Employer of Record (EOR) in Netherlands

A Dutch Employer of Record (EOR), also known as a global PEO, offers a streamlined solution for businesses aiming at global expansion into the Netherlands without entity setup. Mercans provides the legal presence and Intellectual Property (IP) protection your business requires while handling all local compliance aspects, including payroll, taxes, statutory benefits, and employment contracts. With our EOR in the Europe, you can efficiently navigate the complexities of Dutch employment laws and regulations, ensuring your global workforce is in full compliance. Whether you’re expanding strategically or seeking specific talent, Mercans’ global solutions advisors will guide you through the options to make the right choice for your organization’s growth in the Netherlands. This approach ensures a seamless global mobility experience, including work visas, for your employees.

EOR Solutions in the Netherlands

  • EOR for Prospective Employees:

    Mercans offers seamless Employer of Record (EOR) solutions for businesses that have already identified their ideal candidates in the Netherlands. Our services encompass every aspect of the employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with Dutch labor laws and regulations.
  • EOR + Recruitment:

    For those seeking assistance in talent acquisition, our EOR and recruitment services provide a holistic solution. We tap into our extensive network and expertise to help you find, onboard, and retain top talent, streamlining your expansion into the Dutch market.
  • Visa Sponsorship and Global Mobility:

    Navigating the intricacies of expatriate employment is simplified through our visa sponsorship and global mobility services. We facilitate the relocation of your international workforce, ensuring compliance with Dutch immigration and employment laws.
  • AOR for Contractor Payments:

    Businesses grappling with contractor payments can leverage our Assistance on Record (AOR) services. We handle the complexities of contractor payments, guaranteeing accuracy and compliance.
  • Converting Freelancers to Employees:

    Mercans supports the transition from independent contractors to permanent employees in the Netherlands. Our expertise ensures smooth conversions while adhering to legal requirements.
  • HCM Integration:

    Integrate Mercans’ EOR services seamlessly with your HCM system in the Netherlands for real-time data exchange, enhanced compliance, and cost-efficiency. Trust our expertise for a unified, compliant, and efficient approach, elevating your workforce management and payroll operations.

Employment in the Netherlands

Employment in the Netherlands is governed by comprehensive regulations. Understanding Dutch labor laws, including working hours, minimum wages, and employee benefits like health insurance and unemployment insurance, is essential for businesses. Leave policies, taxation, and expat mobility matters demand attention. Mercans simplifies employment in the Netherlands, offering EOR solutions, recruitment, visa sponsorship, payroll services, and expertise in compliance with local laws, ensuring smooth, efficient operations for both businesses and employees.

Employees vs. Independent Contractors

Understanding the distinction between employees and independent contractors is pivotal for compliance. Mercans offers access to resources that shed light on the nuances of worker classification in the Netherlands. These insights, along with our EOR services, empower you to make informed decisions while ensuring compliance with Dutch regulations. Partner with Mercans to embark on a successful employment journey in the Netherlands, where expertise meets compliance, ensuring your business thrives in the Dutch market.

Understanding Worker Classification: Employees vs. Contractors in the Netherlands

ContractorsEmployees
Contractors enjoy a high level of control over their work.Employees typically receive more guidance and direction from their employer.
They have the autonomy to decide how and when to complete tasks.Employers provide necessary equipment and tools.
Contractors own their own equipment and tools.Employees are deeply integrated into their employer's organization and often work on-site.
They tend to work independently and remotely, using their own resources.They are entitled to various statutory employment benefits, including minimum wage, overtime pay, and paid leave.
While entitled to some benefits like the minimum wage and fair working conditions, contractors are responsible for their own taxes and have limited benefits.Employees may also enjoy additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
Contractors can receive up to 70% of their income from one employer.Employees receive their entire annual salary from one employer.
Engagements with contractors are often time-bound, specific to a project or duration.Their engagement can be for a fixed term or an indefinite period.
Contractors may bear more risk and liability for their work.Employees are contractually bound to provide services exclusively to one company.
They have the flexibility to provide services to multiple organizations, as they are not tied exclusively to one company.

Hiring and Recruiting in Netherlands

Top #5 Cities With Remote Talent

In the vibrant job market of the Netherlands, hiring and recruiting have never been more dynamic. Here’s a succinct overview of the top 5 Dutch cities brimming with remote talent:

Amsterdam (319)

The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, is a hotspot for IT specialists, digital marketers, and finance professionals, with a growing demand for tech-savvy talents in areas like software development and data analysis.

Rotterdam (100)

Rotterdam seeks logistics and supply chain experts due to its strategic port, alongside professionals in engineering and sustainability roles, reflecting the city’s focus on innovative solutions.

Utrecht (26)

Utrecht has a burgeoning demand for healthcare and life sciences professionals, as well as a need for educators and researchers in its renowned universities.

The Hague (10)

The Hague’s international character drives the demand for multilingual professionals, particularly in diplomatic and legal roles. IT experts and consultants are also in high demand to support various organizations.

Eindhoven (10)

Eindhoven’s thriving tech industry fuels the demand for engineers, especially those specializing in electronics and software development. Design and creative professionals also find ample opportunities in this innovation hub.

Mercans plays a pivotal role in connecting global companies with the right talent for these in-demand job roles across Dutch cities. Our Employer of Record (EOR) services simplify recruitment, management, and compliance, making the Netherlands an attractive destination for both businesses and professionals seeking growth and career opportunities.

Top #5 Jobs on Demand

Navigating the Dutch job market reveals specific roles that are in high demand. Here are the top 5 jobs sought after in the Netherlands:

Software Developers

With a flourishing tech industry, skilled software developers are highly sought after, particularly those with expertise in languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript.

Digital Marketers

As businesses embrace digital transformation, the demand for digital marketing professionals, including SEO and SEM specialists, continues to surge.

Data Analysts

Data-driven decision-making is crucial, making data analysts, data scientists, and AI specialists indispensable in various sectors.

Healthcare Professionals

The pandemic has amplified the need for healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and healthcare managers.

Logistics Experts

Due to the Netherlands’ strategic location as a European logistics hub, professionals in supply chain management, logistics, and transportation are in high demand.

Mercans plays a pivotal role in connecting global companies with these in-demand talents, simplifying recruitment, management, and compliance. We empower businesses to thrive in the Netherlands’ dynamic job market.

Employee Onboarding

Employee onboarding in the Netherlands is streamlined with Mercans’ EOR platform. Our integrated solution offers an employee self-serve portal, simplifying the onboarding process. New hires can access essential information, submit documentation, and complete the employee take-in form with ease. This user-friendly portal ensures a smooth transition for employees, reducing administrative burdens on HR teams. It empowers individuals to manage their onboarding efficiently, from tax declarations to selecting benefits. Mercans’ commitment to innovative technology enhances the onboarding experience, setting the stage for a successful employment journey in the Netherlands.

Background Verification

In the Netherlands, hiring demands rigorous background checks. Mercans simplifies this through our EOR services. We offer a comprehensive suite of checks: Identity Verification scrutinizes official IDs; Employment History confirms roles and dates; Education Verification validates qualifications; Criminal Background Checks adhere to laws; Credit Checks assess financial responsibility; and Reference Checks collect insights on abilities and character. Mercans ensures secure, compliant, and informed hiring decisions in the Netherlands.

Payroll in Netherlands

When it comes to payroll management in the Netherlands, precision and compliance are paramount, and Mercans is your steadfast ally in this journey. For your understanding, here’s some information:

Wage Period/ Payroll Cycle

Payroll in the Netherlands operates on a monthly basis. This means that employees and contractors can expect their salaries or payments to be processed and paid out once a month. This monthly cycle ensures a regular and predictable income for workers, facilitating their financial planning.

Pay Employees and Contractors in the Local Currency

It’s essential to pay employees and contractors in the local currency, which in the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). This practice simplifies transactions, eliminates currency exchange complexities, and ensures that everyone receives their payments seamlessly, regardless of their nationality.

Payroll Setup, Payroll Processing, and Payroll Administration

Setting up a payroll system in the Netherlands involves configuring payroll software, defining pay structures, and ensuring compliance with local tax and labor regulations. Payroll processing includes calculating wages, salaries, and deductions accurately. Payroll administration encompasses managing various aspects such as leave balances, employee benefits, and compliance reporting. Mercans offers comprehensive support in all these areas to ensure smooth payroll operations.

Statutory Filings and Payments – Statutory Body (Belastingdienst)

Compliance with local regulations is paramount when it comes to payroll. The Belastingdienst, or the Dutch tax authority, plays a crucial role in ensuring that employers meet their tax obligations. Mercans provides seamless support for statutory filings, which involves accurately reporting and remitting taxes and social security contributions as required by Dutch law.

Payroll Taxes in Netherlands

Navigating payroll taxes in the Netherlands requires a precise understanding of the intricacies involved. At Mercans, we offer comprehensive expertise in managing payroll taxes, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with Dutch regulations. Important facts to keep in mind:

Wage Tax

The Netherlands imposes a wage tax on employees’ income. Employers are responsible for withholding this tax from employees’ salaries and remitting it to the Dutch tax authorities.

National Insurance Contributions

Employers and employees both contribute to national insurance schemes in the Netherlands. These contributions fund social security programs, including healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions.

Employed Person’s Insurance Contributions

Similar to national insurance, employed person’s insurance contributions help finance employee benefits such as disability and survivor benefits. Both employers and employees share this responsibility.

Income-Dependent Contribution under Zvw

The Health Care Insurance Act (Zvw) mandates income-dependent contributions for healthcare insurance. These contributions are also shared between employers and employees and are calculated based on income levels.

Compliance and Accuracy

Managing these tax components demands precision and compliance with Dutch tax laws. Employers must accurately calculate, withhold, and remit these contributions to the relevant authorities.

Simplified Tax Management

With Mercans as your partner, you can streamline payroll tax management, allowing your business to focus on core operations while we handle tax obligations efficiently and accurately in the Netherlands. Trust Mercans for compliant and hassle-free payroll tax solutions.

Mercans Expertise

Mercans offers comprehensive expertise in navigating Dutch payroll tax regulations. Our services cover setting up payroll systems, calculating tax components, and ensuring compliance with Dutch tax laws

Cost to Hire an Employee in Netherlands

Employment in the Netherlands entails an array of obligations, from social security contributions to healthcare, disability, and unemployment insurance. These factors collectively form the Employment Cost in the Netherlands, necessitating businesses to proficiently comprehend and manage these expenses.

How Mercans Can Help:

Social Security Contributions: The rates of social security contributions in the Netherlands can slightly vary from year to year, just like the personal income tax. Here are the main contributions to consider:

  • the wage tax is levied at rates ranging from 9% to 51% depending on the salary;
  • employees are subject to social security contributions of 27.65% of their gross salaries;
  • employers must pay unemployment premiums of 2.94% or 7.94% based on the duration of the contract;
  • employers must also contribute 8.55% for disability insurance and 5% for childcare.

The realm of social security contributions (SSC) in the Netherlands is extensive and multifaceted, encompassing a range of vital contributions crucial for both employees and employers. Among these are:

Healthcare Insurance Act (ZVW)

Provides essential healthcare coverage for individuals in the Netherlands, ensuring access to medical services.

Disability Fund (Aof)

Offers financial support to individuals facing disabilities, helping them maintain their livelihoods despite challenges.

Incapacity for Work Insurance Act (WAO)

Demonstrates the nation’s commitment to supporting individuals with reduced work capacity by providing income security.

Income to Labor Capacity Act (WIA)

Ensures continued income for those with diminished work capacity, emphasizing the importance of financial stability during challenging times.

Child Care Act (WKO)

Supplements the AOF contribution by providing additional support for childcare expenses, alleviating the financial burden on parents.

General Unemployment Fund (Awf)

Plays a crucial role in assisting incapacitated employees in their efforts to reintegrate into the labor market, promoting employment.

Work Resumption Fund (WHK)

Aids in facilitating benefits and support for individuals seeking to return to work after incapacitation.

Illness Act for flexible contract workers (ZW-Flex)

Addresses the specific needs of individuals with flexible employment arrangements, ensuring they receive support during periods of illness.

Partially Incapacitation Act (WGA)

Provides assistance to those who are partially incapacitated, emphasizing the importance of tailored support.

Governmental Execution Fund (UFO)

Ensures that public servants within public services have access to unemployment benefits, promoting financial security in the public sector.

Comprehensive Understanding

Our experts provide an in-depth understanding of SSCs, enabling you to grasp the intricacies and implications of each contribution.

Conversion Assistance

For SSCs transitioning into newer contributions like Aof, we facilitate a seamless shift, ensuring your organization remains informed and compliant.

Customized Solutions

Mercans tailors solutions to your unique requirements. Whether it involves Aof surcharges related to the Child Care Act (WKO) or managing contributions for diverse employee categories, we’ve got you covered.

Additional Key Terms:

  • Unemployment Benefit Scheme (WW): Mercans assists in managing the Dutch Unemployment Benefit Scheme (WW – Werkloosheidswet), a crucial element of social security.
  • State Pension (AOW): We guide you through the State Pension (AOW – Algemene Ouderdomswet), ensuring your employees’ future retirement is secure.
  • Dutch Occupational Pension: Mercans’ expertise extends to managing Dutch Occupational Pension schemes, aligning with Dutch pension regulations.
  • Dutch Holiday Allowance (Vakantiegeld): We help administer the Dutch Holiday Allowance (Vakantiegeld), a significant component of employee compensation.
  • Employing staff in the Netherlands can be intricate, but with Mercans as your trusted partner, you can focus on core business activities while we efficiently manage the complexities, saving you valuable time and resources.

Employee Cost Calculation in Netherlands

Employer Cost

Employer costs encompass the expenses borne by an employer, over and above the employee’s base salary. These are the additional payments made in support of your workforce. Wage-related expenses can fluctuate, influenced by individual agreements with employees and obligations stipulated in collective agreements or industry regulations. Notably, the Dutch system imposes a range of responsibilities on employers in support of their staff.

In the Netherlands, employers’ costs can be categorized into two main types: fixed (mandatory) and supplementary (optional), which together constitute the total outlay for employers. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Gross monthly salary
  • Holiday allowance (8%)
  • Pension contribution (voluntary)
  • Employee insurance and healthcare contributions (approximately 20%)
  • Expense allowances

Now, let us assume an employee has a gross salary of € 2.400,00. Here is the cost per month for that employee based on that salary:

Gross salary€ 2.400,00
Holiday allowance€ 192.00
Pension contribution€ 159.20
Employee insurance and healthcare contributions€ 486.56
Expense allowances€ 175
Total employer costs€ 3,412.76

Employment Contracts in Netherlands

In the Netherlands, employment contracts are governed by a comprehensive legal framework. Various types of contracts exist, including indefinite, fixed-term, and temporary agency contracts. Employers are obligated to provide a written employment agreement specifying essential terms, such as job description, salary, working hours, and notice periods. These contracts often incorporate collective labor agreements (CLA), which outline industry-specific terms. Contracts can be terminated under strict legal conditions, with both parties adhering to notice periods or severance pay obligations if applicable.

Netherlands Labor Laws

Dutch labor laws aim to strike a balance between employer and employee rights. Workers enjoy strong protection, including a minimum wage, maximum working hours, and minimum paid leave. Discrimination and unfair dismissal are prohibited, ensuring equal opportunities and job security for employees. Employers must provide a safe working environment and contribute to social security funds, covering healthcare and unemployment benefits.

Working Hours

The standard working week in the Netherlands is 36 to 40 hours, typically spread over five days. Maximum working hours per day are regulated, with mandatory rest breaks. Overtime is subject to premium pay, promoting a work-life balance.

Minimum Wages

The Netherlands enforces a minimum wage to protect workers from exploitation. The minimum wage varies by age and is adjusted semi-annually. It ensures that employees earn a fair income, regardless of their age or job role.

Employee Benefits in Netherlands

Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in the Netherlands. It covers essential healthcare costs and is provided by private insurance companies. Employers typically contribute to employees’ health insurance premiums.

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment benefits are available through the Algemeen Werkloosheidsfonds (AWf). Employees who lose their jobs can receive financial support to aid their transition to new employment.

Probation Period

Probation periods are optional in Dutch employment contracts. They typically last one to two months, allowing employers and employees to assess mutual suitability.

Leave Policy

Netherlands offers comprehensive leave policies, including pregnancy and maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, and more. These policies prioritize work-life balance and family support.

Public Holidays

The Netherlands observes several public holidays, providing employees with time off to celebrate and relax.

# Income Tax in Netherlands

Income tax in the Netherlands is progressive, with brackets varying for residents and expats. Expats may benefit from the 30% ruling, which offers tax advantages to highly skilled migrants.

Global Mobility – Visa Sponsorship

Navigating global mobility and visa sponsorship can be complex. Expert guidance can help employers and employees comply with immigration regulations.

Employee Offboarding

Effective employee offboarding is essential. It includes lawful termination processes, preventing hefty fines or penalties.

Termination Policy

Terminating employees must adhere to Dutch laws to avoid legal consequences. Wrongful termination can lead to substantial penalties for employers.

Termination Policy

Terminating employees must adhere to Dutch laws to avoid legal consequences. Wrongful termination can lead to substantial penalties for employers.

Severance Pay

Severance pay may be required when terminating employment contracts. The amount is usually stipulated in employment agreements or collective labor agreements.

End of Service Reward (EOSB)

End of Service Benefits or Rewards must be calculated and provided to employees upon their departure, ensuring a fair and lawful employment termination process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mercans stands as a steadfast partner in navigating the intricacies of employment in the Netherlands. Our Employer of Record (EOR) services offer businesses a comprehensive solution to manage the entire employment lifecycle. From employment contracts and labor law compliance to payroll management, employee benefits, and even global mobility services, Mercans provides tailored solutions to meet diverse needs. By leveraging our expertise, businesses can confidently expand their operations in the Netherlands, ensuring compliance with local regulations and offering employees a seamless and rewarding employment experience. Mercans is your trusted ally in the Netherlands’ dynamic employment landscape, simplifying complexities and enhancing operational efficiency.

This document was prepared for informational purposes only. As local laws & regulations keeps on changing. Please consult your tax & legal advisors as well.
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