Would you like to work in the Netherlands with your partner or friends but don't know if it's possible? The good news is that yes, you can , especially in sectors such as logistics and production. The key is understanding how the system works: you need compatible shifts, shared accommodation near work and, ideally, some flexibility with schedules. In this article we explain exactly which factors speed up placing you together, how to indicate it in your application so you are prioritised for vacancies, and which sectors offer the most real opportunities. You can find up-to-date offers ready for you to apply to here.
Quick summary: is it feasible to go together?
Yes, it is entirely feasible , especially in sectors with constant high demand for staff. Logistics, production, hospitality and agricultural work are the areas where most couples and groups of friends manage to start at the same time. In technical or industrial sectors it is also possible, although it depends more on positions being available at the same time and on your level of qualification.
The practical rule is simple: you need to be in the same accommodation (or very close), have shifts that don't overlap too much, and have viable transport between home and work. The better your level of English and the more flexible you are with schedules and location, the faster you can be matched to the same destination. If one of you has a driving licence and can use the company car or share a vehicle, you multiply your options.
Sectors and roles where it is easiest to go as a couple or with friends
Logistics and warehouse
Preparación de pedidos, empaquetado, operarios de carretilla… Estos puestos tienen rotación constante y muchísimas vacantes abiertas. Las empresas suelen ofrecer alojamiento cercano a los centros de trabajo, lo que facilita que os coloquen juntos. No necesitáis experiencia previa en la mayoría de casos. Revisa aquí las ofertas en logística.
Production and factory
Líneas de montaje, envasado, control de calidad… Sectores como alimentación, automoción o electrónica contratan regularmente y organizan el alojamiento a través de agencias o directamente. Es habitual que acepten parejas y amigos porque necesitan cubrir muchos puestos a la vez. Aplica aquí a las ofertas en producción.
Technical and industrial
Soldadura, operarios CNC, electricistas, mecánicos… Las condiciones suelen ser mejores (salario, turnos, alojamiento), pero aquí el matching conjunto depende de que haya vacantes específicas abiertas al mismo tiempo. Si tenéis formación técnica y buen nivel de inglés, las posibilidades aumentan.
Accommodation for couples and groups: how it really works
In most cases, accommodation is provided by the agency or employer . It is usually shared: single or double rooms in houses or apartments with other workers. If you are a couple, you are prioritised for a private room when possible, although you won't always be able to choose the exact type of home or area.
What does matter is that the accommodation is close to the workplace . Many companies organise van transport (shuttle) for morning and afternoon shifts. If the accommodation is far away and there is no shuttle, you will need a car or bicycle. That is why location and available transport determine whether you can be placed together and on which shifts.
Sometimes it is possible to share a car with other colleagues or rent one between several people. If one of you has a licence, that opens many more doors. Click here for more information about accommodation in the Netherlands .
Shifts and transport: the key to joint matching
Transport is critical . If you depend on the company shuttle or a colleague giving you a lift, you will be given shifts that match the established routes. If you have a licence and are willing to work early morning or night shifts, the chances of being put on the same shift rise considerably.
Without a licence , look for offers where the accommodation is well connected: guaranteed shuttle, a reasonable cycling distance (10-15 km), or decent public transport from where you are staying. In rural areas this can be more complicated, so always ask before accepting.
If one drives and the other doesn't, you can organise things perfectly well: the driver takes the company car and gives the other a lift. Many couples and groups of friends work this way without any problems.
English and aptitude: how much they matter
Functional English (B1 level or higher) makes things much easier. Not just for daily life, but because companies can give you direct instructions, assign you to mixed teams and coordinate shifts without misunderstandings. If you both have a good level, state it clearly in the application.
Cuando enviéis vuestros CVs, aseguraos de que estén actualizados y sean coherentes entre sí . Si uno pone disponibilidad inmediata y el otro dice «a partir de dentro de un mes», se complica el matching. Igual con las fechas: si queréis incorporaros juntos, que se note en ambos documentos.
In the application or first message, add a joint note with your English levels and shift availability (including early morning or night if applicable). That speeds up the assessment and avoids surprises. During the interview there will probably be a simple English test to assess your level. Find more information about the level of English required to work in the Netherlands here .
Realistic timescales and how to speed up starting together
Synchronisation depends on three things : open vacancies in the same sector or company, available accommodation with space for two or more people, and transport that works for both of you.
The most flexible profiles, willing to work in logistics or production, with decent English and mobility, usually start within 2 to 4 weeks . If you are more demanding about location or type of work, it can take 6-8 weeks or more.
To speed up the process:
Have your documents ready : valid passport/ID card, updated CVs, certificates if you have them.
Indicate immediate availability or a specific shared date.
Prepare travel options: if a last-minute place comes up in the same accommodation, being able to move quickly gives you an advantage.
Be open to the accommodation and transport proposals you are offered, even if they aren't your first choice.
Common mistakes that keep you out of the same destination
Not saying that you are a couple or group
This is mistake number one. If you don't specify it in the initial form or first message, you are treated as separate candidates. Afterwards it is much harder to reorganise everything.
Misaligned CVs or different availability
If the CVs don't match on dates, experience or language level, the agency doesn't know how to pair you. Check them before sending.
Demanding a specific city or neighbourhood
The Netherlands doesn't work like that. Accommodation is decided by the employer based on where they have vacancies and available housing. If you limit yourselves to a single city, you reduce your options to almost zero.
Turning down key shifts
Sometimes you are offered afternoon or night shifts because they are the ones that best synchronise your schedules and transport. If you turn them down without flexibility, you will probably be split up or take much longer to find something together.
Joint application checklist (step by step)
Step 1: State that you are going as a couple or group
In the form or first message, make it clear that there are two (or more) of you and that you want to go together. Include full names and each person's level of English.
Step 2: Confirm availability and arrival date
Indicad la misma fecha de incorporación y vuestra disponibilidad de turnos (mañana, tarde, noche, rotativo…). Cuanto más amplia, mejor.
Step 3: Provide information about mobility
Does either of you have a driving licence? Are you willing to use the company car or share a vehicle? This is pure gold for matching.
Step 4: Upload consistent CVs
Similar format, aligned dates, same availability. If you have language certificates or technical training, attach them too.
Step 5: Accept the proposed accommodation and transport
Si os ofrecen una solución viable (alojamiento del empleador, shuttle, distancia en bici…), aceptadla. Es la forma más rápida de empezar juntos.
FAQs about going with a partner or friends
Will we always have the same room and shift?
We try to prioritise private rooms for couples and compatible shifts, but it depends on available accommodation and the company's needs. It isn't a 100% guarantee, although it is the norm.
Can we choose the exact city?
Normalmente no. Es más realista filtrar por zonas amplias (por ejemplo, «región de Randstad» o «alrededores de Eindhoven») donde haya varias vacantes y alojamiento para dos o más personas.
Do we need our own car?
No. There are many options with a company shuttle, bicycle or colleagues who drive. But having a licence and being available to drive opens many more doors and speeds up the process.
Is it possible to start in different weeks?
Yes, technically it is possible, but it greatly reduces the chances of being placed in the same accommodation and shift. Ideally you should synchronise your arrival so you are treated as a package from the start.
Ready to apply together?
If you want us to prioritise you for compatible vacancies with coordinated accommodation and transport, upload your CV to our open application and mention it so we can start the joint process . You can also contact us directly by email ( info@ijc.es ) to check which sectors have accommodation available right now and when you could leave.
Important : Always say if you are going with someone. That activates the joint process from minute one.
Comparison table: Couple/Friends vs Individual
Variable
Couple/Friends
Individual
Accommodation options
Depends on availability for 2+ people; private room when possible
Greater flexibility; any free room
Chance of the same shift
Medium-high if there is shared transport and flexibility
Not applicable
Need for mobility
Important; a licence or shuttle helps a lot
Less critical; more varied options
Matching speed
2-6 weeks (depending on sector and flexibility)
1-4 weeks (standard profiles)
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