can I find an English-speaking job in Amsterdam?
Yes. Some employers recruit English-speaking staff, including in international workplaces, hospitality, logistics and customer support. English-only opportunities vary, and Dutch can widen your options.
Can a foreigner work in Amsterdam without experience?
Possibly. Your nationality and residence status determine whether you can work freely or need a permit. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need a Dutch work permit. Many other nationals need an appropriate permit or residence route.
What is the minimum wage in Amsterdam?
The Netherlands has a statutory hourly minimum wage that varies by age. From 1 July 2026, the gross minimum wage for workers aged 21 and older is €14.99 per hour. Different statutory rates apply to younger workers. Check the official government figures for the applicable rate.
Do I need to speak Dutch to work in Amsterdam?
Not for every job. Some international workplaces and other employers accept English, while Dutch is commonly valuable for retail, hospitality and jobs involving local customers. Always check the language requirements in the vacancy.
Should I pay a recruitment agency to find an entry-level job?
Use reputable recruitment agencies and carefully review their terms. Be cautious of requests for upfront fees, guaranteed jobs, or payments in exchange for a work permit. Verify the employer and contract before sharing sensitive documents or transferring money.
Official Sources and Further Reading
Employment rules, wage rates and immigration requirements can change. Use official sources to verify the latest information before making employment or relocation decisions.
Start Your Amsterdam Job Search
Identify suitable entry-level roles, prepare a straightforward CV and confirm your right to work before accepting an offer.
Find Jobs in the Amsterdam Area Read the Guide for Foreign Job Seekers