HR Consultancy
Practical support across employment frameworks, workforce policies, employee relations, onboarding, and HR operations.
Netherlands
Europe's Gateway for International Talent and Business
The Netherlands is one of Europe's leading destinations for international organisations, technology companies, aerospace programmes, and globally mobile talent.
39+
Years in NL
5
Service pillars offered
95+
Nationalities placed
Its highly educated workforce, international outlook, advanced infrastructure, and direct access to the European market make it an attractive base for organisations seeking to establish, expand, or strengthen their European operations.
For nearly four decades, Octagon has helped organisations build and support workforces in the Netherlands. As our home market since 1987, we combine deep local expertise with an international perspective, helping organisations navigate Dutch employment requirements while creating the foundations for long-term growth.
Whether supporting a first hire, a project team, or a large-scale workforce, we provide integrated solutions covering recruitment, Employer of Record services, payroll, workforce compliance, international mobility, and HR advisory.
Why the Netherlands?
The Netherlands consistently ranks among Europe's most attractive destinations for international business.
Its strengths include:
Access to a highly skilled and multilingual workforce
A strong ecosystem of international organisations, research institutions, and innovative companies
Excellent connectivity across Europe and beyond
A business-friendly environment with a highly international outlook
Access to one of Europe's most dynamic technology, aerospace, and innovation ecosystems
For organisations expanding into Europe, the Netherlands often serves as both an entry point and a long-term strategic base.
Building a Workforce in the Netherlands
Success in the Dutch market requires more than recruitment.
Organisations must navigate employment regulations, payroll requirements, pension obligations, immigration processes, onboarding, and workforce administration while creating a positive experience for employees.
Octagon helps organisations manage this complexity through a coordinated workforce model that combines local knowledge with practical operational support.
Our services support organisations at every stage of growth, from market entry and first hires to established operations and long-term workforce management.
Available in this market
Services in the Netherlands
Employer of Record & Payroll
Compliant employment, payroll administration, pension management, and workforce support without the need to establish a local entity.
Talent Acquisition
Specialist recruitment across aerospace, defence, technology, international organisations, professional services, and other highly skilled sectors.
Operating Successfully in the Dutch Market
The Dutch employment landscape is well regulated and highly protective of employees.
Successfully operating in this environment requires an understanding of employment legislation, collective labour agreements, pension obligations, workforce classification rules, and international mobility frameworks.
Octagon supports organisations through:
IND sponsorship and Highly Skilled Migrant procedures
30% ruling administration
Contractor compliance and workforce classification
Collective labour agreement (CAO) alignment
Pension administration and reporting
Employment compliance and workforce governance
Our role is to help organisations operate confidently while maintaining full compliance with local requirements.
Our Experience in the Netherlands
For nearly four decades, the Netherlands has been at the centre of Octagon's operations.
From our base in The Hague, we have supported international organisations, technology companies, aerospace programmes, defence projects, and multinational businesses operating across the Dutch market.
This experience provides us with a practical understanding of the workforce challenges organisations face when building and managing teams in the Netherlands.
Netherlands in depth
Guides, solutions, and specialisations
Explore the detail behind how we work in the Netherlands.
Employment contracts in the Netherlands
Dutch contract requirements, probation rules, notice periods, and non-compete clauses.
Employee handbook in the Netherlands
Statutory handbook components, GDPR-compliant policies, house rules, and code of conduct.
Risk assessment (RI&E)
The mandatory Dutch workplace risk inventory and evaluation, handled end to end.
Dutch employment compliance
Ongoing compliance with Dutch employment legislation, CAO obligations, and workforce rules.
EOR vs subsidiary
When to use Employer of Record and when to set up your own Dutch BV.
Technology and scale-ups
First Dutch hire on compliant payroll in five business days.
UK companies expanding to NL
Cross-Channel employment under a single contract and one partner.
Dutch SMEs and Wet VBAR
Compliant Dutch payrolling with chain liability protection.
Vacancies
Open roles in Netherlands
Start building your workforce in the Netherlands
Whether you are entering the Dutch market, expanding an existing operation, or strengthening your workforce capabilities, Octagon can help you recruit, employ, support, and retain the people behind your success.