Are you ready to apply for high-paying midwifery jobs in the Netherlands with full visa sponsorship in 2026, and secure a stable income between €4,000 and €7,500 monthly while planning long-term immigration and retirement abroad?
This content walks you through the jobs, salaries, visa options, and application steps you can sign up for today, many employers are actively hiring and covering relocation payments right now.
Why Choose Midwifery Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Choosing midwifery jobs with visa sponsorship in the Netherlands is not just about relocation, it is a calculated financial and lifestyle decision.
Dutch healthcare employers are currently facing a shortage of qualified midwives, and in 2026 the demand has increased by over 18 percent according to sector estimates. That shortage translates directly into higher salaries, faster hiring timelines, and full immigration support.
Most sponsored midwifery jobs offer annual salaries ranging from €55,000 to €90,000, depending on experience and specialization.
Employers are willing to pay for visa processing, relocation allowances worth €3,000 to €7,000, and monthly pension contributions that strengthen your retirement planning.
This is why international midwives from Nigeria, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the US are actively applying.
Visa sponsorship removes the biggest barrier most professionals face when seeking jobs abroad. Instead of handling complex immigration paperwork alone, Dutch hospitals and maternity care organizations manage the process for you.
You focus on signing up, passing credential assessments, and starting work. Additional benefits make these jobs even more attractive.
- Paid annual leave of 25 to 30 days
- Employer-funded health insurance payments
- Family reunification options after relocation
- Predictable work hours with overtime compensation
If your goal is financial growth, professional respect, and long-term European residency, midwifery jobs in the Netherlands offer one of the strongest value propositions available today.
Types of Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Understanding the types of midwifery jobs available in the Netherlands helps you apply strategically and target roles with higher pay and faster visa approval.
The Dutch healthcare system is structured to give midwives a central role, and that creates multiple employment pathways.
Hospital-based midwives work in public and private hospitals, earning between €4,500 and €6,500 monthly.
These roles involve antenatal care, labor support, and postnatal monitoring, often with shift allowances that increase total payments. Hospitals are the most common visa sponsors due to their experience with immigration processes.
Community midwives operate in primary care settings and maternity clinics. These professionals manage low-risk pregnancies independently and earn between €5,000 and €7,000 per month, especially in urban areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht where advertiser competition for talent is high.
Specialist midwives focus on areas such as neonatal care, high-risk pregnancies, or fertility support. Salaries here can reach €7,500 monthly, particularly when combined with night shifts or specialized certifications.
Other growing job types include:
- Research and academic midwives earning €60,000 to €85,000 annually
- Private practice midwives with income tied to client volume, often exceeding €90,000 yearly
- Home birth midwives supported by insurance-based payments
Each job type comes with different visa routes and eligibility thresholds. Choosing the right category increases your approval odds and long-term earning potential in the Netherlands.
High Paying Midwifery Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
If your priority is income, certain midwifery jobs in the Netherlands consistently rank at the top in 2026.
These roles attract international professionals because they combine strong salaries with guaranteed visa sponsorship and long-term contracts.
Senior hospital midwives are among the highest paid, earning €6,000 to €7,500 per month. These jobs require five or more years of experience and often include leadership responsibilities.
Employers frequently offer relocation bonuses and cover immigration fees valued at over €4,000.
Clinical specialist midwives working in neonatal intensive care units earn between €5,800 and €7,200 monthly. These positions are common in large teaching hospitals and come with additional shift payments and pension contributions.
Private maternity clinic midwives can earn €80,000 to €95,000 annually, particularly in cities with high birth rates and private healthcare demand. These employers aggressively sponsor visas to secure experienced international staff.
Other high-paying sponsored roles include:
- Fertility and reproductive health midwives, €70,000 to €90,000 yearly
- Midwifery educators and trainers, €5,000 to €6,500 monthly
- Contract midwives on fixed-term projects, daily rates of €350 to €500
These jobs are competitive, but employers prioritize applicants who apply early, submit complete documents, and demonstrate readiness to relocate.
Timing your application correctly can be the difference between a standard offer and a premium package.
Salary Expectations for Midwives
Salary expectations for midwives in the Netherlands are among the highest in Europe, especially when visa sponsorship is included.
In 2026, the average base salary for a midwife ranges from €4,200 to €6,800 per month before taxes, with total compensation often exceeding €90,000 annually when benefits are included.
Entry-level midwives with international qualifications typically start around €50,000 yearly. With two to three years of experience, salaries rise to €65,000 to €75,000.
Senior professionals and specialists regularly cross the €85,000 mark, particularly in metropolitan regions where healthcare competition drives wages upward.
Employers also offer structured pay increases, usually 3 to 6 percent annually, alongside overtime payments and performance bonuses.
Night shifts and weekend work can add €800 to €1,500 monthly to your income. Retirement contributions and employer-funded pensions further improve long-term financial security.
Location matters significantly.
- Amsterdam and Utrecht pay 10 to 15 percent above the national average
- Rotterdam and The Hague offer higher housing allowances
- Regional hospitals provide lower rent costs with similar base salaries
Below is a clear breakdown of job types and salary ranges
| JOB TYPE | AVERAGE SALARY |
| Hospital Midwife | €55,000 to €80,000 yearly |
| Community Midwife | €60,000 to €85,000 yearly |
| Specialist Midwife | €70,000 to €95,000 yearly |
| Private Clinic Midwife | €75,000 to €100,000 yearly |
Eligibility Criteria for Midwives
If you want to apply successfully for midwifery jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship in 2026, eligibility is the first filter employers and immigration authorities check.
Dutch employers are very clear about who they can sponsor, because every sponsored job comes with strict immigration compliance and financial obligations.
To be eligible, you must hold a recognized midwifery qualification equivalent to Dutch standards. Most employers accept degrees from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, and selected EU countries.
Your training must meet a minimum of three to four years of formal education, with documented clinical hours.
Professional experience significantly improves eligibility. Midwives with at least two years of post-qualification experience earn higher trust and salaries, usually between €60,000 and €85,000 yearly.
Senior midwives with five years or more experience are fast-tracked for sponsored jobs paying up to €95,000 annually.
Age limits are flexible, but most sponsored applicants fall between 21 and 55 years, which aligns with long-term employment and retirement planning. Employers also assess adaptability, communication skills, and willingness to learn Dutch.
Key eligibility highlights include:
- Valid midwifery license from your home country
- Clean professional and disciplinary record
- Willingness to relocate within 3 to 6 months
- Ability to meet Dutch language requirements during onboarding
Meeting these criteria positions you as a low-risk, high-value hire, exactly what Dutch healthcare employers want when sponsoring foreign midwives.
Requirements for Midwives
Beyond eligibility, there are concrete requirements you must fulfill before you can sign up for midwifery jobs with visa sponsorship in the Netherlands.
These requirements are practical, document-based, and directly tied to immigration approval.
Language is one of the most important requirements. While some employers allow you to start working with basic Dutch, you will be required to reach at least B1 or B2 level within a set period.
Employers often pay for language training valued at €2,000 to €4,000, which is included in your employment package.
Credential recognition is mandatory. Your qualifications must be assessed by the Dutch healthcare regulator.
This process can take three to six months, but many employers assist with payments and paperwork. Successfully completing this step unlocks salaries starting from €4,500 monthly.
You must also pass health and background checks. These include medical fitness certificates, police clearance reports, and professional reference checks. Employers prefer candidates who submit these early, speeding up hiring decisions.
Other core requirements include:
- Updated CV aligned with European standards
- Proof of clinical experience with salary history
- Availability for interviews, often conducted online
- Commitment to long-term employment, usually two to three years
Meeting all requirements upfront makes your application stronger and reduces delays. Employers favor applicants who are organized, responsive, and ready to apply immediately.
Visa Options for Midwives
Visa sponsorship is the main reason midwifery jobs in the Netherlands attract global attention. In 2026, several visa options allow midwives to live, work, and eventually settle permanently with stable income and retirement benefits.
The most common route is the Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. This visa allows employers to sponsor qualified midwives earning above the minimum salary threshold, which currently ranges from €3,800 to €5,500 monthly depending on age. Most midwifery jobs exceed this requirement comfortably.
Another option is the EU Blue Card. This visa suits experienced midwives with higher salaries, usually above €60,000 yearly. It offers faster permanent residency timelines and easier mobility within Europe.
Some midwives also enter through General Employment Visas, especially those working with public hospitals or regional healthcare providers. These visas still include family reunification and long-term residency options.
Key benefits of sponsored visas include:
- Employer-paid immigration processing fees
- Legal right to work and earn immediately
- Access to Dutch healthcare and social security
- Pathway to permanent residence after five years
Choosing the right visa option depends on your salary level, experience, and employer type. Employers usually guide you, but understanding these options helps you negotiate better job offers.
Documents Checklist for Midwives
Having a complete documents checklist is the fastest way to move from application to job offer when applying for midwifery jobs in the Netherlands. Employers and immigration officers prioritize applicants who submit accurate paperwork without delays.
Your primary documents include your international passport, academic certificates, and professional license.
These must be valid and, in some cases, translated into Dutch or English by certified translators. Missing or expired documents can delay your visa by months.
Employment-related documents are equally important. These prove your experience, income history, and professional credibility. Employers often request them early to justify sponsorship approvals.
Your checklist should include:
- Valid passport with at least 12 months validity
- Midwifery degree and transcripts
- Professional license and registration certificates
- Reference letters from previous employers
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical fitness report
- Updated CV and cover letter
- Signed job offer or employment contract
Financial documents may also be required, although most sponsored roles remove the need for proof of funds. Employers handle most immigration payments, including work permit fees and residence permits.
Preparing these documents before you apply increases your chances of faster approval and better salary negotiations.
How to Apply for Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Applying for midwifery jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship is a structured process, and doing it correctly can secure you a job offer within three to six months. Employers value candidates who follow instructions, respond quickly, and demonstrate commitment.
Start by identifying employers actively sponsoring foreign midwives. Focus on hospitals, maternity clinics, and healthcare groups advertising international roles.
Submit a written application highlighting your experience, certifications, and willingness to relocate.
Once shortlisted, interviews are usually conducted online. Employers discuss salary, visa options, relocation payments, and start dates. Offers often include monthly salaries between €4,500 and €7,500, plus benefits.
After accepting an offer, the employer initiates the visa process. You provide documents, attend biometric appointments, and prepare for relocation. Employers typically cover immigration fees and support housing arrangements.
To apply effectively:
- Customize your CV for each job
- Apply early to multiple employers
- Respond to emails within 24 hours
- Prepare for language and clinical assessments
This process rewards proactive applicants. The faster and more organized you are, the sooner you can start earning and building a stable future in the Netherlands.
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Midwives in the Netherlands
If you are serious about applying for high-paying midwifery jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship, knowing the right employers puts you far ahead of other applicants.
In 2026, Dutch healthcare employers are not just hiring, they are competing aggressively for qualified international midwives, offering salaries from €60,000 to over €95,000 annually.
Large public hospitals are the biggest sponsors because they have established immigration departments and annual hiring quotas.
These employers offer stable contracts, predictable payments, pension plans, and long-term job security. Many of them cover 100 percent of visa and relocation costs, including residence permits and family immigration.
Private maternity clinics are another strong option. These employers often pay higher salaries, sometimes €7,000 to €8,500 monthly, especially in cities with high birth rates.
They move faster in recruitment and are more flexible with negotiations, making them attractive if you want quicker relocation.
University medical centers and teaching hospitals also hire midwives for clinical and training roles. These positions combine practice with education and research, paying between €65,000 and €90,000 yearly.
Employers actively sponsoring foreign midwives usually offer:
- Full visa sponsorship and immigration handling
- Relocation payments of €3,000 to €7,000
- Paid Dutch language training
- Retirement and pension contributions
- Long-term contracts of two to five years
Targeting these employers increases your chances of approval, better salaries, and smoother relocation.
Where to Find Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Finding legitimate midwifery jobs with visa sponsorship requires knowing where Dutch employers actually advertise international roles.
In 2026, most sponsored jobs are not random listings, they are posted strategically on trusted platforms to attract qualified professionals.
Hospital career portals are the first place to look. Major Dutch hospitals regularly publish vacancies with salary ranges, benefits, and visa sponsorship clearly stated. These roles often pay between €4,500 and €7,500 monthly and receive priority immigration processing.
International healthcare recruitment agencies are another reliable source. These agencies work directly with employers and guide you through applications, interviews, and documentation.
While reputable agencies do not charge job placement fees, they help employers manage immigration payments and onboarding.
Professional healthcare job boards across Europe also list sponsored roles. Jobs advertised here often attract applicants from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the US, increasing competition but also transparency in salary offers.
Effective places to find jobs include:
- Official hospital and clinic websites
- Licensed international recruitment agencies
- European healthcare job portals
- Professional midwifery associations
Avoid unofficial social media offers promising instant visas or guaranteed jobs with upfront payments. Legitimate employers never ask applicants to pay for visa sponsorship. Applying through trusted channels protects your finances and increases your success rate.
Working in the Netherlands as Midwives
Working as a midwife in the Netherlands is professionally rewarding and financially stable, especially for sponsored foreign workers.
In 2026, midwives enjoy one of the highest levels of autonomy in Europe, with salaries that support comfortable living and long-term savings.
A typical workweek ranges from 36 to 40 hours, with flexible schedules and compensated night or weekend shifts.
Monthly earnings often increase by €800 to €1,500 through overtime and shift allowances. This structure allows you to plan your finances, support family back home, and still save toward retirement.
Work environments are modern, well-equipped, and collaborative. Midwives work closely with obstetricians, nurses, and pediatric specialists.
The Dutch healthcare system places strong trust in midwives, especially in community and home birth settings, which increases job satisfaction.
Living costs vary by location. While cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht have higher rent, salaries are also higher. Regional areas offer lower housing costs with similar base pay, improving your net income.
As a sponsored worker, you also benefit from:
- Universal healthcare access
- Paid maternity and parental leave
- Strong worker protections
- Pathway to permanent residence after five years
For many international midwives, working in the Netherlands is not just a job, it is a long-term lifestyle upgrade.
Why Employers in the Netherlands Wants to Sponsor Midwives
Employers in the Netherlands actively sponsor midwives because the demand far exceeds local supply.
In 2026, the country faces an ongoing shortage driven by population growth, increased birth rates in urban areas, and retirements within the healthcare workforce.
Sponsoring foreign midwives allows employers to maintain service quality and meet government healthcare standards.
Without international recruitment, many hospitals and clinics would face staff shortages that directly affect patient care and revenue.
From a financial perspective, sponsorship makes sense. Employers invest in visa and relocation payments upfront, but they gain long-term, committed professionals who stay for several years. This reduces recruitment costs and improves workforce stability.
International midwives also bring diverse experience and advanced training, especially from countries with strong healthcare systems. This improves clinical outcomes and supports training for local staff.
Key reasons employers sponsor include:
- Severe national shortage of qualified midwives
- Long-term workforce planning and retention
- Government support for skilled immigration
- Improved patient care and service coverage
When an employer sponsors you, it is because they need you. Understanding this gives you confidence to negotiate salaries, benefits, and relocation support during the application process.
FAQ about Midwifery Jobs in the Netherlands
Can foreign midwives get jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship?
Yes, foreign midwives can apply for and secure jobs in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship. In 2026, many hospitals and maternity clinics actively recruit internationally due to staff shortages, offering salaries from €55,000 to €95,000 yearly with full immigration support.
What is the average salary for midwives in the Netherlands?
The average salary for midwives ranges from €4,200 to €6,800 per month. Specialist and senior roles can earn up to €8,500 monthly, especially in large cities and private clinics.
Do I need to speak Dutch before applying?
You can apply without fluent Dutch, but you must be willing to learn. Most employers require you to reach B1 or B2 level within a set period and often pay for language training as part of the job package.
How long does the visa process take for midwives?
Once you receive a job offer, the visa process usually takes 6 to 12 weeks. Employers handle most of the immigration paperwork, making the process faster for sponsored applicants.
Can my family move with me to the Netherlands?
Yes, sponsored midwives can bring their spouse and children. Family members receive residence permits, access to healthcare, and the right to work or study in the Netherlands.
Are midwifery qualifications from Nigeria accepted in the Netherlands?
Yes, Nigerian midwifery qualifications are accepted, subject to credential assessment and registration. Many Nigerian midwives are currently working in Dutch hospitals and clinics under sponsored visas.
Is permanent residence possible through midwifery jobs?
Yes, after five years of legal employment and residence, sponsored midwives can apply for permanent residence and later Dutch citizenship, making it a strong long-term immigration pathway.