HR outsourcing in the Netherlands for US and UK companies

Expand into the Netherlands effortlessly

Thanks to its highly complex infrastructure and its position as the 6th largest economy in Europe, the Netherlands is an excellent target location for business expansion from the US and UK. 

Even though the prospect of expanding into the EU via the Netherlands is exciting, it is also a bit daunting. One of the biggest challenges to your expansion, of course, is navigating the complexities of HR requirements in the Netherlands and the EU. 

The solution to these challenges is HR outsourcing. 

Europe HR Solutions offers the tools and resources you need to manage everything from international recruiting and onboarding to payroll and compliance, plus more. We make your expansion into the Netherlands easier and faster.

A professional meeting between representative and an HR outsourcing service provider discussing contractual agreements and collaboration in a modern office setting.

What HR Outsourcing in the Netherlands Can Do

Our experienced team of HR professionals can take on as many or as few tasks as you want us to. We offer everything from ongoing, comprehensive HR management to short-term, project-based support. 

Here is a substantial – but not exhaustive! – list of HR responsibilities that can be outsourced to us.

HR compliance & legal guidance

An essential part of any expansion is abiding by local and international laws that govern HR policies and procedures. We can help you with compliance issues, including:

  • Full compliance with EU and Dutch labor laws
  • Reduced risk of fines
  • Creation of employment contracts that are aligned with both Dutch and EU laws

Talent acquisition & recruitment

It is always challenging to find top-tier talent, but it is especially difficult when you are first expanding into a new region. We can handle your talent acquisition by:

  • Finding the best candidates for open positions in the Netherlands
  • Having a strong understanding of the Dutch job market
  • Using a multilingual approach to recruitment and hiring

Onboarding & offboarding employees

We can help with both onboarding and offboarding in the Netherlands, two processes that require deep cultural understanding and legal knowledge. This includes:

  • Streamlining onboarding procedures
  • Automating certain steps to reduce the time spent onboarding new employees
  • Providing proper documentation to Dutch and EU authorities
  • Ensuring that your exit procedures are aligned with legal mandates

Payroll processing & benefits administration

As your HR experts, we can handle all of the complexities of both payroll and benefits. We manage:

  • Processing payroll in compliance with Dutch law
  • Ensuring timely payments to employees
  • Enrolling employees in benefits plans
  • Communication with local Dutch benefits providers

Employee performance management

You don’t have to oversee your employees’ performance from a distance when you outsource the task to our HR team. Our performance management methods include:

  • Implementing a performance appraisal system that matches Dutch workplace culture
  • Creating performance objectives that are motivating to your employees in the Netherlands
  • Generating meaningful assessments and feedback

Employee training & professional development

Our HR team offers training and development to strengthen your employees’ performance and provide meaningful opportunities for professional growth. Our role involves:

  • Identifying gaps in your current training protocols
  • Tailoring all training programs to the specific needs of your Dutch employees
  • Developing programs that enhance specific essential skills in your industry
  • Supporting a multinational workforce

Conflict resolution & employee relationships

We can even handle professional and interpersonal conflict that arises in the workplace through:

  • Mediation
  • Addressing grievances
  • Resolving workforce issue as they arise

HR reporting & analytics

The best decisions are made when you have plentiful data at your fingertips. Europe HR Solutions provides this by:

  • Creating localized, real-time HR reports for company leaders
  • Offering insights into your Dutch operations and workforce
  • Pulling up data reports as needed

Project-based HR consulting

Our consulting services are about going beyond the day-to-day HR operations that keep your company running. Instead, we provide project-based consulting for specific company goals, as well as general consulting for how to maximize growth through strong HR practices. This includes:

  • Aligning your HR strategies to the business environment in the Netherlands
  • Tackling small or large-scale HR projects
  • Providing insights into the Dutch marketplace and how your HR procedures can strengthen your market position

IT resources & HR technology

Your in-house IT department doesn’t necessarily know the ins and outs of the best HR software and technology. We can step in to support your IT professionals by:

  • Recommending the best HR technologies and software
  • Ensuring compliance with EU and Tech data protection laws
  • Managing all HR-related software usage
  • Reporting all required technology use information relevant local, national, and EU government authorities

Employee engagement & retention

Retaining your top-performing employees is essential if you want to grow your business! High rates of turnover are damaging to morale and productivity alike. We promote employee engagement and retention through:

  • Engagement initiatives that work well with a Dutch workforce
  • Identification of issues that cause high rates of employee attrition
  • Promotion of a positive workplace culture
  • Reduction of turnover through data-informed decisions

Even though this list does not include everything that our team at Europe HR Solutions can do for it, we hope it provides an insightful overview of the many different HR tasks that you can trust us to handle for you. 

When we talk about your company and your goals, we will create a unique contract that meets your specific needs. We don’t provide a “one-size-fits-all” solution to HR, because those plans never really address what you need. 

Our services are designed to help you with your launch in the Netherlands and your operational growth in the EU.

A group of coworkers in a conference virtual meeting with the HR

Why UK and US Businesses Benefit from Expanding to the Netherlands

The Netherlands may be small, but they should not be overlooked as an exciting prospect for UK or US expansion.

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors are coming to the Netherlands because they can see the potential for economic growth and business success. Let’s take a look at the reasons why our clients are expanding into the Netherlands.

Great location

The Netherlands is positioned advantageously for further growth into mainland Europe. That’s a big part of why Forbes places the Netherlands as the fourth Best Country for Business in the world.

Its location is also excellent for European transportation, as you can access just about everywhere in Europe from the Netherlands, including the EU’s most lucrative consumer marketplaces.

In short, the Netherlands provides a gateway to the EU and beyond.

Highly competitive tax rates

While other European nations are consistently raising their corporate tax rates, the Netherlands offers a pro-business market that looks favorably on foreign business investments.

Corporate taxes are relatively simple in the Netherlands compared to other countries worldwide. The tax rate peaked at 25% in 2019, but has been reduced since then. For companies with €395,000 or less in taxable income, the corporate tax rate is only 15%. Companies that make more than €395,000, the tax rate is €59,250 + 25.8% tax on the taxable income that exceeds €395,000

Growing economic sectors in the Netherlands

Some of the Netherlands’ fastest growing and established business sectors are:

  • Culture, sports, recreation, and other relevant services
  • Energy
  • Business services

Additionally, these sectors continue to do well:

  • Trade, transport, storage, and accommodation services
  • Food services
  • Real estate
  • Manufacturing

Additional benefits of a Dutch expansion

  • The Netherlands has the 6th largest economy in the EU
  • It has the 17th largest economy in the world
  • The Netherlands has a skilled, multilingual workforce
  • Great infrastructure for transportation of goods and people

What are the drawbacks of expanding into the Netherlands?

There are a few drawbacks to expanding your UK- or US-business into the Netherlands. It is important to be aware of these potential issues when making the decision about where you will expand.

  • Expensive fines for non-compliance with Dutch and EU labor laws (Outsourcing your HR can help with this!)
  • The strong “buy European” movement can make it challenging for US-based companies to get established in the Dutch market
  • Getting construction permits in the Netherlands is a lengthy and complicated process

HR Outsourcing in the Netherlands: FAQ

Europe HR Solutions has been assisting US and UK companies with their European operations since 2010. In fact, we have helped more than 200 companies, including startups, expansions, and mergers.

That means that we have answered a lot of questions over the years related to outsourcing HR in Europe. We want to share some of those FAQs with you so that you can be informed and knowledgeable about launching a European expansion via the Netherlands.

How can Europe HR Solutions guarantee labor compliance in the EU, including the Netherlands?

Non-compliance with labor laws and HR regulations is a big deal in Europe, including in the Netherlands.

Companies usually have three options to ensure compliance:

Option 1: Task your internal HR team to manage every aspect of labor law compliance for your expansion, which involves attaining mountains of complicated legal knowledge quickly and trying to avoid costly mistakes.

Option 2: Hire a global employment lawyer with experience in the Netherlands to give all of your documents and procedures an overview. Note: this tends to be costly, as you have to retain legal representation every time you make a change to your company procedures related to HR.

Option 3: Outsource your HR to an experienced, highly qualified, and multilingual team like Europe HR Solutions so that we can provide you with the kind of individualized attention you deserve. We understand Dutch and EU laws inside and out, and our goal is to help you maintain full compliance so that you don’t make costly and time-consuming mistakes.

What are some Dutch labor laws that we should know about before our expansion?

In addition to following all EU laws related to labor and HR, you will also need to abide by the Netherlands’ labor laws.

Here are some of these laws:

The government establishes minimum wage levels based on age and hours. Adjusted twice annually.

  • Full-time work week is 36-40 hours. Extra pay for overtime can be arranged.
  • Minimum vacation time is 4 times weekly hours per year. Holiday bonus is 8% of yearly pay.
  • Employers must provide valid justification and follow procedures to terminate employment, sometimes needing authorization.
  • Unions negotiate collective bargaining agreements covering pay, hours, termination, and more.
  • Discrimination for race, gender, age, etc. is illegal. Equal treatment must be ensured.
  • Ill employees receive 70% income for up to 2 years. Employers must create a  back-to-work plan.
  • Non-compete clauses need to be sensible and put in writing.
  • Overtime capped at 12 hours/day, 60 hours/week for adults. Less for under 18.
  • Laws forbid gender bias in hiring, promotion, compensation, and other areas.
  • Tax breaks offered for training, hiring, and other worker expenses.
  • Fines up to €82,000 for violations. Criminal charges possible.
  • Limitations on contract types and lengths per industry, age, qualifications.
  • Most of the time, pregnant employees cannot have their employment terminated from the first part of the pregnancy until one year after the baby is born.
  • Employees are entitled to maternity leave (5 months of compulsory leave), paternity leave (10 days that can be taken any time during the baby’s first five months), and shared parental leave (11 months that can be used any time before the child is 13).
  • Parents of children with a serious disability may take an additional 2 years of shared time.
  • You must provide unlimited leave to parents who need to care for a sick child who is under the age of 3, and 5 days of leave for sick children between the ages of 3 and 8.

    Europe HR Solutions – Your Partner in European HR

    We are proud of our team at Europe HR Solutions. Our informed, experienced, and confident HR professionals know more than just European and Dutch labor laws. We also know how to turn your international workforce into a successful and effective team.

    When US and UK companies outsource their Dutch HR services to us, we help you create a seamless connection between your headquarters and your operations in the Netherlands.

    Check out our track record of successful partnerships with clients in the UK and the US who have successfully launched their expansions into Europe, including the Netherlands. We handle the complexities of European HR so that you can focus on growing your business.

    Thinking about expanding into the Netherlands? Contact us

    Let’s talk about your expansion plans!

    Contact Europe HR Solutions to learn more about how we can help your company as you navigate a successful move into Europe via the Netherlands. We look forward to learning about your business, and your goals for the future.

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      Our Client Testimonials

      We are proud to have worked with numerous UK- and US-based businesses as they have started their operations in Europe, including startups, acquisitions, and expansions.

      Here is what some of them have to say:

      Melanie Girardin
      Europe HR Solutons is my go to organization for anything related to employment matters in the Dutch market. They are ...
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      Melanie Girardin
      Europe HR Solutons is my go to organization for anything related to employment matters in the Dutch market. They are one of the most talented and efficient HR professionals I've ever met. This is a great pleasure to work with them. They are creative problem solvers, and trustworthy Advisors. Their recommendations are well thought out and clearly articulated. I give them my highest recommendation, without reservation.
      Andy Brown
      Europe HR Solutions have provided exceptional service consistently over a number of years to Genea Biomedx in Europe. As a ...
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      Andy Brown
      Europe HR Solutions have provided exceptional service consistently over a number of years to Genea Biomedx in Europe. As a business head quartered in Australia with no inhouse HR support on the ground in Europe this has been invaluable, not only during the start-up phase but also as the business has expanded. I highly recommend them.
      Rebecca Richardson
      I had the pleasure of working with Inez Vermeulen and her exceptional team at Europe HR Solutions, and I cannot ...
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      Rebecca Richardson
      I had the pleasure of working with Inez Vermeulen and her exceptional team at Europe HR Solutions, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Over the course of several projects, I collaborated with many team members, and every single one of them exhibited a high level of professionalism, expertise, and approachability.From the outset, Inez and her team demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge in HR solutions, which was instrumental in helping me achieve my project goals. Their commitment to delivering high-quality work is evident in every interaction, and they consistently go above and beyond to ensure the success of their clients.One of the standout qualities of Europe HR Solutions is their approachability. No matter the complexity of the issue, I always felt comfortable reaching out to any team member. Their willingness to listen, provide insightful feedback, and offer practical solutions has been invaluable. This approach fosters a collaborative environment that makes working with them both productive and enjoyable.The dedication of Inez and her team to their clients' success is unparalleled. Their proactive approach and unwavering support have been crucial in navigating the challenges of various projects. I have been consistently impressed by their ability to deliver results on time and with the highest standard of quality.Without hesitation, I would work with Inez Vermeulen and her team at Europe HR Solutions again. Their expertise, combined with their friendly and supportive nature, makes them an outstanding choice for any HR needs. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable HR partner.
      Rebecca Richardson
      Rebecca Richardson
      Juanita Hendrickson
      Europe HR Solutions has an excellent team of experts and/or front-line resources who have deep expertise across Europe. We ...
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      Juanita Hendrickson
      Europe HR Solutions has an excellent team of experts and/or front-line resources who have deep expertise across Europe. We successfully utilized many of the resources on this team to help us sort through a number of complex issues in The Netherlands, Germany, UK, Belgium, etc. Inez and her team are agile, speedy, and pragmatic in their HR approach and quickly became trusted advisors and partners with our Epredia HR team and managers.
      Juanita Hendrickson
      Juanita Hendrickson
      Chantelle Hilleard
      As a dynamic organization with a significant footprint across Europe, managing HR compliance and legal requirements across multiple countries is ...
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      Chantelle Hilleard
      As a dynamic organization with a significant footprint across Europe, managing HR compliance and legal requirements across multiple countries is a key aspect of our operations. Partnering with Europe HR Solutions has been a transformative experience, and we are immensely grateful for their support. Europe HR Solutions has been instrumental as our Pan-European HR compliance and legal partner. Their expertise and proactive approach have been essential in navigating a variety of change initiatives and day-to-day operations. They have expertly guided us through diverse local regulations and intricate legal landscapes with a high level of professionalism and dedication.The tailored solutions and strategic advice from Europe HR Solutions have been crucial in ensuring our operations are both compliant and agile across all regions. Their seamless integration into our projects and their flexibility in addressing our evolving needs have made them an invaluable partner in our journey. I highly recommend Europe HR Solutions to any organization seeking reliable, comprehensive, and expert HR compliance and legal support across Europe.
      Chantelle Hilleard
      Chantelle Hilleard
      Elke Taylor
      Europe HR Solutions delivered employee handbooks for multiple countries in English and also local language. They provided local expertise for ...
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      Elke Taylor
      Europe HR Solutions delivered employee handbooks for multiple countries in English and also local language. They provided local expertise for those countries and were able to answer the multiple questions from the business and employees. Their responsiveness, quality of expertise & knowledge, output on deliverables was excellent therefore I have already worked with them on further projects and hope to do so in the future again.
      John Hardin
      Europe HR Solutions are exceptional Human Resources professionals and fully understand the nuance and complexity of creating employment contracts in ...
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      John Hardin
      Europe HR Solutions are exceptional Human Resources professionals and fully understand the nuance and complexity of creating employment contracts in the various EU geographies. They also have a keen eye for talent, particularly for startups, and have been extremely helpful in identifying quality hires. I highly recommend them for HR consultation to any executive building an organization in Europe.
      Maham Zafar
      Our experience with Europe HR Solutions has been nothing short of exceptional. As an international company, ensuring HR compliance across ...
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      Maham Zafar
      Our experience with Europe HR Solutions has been nothing short of exceptional. As an international company, ensuring HR compliance across various regions is a complex challenge, and Europe HR Solutions has proven to be an invaluable partner in navigating this intricate landscape.From the outset, their team demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities associated with international HR regulations. Their expertise in local labor laws and regulations has not only ensured our company's compliance but has also provided us with peace of mind knowing that we are in safe hands.
      Maham Zafar
      Maham Zafar
      Jess Clark
      It is a pleasure working with Inez; she and her team of experts are incredibly knowledgeable and professional. I can ...
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      Jess Clark
      It is a pleasure working with Inez; she and her team of experts are incredibly knowledgeable and professional. I can contact her and feel confident in knowing that I will receive accurate guidance.
      Jess Clark
      Jess Clark
      Ann Beckers
      Since a few months, Inez coaches me in creating my own vision, my purpose and my goals, as well in ...
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      Ann Beckers
      Since a few months, Inez coaches me in creating my own vision, my purpose and my goals, as well in my professional, as in my personal life. As a result, I feel much more confident, focused and relaxed. I have learned to know Inez as a very special person. She is one of those rare people who have the extraordinary gift of being a good listener. Do not expect abstract discussions about your career or your future. You can expect immediate results of a dedicated professional coach, who will support you to focus on the challenges and the goals that are really important to you.
      Check out our testimonials page to hear from more of our happy and satisfied clients! 

      Why choose Europe HR Solutions?

      Speed
      Our HR services professionals can start immediately and send answers to your needs within 24 hours or less.

      Immediately Operational & High Quality
      Our human resources consultants in Europe have many years of expertise. Our team will be able to help you immediately with your questions and projects.

      Flexibility
      We are HR experts who serve on an ad hoc basis, interim basis, project and retainer basis from a few weeks, months up to several years.

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