Earn €39,000 as a Construction Worker in the Netherlands with Visa Sponsorship

Working abroad is a dream for many construction workers. The Netherlands is among the top destinations for people seeking higher wages, good working conditions, and strong labor laws. If you’re a non-EU citizen considering construction work in the Netherlands, you might aim for a salary around €39,000 per year (gross). In this guide, you’ll learn whether that goal is realistic, how to secure a visa sponsorship, what requirements are involved, what employers look for, tips to maximize your earnings, and how to use negotiation to your benefit.

1. A Snapshot: Construction Worker Salaries in the Netherlands

Before deciding on €39,000, it helps to see what the average salary is for construction workers in the Netherlands:

• The average annual salary for a construction worker in the Netherlands is around €35,956 gross. (Average Salary Survey)
• Monthly salaries vary depending on experience, location (e.g. Amsterdam, Utrecht, rural vs urban), and specialization. (Salary Explorer)
• For example, in Amsterdam, a construction worker might earn ~ €1,640/month as a base for non-specialist work. (Salary Explorer)

So, €39,000 per year is higher than the average, but achievable under the right conditions: specialization, experience, working in high-cost or high–demand areas, overtime, extra responsibilities, or working for employers offering visa sponsorship.

2. What Visa Sponsorship Means & How It Works in the Netherlands

If you’re from a non-EU / non-EEA country, you’ll need both a residence permit and a work permit to work legally in the Netherlands. Two main permit types are relevant:

• TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) – a work permit. Employers must apply for this for non-EEA citizens. (Government.nl)
• GVVA (Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid) – single permit that combines residence + work permit. Applies if you’ll work for more than 3 months. (business.gov.nl)

To get visa sponsorship, your employer must be willing / able to apply for these permits and satisfy legal requirements (salary, labor market tests, etc.).

3. Can You Actually Earn €39,000 as a Construction Worker?

Achieving a gross income of €39,000/year in construction is possible with certain factors in your favor:

• Working full-time, often 36-40 hours per week.
• Having a specialized skill (electrician, tiler, welder, heavy machine operator, specialized finishers).
• Working in or near big cities (Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam) where cost of living is higher and wages tend to be better.
• Taking on overtime, night shifts, or working in tougher conditions.
• Being employed by firms that pay well and offer bonuses or perks (such as housing stipend, travel allowance).

For example, salaries of €35,000-€45,000 are seen for more experienced or skilled construction roles, especially when factoring in overtime or extra duties. Job listings in NL sometimes show ranges like €36,000-€39,000 for roles requiring higher responsibility. (Indeed)

So while €39,000 is above the mean for general laborers, it’s quite plausible for skilled, experienced workers.

4. Key Requirements for Non-EU Construction Workers

If you’re aiming for visa sponsorship and a higher wage, you need to meet certain requirements:

• Be from a non-EU / non-EEA country (if you are EU/EEA, you generally don’t need a permit) (Government.nl)
• Employer willing to apply for TWV or GVVA depending on duration of contract. (Government.nl)
• The job must often be advertised / shown that no suitable candidate in the EU could fill it — especially under TWV. (Government.nl)
• Meet basic qualifications: relevant experience, sometimes vocational training or certificates, ability to communicate (often in English or Dutch).
• Be legally eligible: clean background checks, legal status to reside, etc.

5. How to Find Employers That Sponsor Visas

To reach the goal of earning €39,000 with visa sponsorship, you need to target employers who are already doing this. Possible ways:

• Use job boards with filters like “visa sponsorship”, “non-EU candidates”, etc. Websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed NL, Monster NL.
• Seek construction companies working on big infrastructure or housing projects. Big firms often have more resources and are more willing to sponsor.
• Network with foreign worker communities in the NL: forums, Facebook groups, Telegram/WhatsApp groups – people share leads on employers who sponsor.
• Contact recruitment or outsourcing companies specializing in foreign hires.
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to mention you need sponsorship so employers know upfront.

6. Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

To push your salary toward or beyond €39,000:

• Specialize: become certified in high-demand areas (e.g. electrical, plumbing, welding, steelworks, finishing, concreting).
• Learn Dutch basics: even rudimentary understanding can give you a leg up. Some employers prefer or require some Dutch.
• Take overtime and extra shifts. Many construction contracts allow overtime pay or bonuses.
• Optimize location: living further out might reduce your costs, but working in urban or high-cost zones often pays more.
• Move up: foreman, supervisor, machine operator roles typically earn more.

7. How to Negotiate Better Pay & Perks

If you’ve got a job offer or are in talks, negotiate—not just about salary, but entire package. Here’s how:

• Research and know the going rates in the NL for your level, skill, and area. Use sites like SalaryExplorer, AverageSalarySurvey.
• Ask for a clear contract with hours, overtime rules, allowances (location, travel), and perks.
• Emphasize what you bring: skills, ability to start quickly, previous experience, certifications.
• Be polite, confident, and realistic. Aim high but understand the employer’s cost (taxes, permits).
• If needed, propose trial periods or probation so the employer sees your performance first.

8. What Employers Look for in Sponsored Workers

Employers who are willing to sponsor expect certain things in return. To be attractive:

• Reliability, good work ethic. They need someone they can depend on because permitting and administrative work are costly.
• Skills that are in short supply locally. If you’re specialized, make that clear.
• Legal readiness: you have proper documentation, willingness to comply with rules.
• Clear communication skills (English, or Dutch if required).
• Adaptability to work culture, safety regulations, and perhaps willingness to relocate or travel.

9. Challenges to Be Aware Of

While the opportunity is real, there are caveats:

• Permit delays & paperwork: TWV and GVVA applications can take time.
• Cost of living: NL is expensive, especially housing, transport, healthcare. Even with €39,000 gross, after tax and expenses, net income may be modest.
• Competition: many EU / EEA citizens are eligible to work freely in NL. Employers often prefer candidates who need less administrative work.
• Language barriers: in many projects, Dutch language helps for safety training, supervision etc.

Earning €39,000/year as a construction worker in the Netherlands with visa sponsorship is ambitious—but it’s within reach. With specialization, experience, the right employer, and strong negotiation, you can surpass average wages. Understand the visa system, present yourself as a high-value candidate, and aim for roles where your skills set you apart.

If you follow the steps above—researching salaries, finding sponsoring employers, building skills, and negotiating—you’ll increase your chances of securing both visa sponsorship and a higher income.