How to Hire Employees in France using an Employer of Record?

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Learn all you need about hiring employees in the Netherlands, laws, payroll and employer of records.

Quick Facts About Netherlands

Working Hours

9 hours/day
45 hours/week

Minimum Wage

14.06 EUR/hourly

Notice Period

120 days

Probation Period

Not mandatory

About Netherlands

The Netherlands' strategic location as Western Europe's gateway, combined with its advanced logistics infrastructure and business-friendly regulatory environment, makes it an ideal hub for international expansion. As one of Europe's most digitally connected economies, the Netherlands offers companies access to a highly educated, multilingual workforce and a sophisticated market that serves as a launchpad to the broader EU region. While the country is renowned for its straightforward business procedures and transparent regulatory framework, establishing operations requires careful attention to its unique employment legislation, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive social security system. Companies must navigate both the advantages of Dutch efficiency and the requirements of its modern labor laws when setting up operations, from understanding the distinct rules around flexible contracts to ensuring compliance with the country's balanced approach to worker protections and employer rights.

Why use an EOR in Netherlands?

Setting up a legal entity in Netherlands can be complex and time-consuming, typically taking between 21 to 28 days and requiring a minimum capital of 0.01 EUR. Using an Employer of Record (EOR) allows you to start hiring immediately while ensuring full compliance with local labor laws and regulations.

Using an EOR is significantly easier than setting up a local entity

Local Entity Setup

Time to Start Operations

21-28 days

Initial Capital Required

0.01 EUR

Monthly Operating Costs

500 EUR

Physical Office Required
Recommended

Using an EOR

Time to Start Operations

1-2 days

Initial Capital Required

$0

Monthly Operating Costs

$299-599

Per employee, includes all services

No Local Entity Required
Full HR & Payroll Management
Risk & Compliance Handled
Local HR Expertise Included
Flexible Scaling

Employment Basics

Key requirements and regulations for hiring employees in Netherlands.

Contract Requirements

Written employment contracts are mandatory in Netherlands.

The employment contract must include the following provisions:

  • Job description
  • Working hours
  • Salary
  • Leave entitlement
  • Notice period
  • Applicable collective agreement (if any)

Working Hours

Standard working hours in Netherlands are 9 hours per day and 45 hours per week.

Overtime is limited to 2 hours, and must be compensated at 1.5x the regular hourly rate.

Probation Period

A probation period is mandatory in Netherlands and can last up to 2 months.

No notice period is required during the probation period.

Termination Requirements

Notice Period: 120 days

Severance Pay:

Employers must provide valid grounds for termination.

Required documentation for termination:

  • Written notice
  • Stated reason for termination

Compensation

Mandatory compensation requirements in Netherlands.

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage is 14.06 EUR per hourly.

Special Pay Requirements

Required Allowances:

  • Remote work allowance: EUR 2.40 per day (tax-free)

Required Bonuses:

    Tax Structure

    Tax obligations and reporting requirements for employers in Netherlands.

    income tax

    Reported annual
    Income RangeTax Rate
    0 - 38,44135.82%
    38,441 - 76,81737.48%
    76,817 - Above49.5%

    Employee Benefits

    Netherlands provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees that includes both mandatory and optional benefits. These benefits are designed to ensure employee welfare and comply with local regulations.

    Mandatory Benefits

    Non-Mandatory Benefits

    Leave Policies

    Statutory leave entitlements for employees in Netherlands.

    Annual Leave

    Employees are entitled to 20 days of annual leave per year, paid at 100% of their regular salary.

    Sick Leave

    Employees are entitled to 728 days of sick leave per year, paid at 100% of their regular salary.

    Maternity Leave

    Employees are entitled to 112 days of maternity leave per year, paid at 100% of their regular salary.

    Paternity Leave

    Employees are entitled to 42 days of paternity leave per year, paid at 100% of their regular salary.

    Public Holidays

    Netherlands observes 11 public holidays throughout the year. Most holidays are paid at 100% of regular salary.

    DateHolidayStatus
    July 8Whit SundayEerste PinksterdagMandatory
    January 1New Year's DayMandatory
    April 18Good FridayMandatory
    April 20Easter SundayMandatory
    April 21Easter MondayMandatory
    April 26Kings DayKoningsdagMandatory
    May 5Liberation DayBevrijdingsdagMandatory
    May 29Ascension DayHemelvaartsdagMandatory
    June 9Whit MondayTweede PinksterdagMandatory
    December 25Christmas DayMandatory
    December 26Boxing DayMandatory

    Choosing an Employer of Record in Netherlands

    Key considerations and recommendations for selecting an EOR provider in Netherlands.

    What to Look for in an EOR Provider

    When selecting an Employer of Record in Netherlands, consider these key factors:

    • Local expertise and presence in Netherlands
    • Compliance track record and regulatory knowledge
    • Transparent pricing and fee structure
    • Quality of customer support and response times
    • Technology platform and integration capabilities
    • Employee experience and onboarding process

    Common Pitfalls to Avoid

    Be aware of these potential issues when choosing an EOR provider:

    • Hidden fees and unclear pricing structures
    • Limited local market knowledge or presence
    • Poor communication and support responsiveness
    • Outdated technology and manual processes
    • Lack of compliance guarantees

    Recommended EOR Providers

    To help you make an informed decision, you can explore our complete list of Employer of Record (EOR) providers with detailed reviews, pricing information, and feature comparisons.