The practical answer
Write the CV in English if the vacancy is in English. Use a Dutch-market structure, state your Dutch level clearly, and aim at roles where English is a realistic working language. Do not translate your CV into Dutch just to look local if you cannot interview or work in Dutch.
Use English when the vacancy is English
If the job ad and team language are English, an English CV is usually the clearest choice. Do not submit weak Dutch just to look local.
Show Dutch level honestly
A1 or A2 is not a failure. It is useful information. Add active learning only if it is true and current.
Target roles where English can work
Tech, data, SaaS, finance, logistics, research, international support, and multinational teams often accept English. Local customer-facing roles may not.
The CV formula
Header
Name, target role, city or relocation timing, email, phone, LinkedIn, and portfolio if relevant.
Profile
Three to five lines explaining what you do, your experience level, your strongest proof, and the English-speaking role you are targeting.
Language section
List English, Dutch, and other languages with clear levels. Use CEFR terms when possible.
Experience
Use recent experience first. Translate unfamiliar job titles into plain English and add proof bullets.
Skills
Prioritize tools, systems, industry knowledge, and technical skills that match English-language Dutch vacancies.
Eligibility context
Mention right to work, relocation timing, or sponsorship need only when it reduces confusion for the recruiter.
How to write your Dutch level
The goal is not to make weak Dutch sound strong. The goal is to remove doubt.
Avoid
Dutch: basic
Use instead
Dutch: A2, currently taking weekly lessons. English: C1 professional.
Avoid
No Dutch yet
Use instead
Dutch: beginner A1. Targeting English-speaking software and data roles.
Avoid
Learning Dutch
Use instead
Dutch: A2 reading and daily conversation, not yet for customer-facing writing.
More realistic without Dutch
- Software engineering, data, cloud, security, and product roles in international teams.
- SaaS customer support for English-speaking markets.
- Finance, accounting, and reporting roles where the company language is English.
- Logistics coordination in international operations, when local-language customer contact is limited.
- Research, PhD, university, and international student-facing environments.
Harder without Dutch
- Healthcare roles with direct Dutch-speaking patient contact.
- Education roles in Dutch-language schools.
- Public-sector or municipality roles.
- Retail, hospitality, and local service jobs where most customer contact is Dutch.
- Junior office roles where phone, admin, and local stakeholder work are mostly in Dutch.
Useful phrases you can copy
Use only the phrases that are true for your situation. Do not add sponsorship or eligibility wording if it creates confusion rather than clarity.
- Based in Rotterdam; available from August 2026.
- Relocating to the Netherlands in September 2026.
- English: C1 professional. Dutch: A2, currently taking lessons.
- Eligible to work in the Netherlands.
- Requires employer sponsorship for Netherlands work authorization.
- Targeting English-speaking data analyst roles in international teams.
Build the CV in English, structure it for Dutch recruiters
Start with an English CV template, add honest language levels, and keep the first page focused on role fit. You can edit for free and pay only when you download the PDF.
Related guides
Dutch CV template in English
Start from a local structure without translating your CV into weak Dutch.
English-speaking companies in the Netherlands
Use this when your next question is where English-only applications are more realistic.
Highly skilled migrant CV
Useful if sponsorship, IND salary thresholds, or employer recognition may affect your application.
7 Dutch CV mistakes English-speaking applicants make
Use this if you want to check whether your existing CV is sending the wrong signal.
English CV example Netherlands
See practical wording before writing your own profile and experience bullets.
LinkedIn to CV Netherlands
Turn your LinkedIn profile into a focused CV when you do not know where to start.
FAQ
Can I apply for jobs in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch?
Yes, especially for English-speaking roles in international teams. But your CV should make the working language, Dutch level, location, and role fit clear instead of making the recruiter guess.
Should I translate my CV into Dutch if my Dutch is weak?
Usually no. For English-language roles, a clear English CV is safer than a Dutch CV you cannot confidently explain in an interview.
How should I write Dutch A1 or A2 on my CV?
Write it plainly, for example: Dutch: A2, currently taking weekly lessons. Avoid vague terms such as basic or conversational unless you add context.
Should I mention sponsorship on my CV?
Mention work authorization or sponsorship when it helps the recruiter understand your situation quickly. Keep it factual and short.
Sources checked
Last reviewed on June 25, 2026. These sources support the page guidance; your final wording should still match the vacancy and your legal work situation.
Work in NL - CV
Official guidance that a CV for the Netherlands should clearly show who you are, what you can do, and where you have worked.
Government.nl - Work permits
Official context on when work permits may be needed for foreign nationals working in the Netherlands.
Europass - Create your CV
European CV guidance on focusing on facts, tailoring the CV, and making it readable.