Netherlands
Your expert guide to modeling in the Netherlands, focusing on Amsterdam's commercial, e-commerce, and editorial demands, agency standards, and direct submission via SendModels.
How to Become a Model in the Netherlands: Your Essential Guide
The Current State of Modeling in the Netherlands
The Netherlands, primarily focused on Amsterdam, is a robust and sophisticated European market with a strong emphasis on commercial, e-commerce, and lifestyle modeling. Amsterdam serves as a major hub for international brands due to its central location and multilingual, professional environment. The Dutch market values models who project approachability, diversity, and a clean, healthy, and often minimalist aesthetic. It’s an excellent market for reliable commercial and catalogue work.
Essential Requirements for Modeling in the Netherlands
General Requirements and Local Standards
To be seriously considered by top Dutch agencies, models must demonstrate health, strong professionalism, and an appealing commercial look.
Height (Editorial/Fashion): Models are typically required to be between 5'8" and 6'0" (female) or 5'11" and 6'2" (male). The expansive commercial and fit markets are often more forgiving on height but prioritize excellent proportion.
Age Range: New faces are generally scouted between 16 and 22. The Netherlands has a very strong and consistent market for models of all ages (including mature and classic models) for corporate and lifestyle advertising.
Local Visual Standards: Agencies here highly value a natural, healthy, and accessible look. Diversity is actively sought, and models should be able to convey professionalism and trustworthiness for corporate and e-commerce clients.
Local Work Compliance: Non-EU citizens must secure the appropriate work permits or visas to model legally in the Netherlands. Agencies are highly compliant with labor laws and will only sign talent who can legally work in the EU/Schengen area.
The Traditional Submission Challenge
Traditionally, contacting the leading Dutch agencies—such as Paparazzi Model Management, Max Models, or The Fabbrica—requires highly professional and targeted submissions. The market operates efficiently and demands clear commercial potential, especially for e-commerce. Manual email submissions are easily lost in high volumes, particularly for international talent competing against a strong local base of commercial models.
Our Solution: Direct Submission to the Top Dutch Agencies
SendModels was specifically created to solve this challenge. Instead of manually applying to dozens of firms, we allow you to focus your energy on perfecting your portfolio.
For just $10, we guarantee your professional profile is instantly delivered to the Top 20 most reputable and active modeling agencies operating within the Netherlands (focused predominantly on Amsterdam). Our system ensures your submission is properly formatted to meet their exact industry standards, guaranteeing your talent lands on the right desk.
How to Prepare Your Portfolio for the Dutch Market
Your portfolio must immediately convey professionalism, health, and commercial suitability for the diverse Dutch market. Focus on the following key assets:
1. Digitals (Polaroids)
These are crucial. Agencies require clean, high-quality, unedited digitals.
Requirements: Simple, clear lighting, clean background. Neutral clothing, natural look. Include shots that clearly show a fit, healthy physique, essential for lifestyle and sportswear clients.
2. Commercial and E-commerce Shots
Since e-commerce and commercial work are the market's backbone, professional shots demonstrating versatile posing, clear product focus, and an accessible, engaging personality are highly effective.
3. Diversity and Professionalism
Shots demonstrating clean makeup and hair are essential. The market values models who can look both high-fashion and relatable for a wide variety of clients.
Next Step: Launch Your Dutch Career Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which city is the main modeling hub in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is the major hub for modeling in the Netherlands, hosting the leading agencies, casting directors, and international clients.
Is the Netherlands a good market for beginners?
Yes. It is a stable market with consistent commercial work, offering a professional environment for New Faces to gain experience and build their portfolio before moving to larger fashion capitals.
Is knowledge of Dutch necessary for work?
No. English is widely and fluently spoken by almost all agency staff, clients, and professionals in the fashion industry in the Netherlands, making it one of the easiest markets for English-speaking international models.
How is accommodation and pay typically managed for international models?
Agencies usually assist international models with shared model apartment accommodation in Amsterdam, with costs deducted from future earnings. The pay structure is professional and competitive for the European commercial market.
Does the Dutch market have strong demand for plus-size or curve models?
Yes. The Netherlands is highly progressive and has a robust and established market for curve, plus-size, and diverse body types in both commercial and fashion sectors, driven by local and international brands.
