HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Netherlands

Introduction

The Netherlands is a strategic gateway to Europe, offering world-class infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, and a thriving innovation ecosystem. Its central location provides direct access to over 500 million consumers, making it ideal for companies looking to scale internationally. With strengths in logistics, technology, life sciences, and sustainability, the Dutch market is a launchpad for global growth.

EOR & PEO Solutions in Netherlands

If you’re looking to hire employees in Netherlands without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Netherlands acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.

This model allows you to expand into Netherlands quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.

What Is an Employer of Record in Netherlands?

An Employer of Record Netherlands (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Netherlands employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Netherlands, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Netherlands but still want to hire full-time staff.

Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Netherlands hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Netherlands

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Netherlands, access top talent in Netherlands, and stay focused on business growth without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in Netherlands

Netherlands is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Netherlands successfully, it’s important to understand your options especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Netherlands.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in Netherlands makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in Netherlands

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Netherlands:

The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the Dutch market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.

Why Use an EOR to Hire in Netherlands?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in Netherlands

Understanding how employment in Netherlands works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow Dutch labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.

That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Netherlands to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in Netherlands

All employees in Netherlands must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Netherlands, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a Netherlands employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Netherlands are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in Netherlands involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Netherlands handles this for you managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.

Employee Benefits and Leave

Dutch labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Netherlands receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with Dutch employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in the Netherlands requires careful compliance with strict labor regulations. Notice periods typically range from one to four months depending on the length of service, while employees are required to give at least one month’s notice. Terminations must follow fair procedures, often requiring approval from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) or the courts, and may also involve severance payments (the statutory transitievergoeding). Partnering with an Employer of Record ensures these processes are managed lawfully and respectfully, reducing risk while maintaining a positive employee experience.

Visas & Permits in Netherlands

If you’re planning to hire employees in Netherlands or bring in foreign talent, understanding Netherlands’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Netherlands makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Netherlands with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Netherlands

Foreign nationals who plan to work in the Netherlands must hold the appropriate work and residence permits, with requirements varying based on nationality, role, and length of stay. Employers are responsible for sponsorship, compliance with immigration rules, and ensuring timely applications — a process that can be complex and highly regulated.

By engaging an Employer of Record, companies can streamline this process, secure the necessary permits, and remain compliant while accessing international talent with ease.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Netherlands, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Netherlands or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Netherlands solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in Netherlands, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Netherlands and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with Dutch labor laws.

Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Netherlands to bypass the need for a local entity. The Netherlands employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in Netherlands.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in Netherlands, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in Netherlands

Is using an EOR legal in the Netherlands?

Yes, using an EOR is a legal and well-established practice in the Netherlands. The model operates under the legal framework for secondment ("uitzending"), where the EOR company acts as the legal employer, while the client company directs the work of the employee. The EOR must be certified by the Dutch Labour Standards Foundation (Stichting Normering Arbeid, SNA) to ensure compliance.

What role do collective labor agreements (CAOs) play under an EOR?

CAOs may set sector-specific rules on pay, benefits, working time, and pensions. The EOR ensures these agreements are applied correctly to employees in the Netherlands, mitigating risk of disputes or non-compliance.

Can employers still manage day-to-day work if employees are on EOR contracts?

Absolutely. While the EOR is the legal employer of record, the client company directs daily tasks, projects, and performance management. The EOR focuses solely on legal, HR, and compliance responsibilities.

How long does it take to onboard an employee using an EOR?

The onboarding process for an EOR in the Netherlands is significantly faster than establishing a local entity. For Dutch nationals, a compliant employment contract can often be set up within a few business days. For foreign nationals, the timeline is dependent on the processing time for their visa or work permit application, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant permit.

How are employment contracts structured under an EOR in the Netherlands?

An EOR issues compliant Dutch employment contracts, incorporating statutory requirements and collective labor agreements (if applicable), covering terms such as probation, salary, notice, and benefits while ensuring legal protection for both employer and employee.