Remote Work in the Netherlands: The New Normal is Here to Stay

If you’ve recently moved to the country or have been navigating the Dutch labor market for a while, you’ve probably noticed something: the Dutch really value their flexibility. Whether it’s to avoid the morning rush hour on the A10 or just to be home for the plumber, remote work has become a staple of professional life in the Netherlands.

And it’s not just a feeling. New data released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) confirms that the Netherlands remains a frontrunner in digitalization and flexible working. As of 2026, the dust has settled on the remote work revolution, and the results are looking solid.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

In 2025, a massive 80% of companies in the Netherlands allowed their staff to work remotely. That’s a huge majority of businesses acknowledging that work doesn’t always have to happen within four office walls.

But offering it is one thing; actually doing it is another. The data show that about 61% of employees were able to take advantage of remote work options.

If you look back a bit further, the growth is impressive. In 2012, only 22% of employees could work remotely. That number climbed steadily, spiked massively during the pandemic, and has now stabilized. Since 2022, the rates have remained virtually unchanged. It seems we’ve hit the “sweet spot” of hybrid working.

Who Gets to Stay Home?

If you are hunting for a job that lets you work in your sweatpants (at least from the waist down), the industry you pick matters.

According to the latest figures, the Real Estate sector is the undisputed champion of remote work. A staggering 98% of real estate companies support it, and 90% of their employees can work remotely.

Close behind are the usual suspects: Financial Services and Information and Communication (IT). In both sectors, 95% of companies have set up remote infrastructure. If you work in finance, you have a 96% chance of being able to work from home.

On the flip side, some jobs require you to be there in person. It’s hard to serve a perfect cappuccino or change a bedsheet over Zoom. That’s why the Accommodation and Food Services (Hospitality) sector has the lowest rates, with only 20% of employees able to work remotely.

Size Matters

When you are looking at potential employers, keep in mind that larger organizations are generally more equipped for flexible setups.

Big Corporations (250+ employees): You’re almost guaranteed flexibility here, with 96% of these companies offering remote options.
Mid-sized Companies (50-249 employees): Still very high, at 92%.
Smaller Companies (10-49 employees): Slightly lower, but still a respectable 76%.

A Modern Outlook

What does this mean for you as an expat in the Netherlands? It confirms that this country is serious about work-life balance. The fact that these numbers have held steady since 2022 shows that remote work wasn’t just a panic response to a crisis—it’s a permanent fixture of the Dutch economy.

The Netherlands continues to prove it is a digital powerhouse. With high-speed internet practically everywhere and a business culture that trusts employees to manage their own output, it’s arguably one of the best places in Europe to build a career that fits your lifestyle. So, go ahead and set up that home office. It looks like you’re going to be using it for the long haul.

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