🇳🇱 Best Employer of Record Netherlands

You're looking at €199-€599 per employee per month for the EOR service fee, plus the actual employment costs. Here's the thing—the total cost of employing someone in the Netherlands is about 30-40% more than their gross salary due to mandatory contributions like social security (15-20%), pension (10-20%), and the 8% holiday allowance.

At Columbus, we charge $179/month. Most other providers charge $599—that's a pretty big difference when you're looking at your budget.

Most EORs can get you set up in 5-7 business days, which is pretty impressive compared to the 4-6 months it'd take to establish your own Dutch entity. The EOR handles all the paperwork—employment contracts in Dutch, tax registrations, compliance setup—while you focus on finding the right person. It's one of the biggest advantages of going the EOR route instead of doing it yourself.

The 8% holiday allowance is mandatory in the Netherlands—it's an extra month's salary paid out annually, usually in May. Your EOR will calculate and manage this automatically as part of payroll processing.

It's separate from regular vacation days and is considered a statutory right for all employees. Don't worry about the math—any decent EOR will handle this calculation and ensure it's paid on time.

Not if you're using an EOR—that's literally what you're paying them for. They'll draft compliant employment agreements in Dutch, handle collective labor agreement (CAO) requirements, and manage all the legal stuff with the Dutch Labour Authority. The EOR becomes the legal employer, so they're on the hook for compliance, not you. Just make sure your EOR actually knows Dutch employment law inside and out.

Your EOR handles all tax calculations, social security contributions, and payments to Dutch authorities. They'll manage the employer contributions (15-20% for social security), process monthly payroll in euros, and generate compliant payslips. The EOR also stays on top of annual rate changes and reporting requirements. You don't need to become an expert in Dutch tax law—that's their job.

Absolutely. EORs are actually perfect for remote hiring because they handle all the compliance and administrative work regardless of where your employee is based in the Netherlands. They'll manage contracts, payroll, and local requirements whether your hire is in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or working from a small town. The process is the same—you just don't need a physical office presence.

The Netherlands has a pretty tight labor market with unemployment around 3.8% and labor force participation at a record-high 76.10%. This means it's a competitive hiring environment—good for employees, tougher for employers. Job openings increased 15% in 2025, and tech skills like machine learning are growing at 383% annually. An EOR won't solve the talent shortage, but it'll get you in the game faster.

Yes, it's completely legal. Many foreign companies use EOR services to hire in the Netherlands without establishing a local entity. The EOR becomes the legal employer through formal contractual agreements, assuming all employment responsibilities and liabilities. It's a legitimate business model that's widely accepted by Dutch authorities. Just make sure your EOR is properly registered and compliant with local regulations.