Are you actively looking to apply for high-paying healthcare jobs abroad that actually respect your skills, support immigration, and guarantee stable payments? If midwifery is your profession, the Netherlands is one of the smartest places to sign up in 2026.
With annual salaries starting from €48,000 and climbing beyond €85,000, strong retirement benefits, and clear visa sponsorship pathways, midwifery jobs in the Netherlands are now open to qualified foreign professionals ready to relocate and work legally.
Why Choose Midwifery Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Choosing midwifery jobs with visa sponsorship in the Netherlands is not just about securing employment, it is about long-term immigration stability, predictable payments, and professional respect.
In 2026, Dutch healthcare employers are under intense pressure due to an aging population and rising birth rates among immigrant families, creating thousands of sponsored jobs for midwives trained outside Europe.
Visa-sponsored midwifery jobs remove the biggest barrier most foreign professionals face, immigration costs.
Employers often cover visa fees ranging between €350 and €1,200, relocation allowances averaging €3,000 to €7,500, and in many cases subsidized housing for the first 6 to 12 months. This means you can apply and relocate without draining your savings.
Another major advantage is work-life balance. Most midwives in the Netherlands work 32 to 40 hours weekly, earning €3,800 to €6,500 monthly depending on specialization and location.
Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Eindhoven offer higher salaries due to advertiser competition and healthcare demand, while still maintaining reasonable living costs compared to the UK or US.
From an employer’s perspective, sponsoring foreign midwives reduces staffing shortages and stabilizes maternity services.
From your perspective, it offers legal residency, access to family reunification, retirement contributions exceeding 18 percent of gross salary, and a clear path to permanent residence after five years.
If your goal is secure healthcare jobs with strong immigration benefits, this route makes financial and professional sense.
Types of Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Midwifery jobs in the Netherlands are diverse and well-structured, allowing foreign-trained professionals to apply based on experience, income expectations, and lifestyle goals.
Unlike many countries, Dutch maternity care relies heavily on midwives rather than doctors, which increases job availability and salary competitiveness.
Common job types include:
- Community midwives, salary range €48,000 to €62,000 annually, mostly independent but often hired under group practices
- Hospital-based clinical midwives, salary range €55,000 to €75,000 annually, working in maternity wards and high-risk units
- Specialized obstetric midwives, salary range €70,000 to €90,000 annually, focused on complicated pregnancies
- Private maternity care consultants, salary range €65,000 to €85,000 annually, often serving expat families
- Academic and research midwives, salary range €60,000 to €78,000 annually, working with universities and training hospitals
Each job type comes with different visa sponsorship structures. Hospital and university roles almost always include employer-sponsored work permits, while community practices increasingly sponsor visas due to staff shortages.
Midwives in high-demand regions like North Holland and South Holland earn up to 18 percent more than the national average.
If your goal is higher payments and faster immigration processing, applying to these locations significantly improves your outcome. The variety of job options ensures you can apply strategically rather than settling for underpaid roles.
High Paying Midwifery Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
High-paying midwifery jobs in the Netherlands are concentrated in specialized care, urban hospitals, and private maternity services catering to international families.
In 2026, employers are offering aggressive salary packages to attract qualified foreign midwives willing to relocate quickly.
The most lucrative roles include:
- Senior clinical midwife positions, annual salary €75,000 to €95,000, commonly offered by teaching hospitals
- High-risk pregnancy midwives, annual salary €80,000 to €100,000, working in tertiary care centers
- Expat maternity care specialists, annual salary €85,000+, often including housing allowances
- Night-shift hospital midwives, annual salary €70,000 to €88,000, with premium shift payments
- Midwifery team supervisors, annual salary €78,000 to €92,000, combining care and management
These roles often include additional benefits such as pension contributions, paid relocation, family visas, and language training valued at €2,000 to €5,000.
Employers prefer candidates who are ready to apply immediately and complete licensing within 6 to 12 months.
High-paying positions are most common in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht due to advertiser competition and private healthcare demand.
Applying early in the year significantly improves sponsorship approval rates because hospitals plan immigration quotas annually.
If your objective is maximum income, faster immigration approval, and long-term retirement security, targeting these roles is the smartest way to sign up and relocate successfully.
Salary Expectations for Midwives
Salary expectations for midwives in the Netherlands in 2026 are among the highest in Europe, especially when visa sponsorship, tax benefits, and retirement contributions are included.
Entry-level foreign midwives typically earn between €3,800 and €4,500 monthly, while experienced professionals earn €5,500 to €7,800 monthly depending on specialization and location.
Midwives working in high-demand urban regions earn 10 to 25 percent more than those in rural areas. Additional payments include night shifts, emergency coverage, and private patient care, which can add €8,000 to €15,000 annually.
Most employers also contribute 18 to 22 percent of gross salary toward retirement pensions, significantly increasing long-term financial security.
After tax, midwives earning €70,000 annually typically take home €3,900 to €4,300 monthly depending on housing and family status.
For expats, the 30 percent ruling may apply, reducing taxable income and increasing net payments for the first five years.
Below is a clear salary table based on job type:
| JOB TYPE | ANNUAL SALARY (€) |
| Community Midwife | 48,000 – 62,000 |
| Clinical Midwife | 55,000 – 75,000 |
| Specialized Midwife | 70,000 – 90,000 |
| Expat Care Specialist | 85,000 – 100,000 |
| Midwifery Supervisor | 78,000 – 92,000 |
These figures make midwifery one of the most financially rewarding healthcare jobs available to immigrants in the Netherlands today.
Eligibility Criteria for Midwives
If you are serious about applying for midwifery jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship in 2026, understanding the eligibility criteria is non-negotiable.
Dutch employers are open to foreign professionals, but they are selective because they are investing in immigration, relocation payments, and long-term contracts.
To be eligible, you must hold a recognized midwifery qualification equivalent to Dutch standards. Most successful applicants come from countries like the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, India, and the Philippines.
Your training must cover a minimum of three years with clinical practice hours exceeding 4,600 hours in total.
Professional experience matters. Employers generally prefer candidates with at least two years of post-qualification experience.
However, high-demand hospitals in Amsterdam and Rotterdam now accept newly qualified midwives if they are willing to complete supervised practice while earning €3,500 to €4,200 monthly.
Language eligibility is another factor. While you can sign up and apply before speaking Dutch, you must commit to reaching B1 or B2 Dutch within 12 to 18 months. Many employers sponsor language training worth €2,000 to €6,000.
Age limits are flexible. Applicants between 21 and 55 years are commonly approved for work visas. Clean immigration history, no criminal record, and medical fitness are mandatory.
Meeting these criteria positions you as a low-risk, high-value candidate, exactly what Dutch employers want when sponsoring foreign midwives.
Requirements for Midwives
Meeting the requirements for midwifery jobs in the Netherlands goes beyond qualifications, it is about proving readiness to integrate, perform, and stay long term.
Employers sponsoring visas want assurance that their investment will pay off.
Key requirements include:
- A recognized midwifery degree or diploma with transcripts
- Active registration or license from your home country
- Proof of professional experience, usually 2 to 5 years
- Willingness to complete Dutch BIG registration
- Commitment to Dutch language training up to B1 or B2
BIG registration is critical. It is the legal authorization to practice healthcare in the Netherlands. While the process can take 6 to 12 months, many employers allow you to start work under supervision while earning €3,200 to €4,000 monthly.
You must also pass credential evaluations, document verification, and sometimes a competency assessment. These steps are not barriers, they are quality controls that protect your career and salary long term.
From a financial perspective, employers often reimburse registration and assessment costs ranging from €1,500 to €4,000. This reduces your out-of-pocket payments significantly.
Employers also expect adaptability. Dutch maternity care emphasizes natural births and patient autonomy. Candidates who demonstrate openness to this model are prioritized during hiring.
When you meet these requirements, your chances of securing sponsored jobs with strong salaries, pension contributions, and permanent residence pathways increase dramatically.
Visa Options for Midwives
Visa sponsorship is the backbone of working legally as a midwife in the Netherlands. In 2026, several visa options are available, with employers guiding candidates through the application process to reduce immigration stress and delays.
The most common option is the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. This visa allows employers to sponsor foreign midwives earning at least €3,672 monthly if under 30, or €5,008 monthly if over 30. Most midwifery roles meet or exceed this threshold.
Another option is the Regular Work Permit combined with a residence permit. This route is often used by hospitals hiring midwives during urgent staffing shortages. Salaries under this route range from €48,000 to €70,000 annually.
For candidates without immediate job offers, the Orientation Year Visa can be used if you recently graduated from a recognized institution. Once employed, employers convert it to a sponsored work visa.
Visa benefits include:
- Legal residence for up to five years
- Family reunification for spouse and children
- Access to Dutch healthcare and social security
- Eligibility for permanent residence and citizenship
Visa fees range from €350 to €1,200, often covered by employers. Choosing the right visa option ensures smooth immigration, uninterrupted payments, and long-term job security.
Documents Checklist for Midwives
Having the right documents ready before you apply can cut your hiring time in half. Employers prioritize candidates who are organized and immigration-ready because it reduces sponsorship delays and costs.
Your essential documents include:
- International passport valid for at least 18 months
- Midwifery degree certificates and transcripts
- Professional license or registration from home country
- Detailed CV with employment history
- Reference letters from previous employers
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness report
- Language proficiency evidence, if available
Additional documents may include proof of name change, marriage certificates for family visas, and financial statements showing basic settlement funds of €3,000 to €5,000.
All documents must be translated into Dutch or English by certified translators. Employers often reimburse translation costs up to €1,000.
Keeping digital and physical copies speeds up visa processing and BIG registration. Candidates who submit complete documentation often receive job offers within 4 to 8 weeks, compared to 3 to 6 months for incomplete applications.
Preparation is not optional. It is a competitive advantage that directly impacts how fast you relocate and start earning.
How to Apply for Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Applying for midwifery jobs in the Netherlands is straightforward when you follow the right steps and target employers offering visa sponsorship. In 2026, digital recruitment will dominate, making it easier to apply from anywhere in the world.
Start by identifying hospitals, maternity clinics, and recruitment agencies licensed to sponsor foreign workers.
Submit applications through official portals, ensuring your CV highlights experience, certifications, and willingness to relocate.
The typical application process includes:
- Online application submission
- Initial screening interview via video call
- Credential and document verification
- Conditional job offer
- Visa and relocation processing
From application to relocation, the timeline ranges from 3 to 9 months. During this period, some employers provide monthly stipends of €1,000 to €2,000 to support transition expenses.
Employers value candidates who apply early, respond quickly, and demonstrate commitment to language learning. Signing up for multiple roles increases your chances of securing sponsored jobs with higher salaries.
Once approved, employers handle most immigration paperwork, allowing you to focus on relocation, housing, and family arrangements.
This structured approach makes the Netherlands one of the easiest European countries for midwives to immigrate and work legally.
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Midwives in the Netherlands
In 2026, employers across the Netherlands are aggressively recruiting qualified midwives from abroad because local supply can no longer meet demand.
These employers are not just offering jobs, they are offering visa sponsorship, relocation payments, stable salaries, and long-term retirement security. From public hospitals to private maternity clinics, the hiring market is wide open.
Top employers include large university medical centers, regional hospitals, and independent midwifery group practices.
University hospitals typically offer salaries between €65,000 and €95,000 annually, plus pension contributions of up to 22 percent. These employers also fund language training, licensing support, and family immigration.
Private maternity clinics focusing on expat families in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague pay premium rates ranging from €75,000 to €100,000 annually.
These roles often include housing allowances of €800 to €1,500 monthly and performance-based bonuses.
Regional hospitals in areas like Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Groningen offer slightly lower base salaries, around €55,000 to €70,000, but compensate with lower living costs, faster visa approvals, and strong job security.
Employers prefer candidates ready to apply immediately, with complete documents and flexibility around shifts.
Signing up early in the year increases your chances of landing sponsored jobs because hospitals plan immigration quotas annually.
If you want stability, predictable payments, and a clear immigration pathway, these employers are actively waiting for qualified foreign midwives.
Where to Find Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Knowing where to find midwifery jobs in the Netherlands can save you months of frustration and missed income.
In 2026, most visa-sponsored roles are advertised online through official healthcare portals, licensed recruitment agencies, and hospital career pages.
High-paying job listings are most common in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Eindhoven.
These cities have the highest advertiser competition, which pushes salaries up by 10 to 25 percent compared to rural regions.
However, regional hospitals still offer competitive packages when relocation and housing support are included.
Common places to find verified jobs include:
- Hospital career portals offering direct employer applications
- Government-supported healthcare recruitment platforms
- Licensed international recruitment agencies
- Professional midwifery associations and networks
- LinkedIn job listings with visa sponsorship keywords
Many employers now host virtual recruitment days, allowing you to apply, interview, and receive conditional offers within weeks.
Some agencies even pre-match candidates to roles before formal applications, reducing rejection risks.
Avoid unofficial job boards requesting upfront payments. Legitimate employers do not charge application fees. Instead, they invest in your relocation because they need your skills.
Being strategic about where you apply increases your success rate, shortens your immigration timeline, and gets you earning sooner rather than later.
Working in the Netherlands as Midwives
Working in the Netherlands as a midwife is professionally rewarding and financially stable. Dutch maternity care is globally respected for its patient-centered approach, work-life balance, and strong legal protections for healthcare workers.
Most midwives work 32 to 40 hours weekly, earning between €3,800 and €7,800 monthly depending on role and experience.
Overtime is limited and compensated, protecting your health and productivity. Annual paid leave averages 25 to 30 days, excluding public holidays.
The healthcare system values autonomy. Midwives manage low-risk pregnancies independently, refer high-risk cases appropriately, and collaborate closely with obstetricians.
From a financial standpoint, midwives benefit from:
- Employer-funded pension schemes
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Universal healthcare coverage
- Childcare subsidies and family benefits
Foreign midwives also benefit from strong worker protections and anti-discrimination laws. Many employers provide cultural integration programs to ease relocation stress.
Living costs vary by city. While Amsterdam is expensive, midwives earning €75,000 annually still maintain comfortable lifestyles. Regional cities offer even better savings potential.
If you value stability, fair payments, and a healthcare system that respects your profession, working in the Netherlands delivers on every front.
Why Employers in the Netherlands Wants to Sponsor Midwives
Dutch employers sponsor midwives because the demand is urgent and long term. Birth rates remain steady, the local workforce is aging, and training new midwives takes years. Sponsoring qualified foreign professionals is not optional, it is essential.
Employers face staffing shortages that directly affect patient care and regulatory compliance. Each unfilled midwifery position can cost hospitals €120,000 to €200,000 annually in lost services and penalties. Sponsoring a foreign midwife is far more cost-effective.
Foreign-trained midwives bring experience, cultural diversity, and flexibility. Employers value candidates willing to work night shifts, rural rotations, or expat-focused roles. These positions often come with higher payments and faster visa approvals.
From an immigration perspective, the Dutch government actively supports healthcare sponsorship. Processing times are faster, approval rates are higher, and renewal pathways are clear.
By sponsoring midwives, employers secure long-term staff, stabilize maternity services, and protect revenue streams. That is why they are willing to pay relocation costs, fund licensing, and offer competitive salaries.
For you, this demand translates into opportunity. Employers need you more than you need them, and that leverage works in your favor.
FAQ about Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Can foreign midwives apply for jobs in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch?
Yes, you can apply and receive conditional job offers without Dutch language skills. However, you must commit to reaching B1 or B2 level within 12 to 18 months. Many employers sponsor language training valued at €2,000 to €6,000.
How long does visa sponsorship take for midwives?
Visa processing typically takes 6 to 12 weeks after a job offer. Including licensing and relocation, most midwives move within 3 to 9 months. Complete documentation speeds up approval significantly.
What is the average salary for a sponsored midwife in 2026?
Sponsored midwives earn between €48,000 and €100,000 annually depending on role, experience, and location. High-demand urban roles pay the highest salaries.
Are family members allowed to move with sponsored midwives?
Yes, sponsored midwives can bring spouses and children. Family members gain legal residence, work rights, and access to healthcare and education.
Is permanent residence possible through midwifery jobs?
Yes, after five years of legal residence and employment, midwives can apply for permanent residence and later citizenship, provided language and integration requirements are met.
Do employers cover relocation and visa costs?
In most cases, yes. Employers often cover visa fees, relocation allowances, housing support, and licensing costs, reducing your upfront payments.
Are midwifery jobs available outside major cities?
Yes, regional hospitals actively recruit foreign midwives and often offer faster visa processing, lower living costs, and stable contracts
