The EU Talent Pool and the Netherlands
A new EU-wide platform matches employers in Europe with jobseekers who live outside the EU. Here is what it is, when it starts, whether the Netherlands takes part – and how you can already work in the Netherlands today.
Last checked: 26 October 2026Key facts at a glance
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 of 29 April 2026 |
| In force since | 1 June 2026 |
| Platform online | Expected by the end of 2027 (European Commission) |
| Participation of EU countries | Voluntary – each country decides |
| The Netherlands | No decision yet |
| Cost for jobseekers | Free |
| Visa or residence permit | Not included – you still apply to the IND |
What is the EU Talent Pool?
The EU Talent Pool is the first EU-wide online platform for international recruitment. Employers in participating EU countries post vacancies, and jobseekers from outside the EU create a profile with their skills, qualifications, work experience and languages. The platform then suggests matches in both directions.
A matching platform
Employers can search profiles and receive suggested candidates. Jobseekers can search vacancies and receive suggested jobs.
Focused on shortages
Matching is for occupations on the EU-wide shortage list – from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare, construction and hospitality.
Free for jobseekers
Registration is free. Employers and agencies may not charge jobseekers any recruitment fee – not before and not after hiring.
Talent Partnership flag
Jobseekers trained through an EU Talent Partnership or a similar programme can show this on their profile. It is information only, not a right.
EU–India pilot: The platform will also support future EU “legal gateway” offices that help skilled workers prepare for a move to Europe. The first is a pilot with India. See eu-legal-gateway.eu.
What the EU Talent Pool is not
Not a visa or permit
A match or a job offer gives no right of entry or residence. You still need a Dutch residence permit through the normal IND procedure.
Not a new migration route
Each country keeps its own admission rules, quotas and labour market tests. The Dutch rules do not change.
Not for posting workers
The candidate must be employed directly by the employer in the country where that employer is established.
Not for trainees
Traineeships and apprenticeships are excluded. The platform is for regular jobs only.
Read more
For jobseekers
Who can register, how a match works and how to avoid scams.
For Dutch employers
Hire international staff today, without waiting for the platform.
The Netherlands
Has the Netherlands joined? The Dutch position and who decides.
Dutch permits
Highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card or single permit after a match.
Sources: Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 – EUR-Lex · European Commission – EU Talent Pool · Council of the EU – final approval · IND – Highly skilled migrant. This page is general information, not legal advice. Yari Immigration Services is an independent advisory firm and not part of the EU, the IND or the EU Talent Pool.