Foreign employers
Managing staff in the Netherlands? Understand your responsibilities under Dutch employment law
Foreign Employers
Managing staff in the Netherlands? Understand your responsibilities under Dutch employment law
Dutch Employment Law for Foreign Employers
Hiring or managing staff in the Netherlands brings unique opportunities – but also legal challenges. Dutch employment law is highly protective of employees and contains many mandatory rules. A small mistake in drafting a contract, terminating an employee or handling illness and reintegration can quickly escalate into legal disputes and financial risks.
Our boutique employment law firm specialises in advising international and English-speaking employers. We provide clear, practical and strategic support so that your organisation can operate in the Dutch market with confidence. In our FAQ for foreign employers you’ll find more information about Dutch employment law.
Our Services
Employment contracts & policies
We draft and review compliant contracts – fixed-term, indefinite and cross-border – and provide tailor-made template packages for HR teams. We also assist with employee handbooks, whistleblower policies and remote work rules.
Termination & reorganisations
Whether you need to dismiss an employee, negotiate a settlement agreement or restructure your Dutch operations, we ensure compliance with Dutch dismissal rules and advise on the reflection principle (afspiegelingsbeginsel).
Illness & reintegration
Dutch law imposes strict obligations when employees are unfit for work. We guide you through reintegration duties under the "Wet verbetering poortwachter", preventing costly sanctions from the UWV.
Cross-border & remote work
We advise on international employment structures, hybrid and remote work arrangements, and help prevent risks of co-employment or pseudo self-employment.
Works Council & unions
We prepare and support Works Council (OR) consultation procedures and negotiations with trade unions, ensuring compliance and minimising disruption.
How We Support Foreign Employers
1.
Clear first assessment
We quickly identify the key legal issues in your contracts, policies or HR decisions, so you know where you stand.
2.
Tailored solutions
We translate Dutch employment law into practical steps that fit your organisation’s structure, culture and objectives.
3.
Strategic partner
From one-off advice to ongoing guidance, we support international employers in all aspects of Dutch labour law – from contracts and compliance to disputes and restructuring.
4.
Representation when needed
If a case escalates, we represent you before the UWV, Dutch courts or in negotiations, protecting your company’s interests every step of the way.
Why Work With Us?
English-speaking specialists
No language barriers, clear and practical advice.
Tailored to international employers
We regularly work with global HR teams and legal departments.
Strategic and pragmatic
Legal compliance combined with workable solutions for your business.
Transparent costs
Fixed fees or clear hourly rates, no surprises afterwards.
Flexible support
Available for one-time consultations or ongoing legal partnership.
Example Case
A London-based technology company opened a satellite office in Amsterdam with a small team of local hires. We advised on drafting bilingual employment contracts, setting up an employee handbook and aligning Dutch HR policies with the company's global standards.
Our experts are ready to help
- English-speaking specialists
- Strategic and pragmatic
- Flexible support
Knowledge base
Learn more about Dutch employment law
Our knowledge base covers all topics related to labor law for foreign employers.
FAQ for Foreign Employers
Employment Contract of Fixed or Indefinite Term?
What is the Probationary Period?
Need advice on Dutch employment law?
We help foreign employers operate in the Netherlands with confidence – legally sound and future-proof.