The Dutch tech market has always been one of Europe’s most innovative and internationally connected. Heading into 2026, that momentum continues, but with a shift in where companies are investing, how candidates are upskilling, and what compensation looks like after a turbulent few years.
For hiring managers, these changes bring opportunity, but also new challenges. Finding niche talent, understanding market expectations, and securing the right people at the right time is becoming increasingly complex
We spoke with Lewis Gage, Executive Consultant for the Netherlands, to unpack what’s driving the tech hiring landscape this year and what businesses should prepare for.
AI, Cybersecurity & Cloud Take Centre Stage
When asked which tech sectors will dominate demand in 2026, Lewis says he sees a clear pattern emerging: “AI, Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing are going to be the highest‑demand sectors across the Netherlands.”
Because the Netherlands sits at the heart of the Benelux region, home to several major EU institutions (including the European Commission), the country plays a critical role in continental data governance, infrastructure, and digital security. This makes security-focused technologists especially important.
What this means for hiring managers
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These skills are already in short supply
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Competition will increase as more organisations invest in digital transformation
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Candidates with EU-focused security or compliance experience will be especially difficult to hire
Salaries Are Rising Again After the Post‑2021 Reset
After the dramatic spikes of 2021–2022 and the drop that followed, salaries began stabilising in 2025. Now, in 2026, compensation is trending upward again.
Lewis explains: “Based on how 2025 closed out and looking ahead to 2026, we can see salaries starting to creep back up to where they used to be.”
This isn’t another 2021-style salary surge, but it is a steady rise, especially across mid‑senior engineering, data, and security positions. For businesses that are looking to hire, it’s going to be vital that they have accurate salary benchmarks to avoid overpaying and have the time needed to manage the candidate journey correctly.
Developers Are Shifting Into Infrastructure to Stay Relevant
One surprising trend for 2026: More Software Developers are deliberately moving into infrastructure-focused roles.
Lewis has seen the trend firsthand: “With current shifts in the market, I’ve noticed a lot more Software Developers branching into Infrastructure to keep their skills relevant in a fluctuating market.”
In short, candidates are future‑proofing, and it’s reshaping the talent landscape.
Dutch Regulations Continue to Shape Contractor Demand
The Netherlands has one of the most unique freelancer ecosystems in Europe — and the DBA Act (Deregulering Beoordeling Arbeidsrelaties) remains one of the biggest factors shaping hiring.
In practice, this affects:
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How companies assess contractor independence
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The types of roles companies feel safe outsourcing
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The administrative burden for both clients and freelancers
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The willingness of businesses to hire contractors at scale
With discussions around potential tax reductions or reforms, the market is watching closely. Reduced tax pressure on contractors may boost freelancer activity and make project‑based staffing more attractive again — especially for fast-moving tech teams.
Clients will need to be extra vigilant and conscious about:
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Contractor engagement duration
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Compliance expectations
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Role structure
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Budget flexibility
A third‑party agency can manage contractor compliance, screen for correct classification, and handle the administrative weight — allowing hiring managers to stay focused on delivery and project planning.
Advice for Clients Building Their 2026 Tech Hiring Strategy
Based on everything unfolding in the Dutch tech ecosystem, here’s the advice Lewis believes matters most:
“Start building your pipeline earlier than you think. High-demand talent, especially in AI, Cybersecurity and Cloud, is getting harder to secure, so the companies that engage candidates early and provide clarity around projects, flexibility and budgets will win.”
If you wait until you need talent, you’re already behind your competitors.
Final Thoughts: 2026 Is a Year of Reset and Realignment
The Netherlands tech market in 2026 is steady but evolving. Demand is increasing, salaries are rising, and candidates are diversifying their skillsets.
We’re seeing:
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Renewed demand in critical tech sectors
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A slow rise in compensation
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Candidates adapting their skillsets
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Regulations continuing to shape hiring models
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Employers preparing for long‑term digital resilience
Hiring managers who stay ahead of these shifts — and who leverage specialist partners to source niche talent, manage complex hiring processes, and provide real-time market intelligence — will fill roles faster, more effectively, and with far less internal strain.
If you're planning to hire in 2026, now is the time to get ahead.
Looking to build your tech team in the Netherlands this year? Get in touch today.
