No, a Dutch CV does not need a photo in 2026. In the Netherlands a photo is optional, and at large and international employers it's increasingly left off entirely. Some smaller, local companies still receive CVs with photos, but leaving it out is never a mistake.

Do Dutch companies expect a photo on a CV?

Mostly not. The Netherlands sits closer to the UK than to Germany or Belgium on this: recruiters at multinationals, tech companies and the big Randstad employers (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven) read a CV without a photo as completely normal. Dutch equal-treatment rules also make many employers wary of anything that invites judgement on appearance, and some organisations have experimented with anonymised applications.

Where you'll still see photos:

  • Smaller, local Dutch businesses
  • Customer-facing roles in hospitality and retail
  • Some traditional sectors outside the big cities

If you do include one, use a neutral, professional headshot, never a holiday or graduation photo.

How long should a Dutch CV be?

One to two pages. Dutch professional culture is direct, and that shows in CVs: short sections, concrete results and no padding. A recent graduate should fit on one page; two pages is the maximum for experienced candidates.

What personal details go on a Dutch CV?

Keep it minimal: name, phone, email, city and LinkedIn URL. Date of birth, marital status and a photo are optional and increasingly omitted. If you're from outside the EU, stating your work-permit or visa status saves the recruiter a question.

Will the ATS read my Dutch CV correctly?

Larger Dutch employers use the same ATS platforms as the rest of Europe (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Greenhouse, etc.). According to HAIRED's analysis of 10,000+ CVs, 73% had at least one critical ATS error, and layout problems (text boxes, sidebars, floating images) are among the most common. A single-column layout with standard headings (Work Experience / Werkervaring, Education / Opleiding, Skills / Vaardigheden) is the safest option.

Need a Dutch CV with an ATS-safe layout, with or without a photo? HAIRED's Resume Builder handles A4 format and safe photo placement by default. Want to check your current CV first? Get your free ATS score. For how other countries compare, see the full European CV photo guide.