Seasonal floriculture jobs in the Netherlands: tulips, bulbs and greenhouses

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Seasonal floriculture in the Netherlands

The Netherlands dominates the global flower and bulb trade. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and lilies grow in open fields, while roses, chrysanthemums, gerberas and pot plants are grown under glass all year round for export across Europe and beyond.

Seasonal workers are needed at every stage: topping flowers in the fields, lifting bulbs, peeling and sorting, autumn planting, and harvesting and packing cut flowers in greenhouses. Many come from other European countries and work through a staffing agency.

Flower regions

The Bollenstreek, between Lisse, Hillegom, Noordwijkerhout and Teylingen, is the historic bulb region around Keukenhof. North Holland, particularly the north of the province, now has the largest acreage. Westland and Aalsmeer concentrate greenhouses and flower auctions.

The season calendar

Fields bloom from March to May, the bulb season, with many jobs in the Bollenstreek. Lifting and processing bulbs fill the summer, planting the autumn. In greenhouses, peaks come before Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Daily tasks

In the fields, workers remove flower heads to strengthen the bulb, watch for disease and harvest. In sheds, bulbs are sorted and counted on processing lines. In greenhouses, staff cut, grade, bunch and load trolleys for the auction.

Who can work in Dutch floriculture?

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland work freely with a valid passport or ID card. They need a BSN citizen service number from the municipality or an RNI desk to be paid and taxed.

Non-EU nationals

Workers from outside the EEA need a work permit. For jobs of up to 90 days, the employer applies to UWV for a TWV. For longer stays with residence in the Netherlands, a combined GVVA permit is requested from the IND.

Limited access in practice

Authorities first check whether Dutch or European candidates are available. For low-skilled floriculture jobs, permits for non-Europeans are therefore rare, and no specific seasonal visa route is realistically open to individual applicants.

Age and insurance

Work is possible from age 15 or 16 with restrictions, but agencies usually require applicants to be 18 for live-in roles. Anyone employed in the Netherlands must take out Dutch health insurance, except in certain posting situations.

Pay and working conditions

The gross hourly minimum wage was €14.71 from 1 January 2026 and has been €14.99 since 1 July 2026 from age 21. At 20 it is €11.99 and at 19 €8.99 in the second half of the year.

Collective agreements

Greenhouses fall under the Cao Glastuinbouw, whose lowest step follows the minimum wage; a new agreement covers April 2026 to March 2027. Agency workers fall under the agency agreement but usually receive the pay set by the greenhouse agreement.

Agency housing

Many agencies offer accommodation in shared houses or holiday parks. Deductions from the minimum wage are capped at 25%, and the government plans a five-point reduction each year from 2026, followed by a ban in 2030.

Separate tenancy and transport

Rental law requires a tenancy agreement separate from the employment contract. Transport to the fields or greenhouses is often organised by minibus. Check whether its cost is deducted and whether travel time is paid.

Steps to find a flower job

Recruitment starts in January for the bulb season and continues all year in greenhouses. Agencies often recruit abroad, but candidates already in the country can also visit local agencies in Lisse, Hillegom or Naaldwijk.

1. Check your right to work: EU nationality or a TWV or GVVA permit.
2. Choose between bulb fields, shed processing and cut-flower greenhouses.
3. Apply through recognised agencies or portals such as EURES and werk.nl.
4. Ask for a written contract in a language you understand, stating cao, pay and hours.
5. Check the tenancy, rent and any deductions separately.
6. Get your BSN and take out Dutch health insurance.
7. Check every payslip, especially hours, holiday allowance and deductions.

Common mistakes to avoid

Abuse mainly affects workers housed by their agency, whose job and accommodation are linked. Several warning signs help identify a risky offer before you travel or sign anything.

• Paying recruitment or placement fees: agencies are not allowed to charge them.
• Accepting housing without a separate tenancy or a clear amount.
• Working without a BSN or payslip.
• Ignoring the applicable cao and the real hourly rate.
• Travelling without Dutch health insurance.
• Believing a tourist visa allows work in the flower sector.

Floriculture FAQ

The answers below summarise the situation in autumn 2026. The minimum wage changes on 1 January and 1 July, and rules on migrant worker housing are evolving, so always check official sources before signing.

When can you work in the tulip fields?

Flowering runs from March to May, with topping and flower harvesting. June to August is devoted to lifting and processing bulbs, and autumn to planting bulbs for the following season.

Do you need to speak Dutch?

No, not for most production jobs. Instructions are often given in English or in the team’s language, and agencies employ multilingual coordinators. Some Dutch is still an asset for moving up to team leader roles.

Does Keukenhof hire seasonal staff?

Yes, the park opens in spring and hires for reception, catering, maintenance and retail, directly or through regional agencies. Applications are generally made during the winter before opening.

Can you work in greenhouses all year?

Yes, the greenhouses of Westland and Aalsmeer produce continuously. Temporary contracts can be extended outside peak periods, allowing some seasonal workers to stay several months or even move to a direct contract.