Dutch Employment Law

Looking for a reliable and experienced Dutch employment lawyer in Amsterdam?
WS Advocaten & Mediators advises employers, employees, managing directors and expats on all aspects of Dutch labour and employment law.

Our employment law attorneys are based in Amsterdam, close to the Zuidas financial district, and regularly assist international companies and individuals who are dealing with employment‑related legal issues in the Netherlands. Dutch employment law is complex, highly regulated and subject to frequent change — particularly in the areas of dismissal law, settlement agreements and employee protection. We help you understand your position and act decisively.

Practical advice and strong representation

Our Amsterdam employment lawyers combine strategic advice with extensive experience in negotiation and litigation. Wherever possible, we aim to resolve disputes efficiently through negotiation or mediation. When litigation is unavoidable, we represent your interests firmly before the Dutch courts or the UWV.

Our expertise in Dutch Employment & Labour Law

We regularly advise and litigate on:

Dismissal and termination of employment
Settlement agreements (VSO / termination agreements)
Immediate dismissal and wrongful termination
Reorganisation and redundancy
Employment contracts (fixed‑term, permanent and on‑call contracts)
Non‑competition, non‑solicitation and client clauses
Transfers of undertaking (TUPE)
Managing directors and board‑level employment issues
Wage claims and employment disputes
Expats

Employment contracts in the Netherlands

Dutch employment law distinguishes between fixed‑term and open‑ended contracts. Fixed‑term contracts may automatically convert into a permanent contract after a certain duration or number of renewals. Dutch law also recognises various flexible contracts, such as on‑call or zero‑hours agreements. Collective labour agreements (CAO) may further affect employment terms and conditions and can be declared generally binding.

Dismissal law and termination agreements

Dutch dismissal law offers strong employee protection. Termination generally requires approval from the UWV or the District Court, unless the parties agree on a termination by mutual consent through a settlement agreement. Such agreements must be carefully drafted to safeguard employee rights, including entitlement to unemployment benefits (WW).

Expats and Dutch employment law

Expats working in the Netherlands are, in most cases, entitled to the mandatory protections of Dutch labour law, regardless of any choice‑of‑law clause. We regularly advise expats and international employers on employment contracts, dismissal, benefits and the implications of the 30% ruling.