Employment Contract in the Netherlands

For many workers, the first employment contract in the Netherlands is a test. You check whether the agency keeps its promises, whether the work environment is as described, whether you can save money, and whether you can adapt.

After these first months, the decision comes: do you go back home or extend your contract? Many workers choose to stay. Here is what they say about this decision.

1. “They welcomed me, and I have been here ever since” — Nicoleta, since 2015

Nicoleta initially arrived in the Netherlands alone and spent a long time looking for work. In 2015, she was welcomed by DB Work — and she never left.

Since then, she has been working in cleaning. First on ships, now in offices. “Of course I would recommend DB Work further, it is a very serious company and I am very satisfied from every point of view,” she says.

More than 10 years with the same company, with employment contracts in the Netherlands extended year after year. This says everything about the stability many workers are looking for.

2. “I started from the bottom. Today I am a Team Leader” — Valentin, since 2017

Valentin is 32 years old and is one of the best examples of professional growth at DB Work. He started in 2017 as a cable tray electrician — practically the lowest position in the naval electrical field.

In 8 years, he climbed step by step. Today, he is a Naval Electrician Team Leader.

“I started from the bottom, as a cable tray electrician, but with ambition and support from the DB Work team, I climbed step by step. Today I am a naval electrician and I know that growth is possible when you have the courage to start alongside the right people.”

3. “No worries. Exactly as they described it to me” — Ștefan, naval fitter

Ștefan has an interesting story. He worked in Romania, then in the Netherlands and Germany through DB Work. He also tried Norway through another agency — but he could not adapt. He returned to DB Work.

“When I worked with DB Work, I had no worries. The work was exactly as they described it to me when I was hired, with no worries and with paid overtime.”

Predictability — an employment contract in the Netherlands respected exactly as agreed — is one of the main reasons why workers choose to stay.

4. “A united team, not just a workplace” — Bogdan, since 2012

Bogdan is a welder and has been working with DB Work since October 2012. He chose DB Work based on his father’s recommendation.

More than 13 years later, he is still there. What he appreciates most is not only the financial benefits — it is the team. The feeling of being part of a united group, where you feel supported.

5. “Here I discovered a community” — Iulian, since 2021

Iulian is an electrician in electrical panel construction. He left for the Netherlands on the recommendation of a former colleague from the shipyard.

At first, his motivation was financial. After a few months, the reasons changed.

“Here I discovered a community of open and friendly people who make you feel truly welcome.”

Why workers choose to extend their first employment contract in the Netherlands

Among DB Work workers who extend their contracts, the most common reasons are:

Financial stability — the salary is paid on time, every month
Included benefits — transport, accommodation, paid holiday
A united team —  colleagues and coordinators who answer when needed
Growth opportunities — from operator to team leader in a few years
Predictability — respected contracts and correctly paid overtime
Organized work environment — clear rules and mutual respect

For those who want to learn more about how life as a worker in the Netherlands functions, the official guide for workers in the Netherlands offers useful information about employee rights, insurance, and necessary documents.

Frequently asked questions

Why do workers choose to extend their employment contract in the Netherlands?

The main reasons are financial stability, a united team, clear working conditions, and real opportunities for professional growth. Many say that the first months are the most difficult, but once you adapt, the decision to extend your employment contract in the Netherlands becomes simple.

How long does it take for a worker to adapt in the Netherlands?

Most DB Work workers say that the first 2–3 weeks are the most difficult. After the first month, the routine becomes normal — especially if you have a coordinator and colleagues of your nationality at the workplace.

Can I extend my employment contract in the Netherlands if I work through DB Work?

Yes, extensions are a common practice. Many workers have been with DB Work for 5, 10, or more than 13 years — Bogdan has been working here since 2012, Nicoleta since 2015, and Valentin since 2017.

Are there workers who returned to DB Work after leaving?

Yes. Ștefan, a naval fitter, tried Norway through another agency and could not adapt. He returned to DB Work because of the predictability and because “the work was exactly as they described it to me when I was hired.”

Can I grow professionally in the Netherlands if I start from a basic position?

Yes. Valentin started in 2017 as a cable tray electrician, the lowest position. Today, he is a Naval Electrician Team Leader. Growth is possible with ambition and support from the team.

What should an employment contract in the Netherlands include?

An employment contract in the Netherlands should clearly specify: gross and net salary, contract duration, working schedule, overtime payment, holiday days, accommodation and transport conditions, health insurance, and probation period clauses.

Conclusion

Workers who chose to stay in the Netherlands after their first contract actually discovered something they had been looking for from the beginning: stability, a team, and a predictable environment. At DB Work, an employment contract in the Netherlands is not just a signed document — it is the beginning of a relationship built on years of seriousness.

If you want to learn more about the first steps, read our article about what it is like to work in the Netherlands.

To see the full stories of DB Work professionals, visit the success stories section on our blog.