Employment Contract in the Netherlands
Hiring in the Netherlands? Dutch employment law works very differently from at-will employment systems. Make sure your contract complies.
How is Dutch employment law different from at-will employment?
An Employment Contract in the Netherlands must comply with Dutch labor law, which does not recognize at-will employment, requires a valid legal ground for dismissal, and imposes specific written-form requirements on clauses like probationary periods and non-compete agreements.
Many foreign employers assume employment works the same way everywhere, but Dutch labor law differs fundamentally from at-will employment systems common in places like the US. There is no concept of 'at-will employment' in the Netherlands: dismissing an employee requires a valid legal ground and, in most cases, approval from the UWV or a court. Certain clauses, like a probationary period or a non-compete clause, must also meet specific written-form requirements to be legally valid.
At EenvoudigRecht, we draft Employment Contracts in English that fully comply with Dutch labor law. You answer a few questions online about the position, and receive your contract for a fixed price.
Veelgestelde vragen
Does 'at-will employment' exist under Dutch law?
No. 'At-will employment', where either party can end employment at any time without cause, doesn't exist under Dutch law. Dismissing an employee requires a valid legal ground and, in most cases, either UWV or court approval.
Why do probationary periods and non-compete clauses need specific wording?
Certain clauses, such as a probationary period (proeftijd) or a non-compete clause, must meet specific written-form requirements to be legally valid. Get the wording or format wrong, and the clause can be void, even if both parties agreed to it.
Is an employee entitled to a transition payment from day one?
Yes. Since the introduction of the Wet arbeidsmarkt in balans (WAB) in 2020, employees are entitled to a transition payment (transitievergoeding) from their very first day of employment, including during the probationary period.
What is the 'ketenregeling' for fixed-term contracts?
The 'ketenregeling' limits how many consecutive fixed-term contracts you can offer before the employee is automatically entitled to a permanent contract, currently after three fixed-term contracts or three years, whichever comes first.
How much does an Employment Contract cost?
We work with a fixed price you know in advance. You answer a few questions online about the position and the employee, and receive an Employment Contract in English, compliant with Dutch labor law.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Martijn
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