Seasonal restaurant jobs in the Netherlands: beaches, islands and leisure parks

This page in other languages : Français · Nederlands

Seasonal restaurant work in the Netherlands

With over four hundred kilometres of coastline, busy islands and lively domestic tourism, the Netherlands hires many seasonal hospitality staff every summer. Beach pavilions, terraces and campsites expand their teams sharply as soon as the weather turns warm.

Roles range from table and terrace service to bar work, kitchen, dishwashing and hotel breakfast service. Winter jobs exist too: ice rinks, Christmas markets, caterers and end-of-year events all recruit temporary staff for a few weeks.

Where the jobs are

Scheveningen, Zandvoort, Noordwijk and Bloemendaal have the largest concentration of beach pavilions. Zeeland attracts families and cyclists around Domburg and Cadzand. The Wadden Islands, such as Texel, Terschelling and Ameland, hire many live-in staff for the whole season.

The season calendar

Beach pavilions generally open between March and April and close in September or October. Leisure and holiday parks follow Dutch school holidays. Festivals are concentrated from May to September, with weekend peaks.

Typical roles

Waiting staff and runners serve guests on often crowded terraces. Bartenders prepare drinks and speciality coffees. In the kitchen, commis chefs and dishwashers are constantly in demand. English is often enough in tourist areas, while Dutch is a plus.

Who can work in Dutch hospitality?

Nationals of the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland work freely with a valid ID document. They need a BSN citizen service number, obtained by registering with the municipality or, for short stays, at an RNI desk.

Non-EEA nationals

A non-European worker needs a TWV, requested by the employer from UWV for a job of up to 90 days, or a GVVA from the IND for a longer stay. For a seasonal waiting job, such permits are rarely granted.

Students and young people

Foreign students holding a Dutch residence permit can work under conditions, often with limited hours during the year and no limit in summer. Minors can work in restaurants, with restricted hours and lower youth wages.

Paperwork

Dutch health insurance is mandatory for anyone employed in the Netherlands. A bank account with a European IBAN is usually enough to be paid. Large agencies often help new arrivals obtain a BSN on arrival.

Short stays of under four months are registered at an RNI desk, which several large municipalities operate. Bring your passport or ID card and, if possible, a rental agreement or employer letter showing where you will be staying during the season.

Pay and conditions in hospitality

Since 1 July 2026, the minimum wage has been €14.99 gross an hour from age 21. The Horeca cao pay table sets the same amount for job groups I to III, or €569.62 for a 38-hour week.

The 2026 pay rises

On 1 January 2026, skilled workers in groups I and II followed the 2.16% minimum wage increase, while groups III to XI received 2.5%. Non-skilled staff earn at least the minimum wage for their age.

Hours and tips

Working days follow the weather: a beach pavilion may double its team on a sunny weekend and cut hours when it rains. Tips, often shared among the team, come on top of pay but never replace the legal minimum.

Seasonal housing

On the islands and in some resorts, employers offer a room in staff housing. Rent should be agreed clearly in writing. Housing deductions from the minimum wage are capped and set to decrease gradually until 2030.

Steps to land a restaurant season

Summer recruitment starts in January for the islands and beach pavilions and continues into spring. Candidates already in the Netherlands can also walk in with a CV at venues along the coast.

1. Check your right to work and have your passport or ID card ready.
2. Write a short CV in English or Dutch showing your availability.
3. Search vacancies on werk.nl, EURES and seasonal job platforms.
4. Apply early for live-in roles on the Wadden Islands.
5. Attend a video interview or a paid trial day.
6. Get your BSN, take out health insurance and provide your IBAN.
7. Check the contract: job group, pay, hours, housing and holiday allowance.

Common mistakes

The sector is welcoming but highly flexible, which sometimes leads to vague contracts and unpaid hours. A few simple checks prevent most unpleasant surprises during the season.

• Accepting a contract without a Horeca cao job group.
• Working without a BSN or payslip.
• Accepting housing without a price or written agreement.
• Forgetting to take out Dutch health insurance.
• Accepting unpaid trial hours.

Your questions about Dutch hospitality

The answers below reflect the rules in October 2026. The minimum wage changes twice a year and the Horeca cao is renegotiated regularly, so the official KHN and government tables are the reference.

Can you work in a beach pavilion without speaking Dutch?

Yes, many venues in Zandvoort, Scheveningen or Noordwijk serve international guests and work in English. Dutch is still valued for supervisory roles and in less touristy areas.

When should you apply for an island season?

From January or February. Hotels and restaurants on Texel, Terschelling or Ameland often complete their live-in teams before Easter. Remaining jobs go in spring, sometimes for the July and August peak only.

Is holiday allowance due for a single season?

Yes, the 8% holiday allowance applies to every employee, even for a few months. It is paid in May or on leaving. Untaken paid leave must also be paid out at the end of the contract.

Are tips taxable?

Tips handed directly by guests usually do not go through payroll but remain income to declare. When the employer distributes them through payroll, the usual deductions apply.