The Dutch Workforce

The labour force in Holland is an essential factor for the country’s progress. The strong Dutch economy is growing rapidly, relying on well-developed infrastructure and skilled, productive employees. Undoubtedly the superior training and adaptability of the Dutch employees contribute significantly to the welfare of the Netherlands in the long run.

Our local consultants in company registration can give you details on the legal procedures for hiring employees in the Netherlands.

Highly qualified professionals

Dutch employees are ready to embrace changes and to acquire new skills and competencies. The national labour force is among the most flexible worldwide. The same applies to the local employers who readily make investments in their staff and motivate them to take up new challenges.

The Dutch labour force has one undeniable advantage: most people speak two or three languages. This is important for the role of the Netherlands on the European economic scene. Dutch employees are constructive, skilled and productive. They are well educated and open for cooperation. As regards the level of qualification, Holland is third in the global top for higher education.

The labour market in Holland

Foreigners who have moved to Holland only a few years ago with the aim to work for local companies now possess the skills to establish their own businesses. Regions such as West Holland offer great opportunities to entrepreneurs intending to create start-ups.

The labour market in Holland has evolved accordingly and the current demands are mainly focused on engineers and technicians. West Holland contributes significantly to the workforce qualifications because many of its universities cooperate with local companies to educate prospective employees.

Our agents in company formation in the Netherlands can help international investors planning to start Dutch businesses.

The law on employment in Holland

The Dutch law on Labour and Employment is quite complex. A contract for employment in the Netherlands may be concluded in oral or written form. In any case, the employer has to clarify certain aspects to the employee. Some of the key aspects are:

1. job description and position;
2. hiring date;
3. place of work;
4. temporary or permanent employment;
5. salary;
6. working hours;
7. rights to pension (if relevant).

Employment contracts can be concluded for a particular or indefinite time period. Employment agreements often include restrictive clauses related to confidentiality and non-competition. Read here on appointment and dismissal of staff in the Netherlands.

International employees in Holland

The Netherlands has its own skilled labour force, but also attracts international talent. Foreign employees need residence permits to work in Holland. Highly qualified individuals can take advantage of the visa program for skilled migrants facilitating the procedure of hiring foreign staff in the Netherlands. The employer also needs to obtain a special employment permit. Swiss and EEA nationals are excluded from the rule.

Would you like to receive more information on the employment legislation in Holland? Contact our experts.

Similar Posts:

• Foreign multinational corporations & the Netherlands annual budget
• Directives to counter tax avoidance in Holland
• 5 Best EU Countries for Corporate Tax
• The number of UK companies coming to the Netherlands is steadily rising
• Significant amendments to the law in Holland in 2019

Sources

• Wet op de vennootschapsbelasting 1969 (wetten.overheid.nl)
• Officiele bekendmakingen - Dutch official government gazette
• Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, employment law (wetten.overheid.nl)
• Business.gov.nl - employing staff in the Netherlands
• PwC Netherlands - tax insights and publications
• Hoge Raad 2025, dissolution of an employment contract (ECLI:NL:HR:2025:1171)
• Hoge Raad 2022, dismissal on economic grounds (ECLI:NL:HR:2022:276)
• EY Netherlands - tax insights
• Court of Justice EU, CCOO on recording working time (C-55/18)
• Belastingdienst - corporate income tax rates (19% up to EUR 200,000 and 25.8% above)