Working in the Netherlands as a Primary School Teacher
Primary School Teacher is not on a published shortage list in the Netherlands. That does not close the door: the general skilled-work route still applies, and the salary floor for it is below, compared against what the job actually pays.
Is this occupation on a shortage list?
No. No published shortage list names this occupation, so the general skilled-work route applies.
Does the pay clear the visa salary floor?
Highly skilled migrant (30 or older)
No. The median of €68,640 reaches 96% of the €71,304 floor.
Gross monthly, excluding the holiday allowance that Dutch contracts typically add at 8%.
Highly skilled migrant (under 30)
Yes. The median of €68,640 is 131% of the €52,284 floor.
Gross monthly, excluding the holiday allowance that Dutch contracts typically add at 8%.
Reduced criterion (orientation year / recent graduate)
Yes. The median of €68,640 is 183% of the €37,464 floor.
Gross monthly, excluding the holiday allowance that Dutch contracts typically add at 8%.
Route to permanent residence
- Highly skilled migrant (30 or older)Employer-sponsored
- Highly skilled migrant (under 30)Employer-sponsored
- Reduced criterion (orientation year / recent graduate)Employer-sponsored
What else to know
- The Netherlands runs no shortage-occupation list. The highly skilled migrant route is a salary test plus a recognised sponsor.
- IND thresholds are revised twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July. Check the current figure before relying on it.
- Regulated professions, including healthcare, require BIG registration and Dutch language competence.
Rules checked against the official source on 2026-08-01.
This is a summary of published rules, not immigration advice.