Expanding your business beyond the Netherlands can open doors to dynamic opportunities and new client bases. However, venturing into international markets often means managing many local regulations, tax frameworks, and labour laws. Without the right support, these complexities can become a source of stress and delay.
This is where a specialised Employer of Record (EOR) can assist. Acting as the legal employer for your overseas workforce, an EOR manages payroll, taxes, compliance, and other employment responsibilities. This allows you to focus on building your business without setting up a legal entity in each country.
If you’re considering growth beyond the Netherlands, here’s how an EOR can support your hiring efforts in key global markets.
How an employer of record (EOR) works
An EOR takes on all legal and administrative tasks related to employment in another country while you remain in charge of your team’s daily assignments and objectives. This includes drafting compliant employment contracts, handling payroll, and overseeing tax obligations, ensuring that your employees receive the necessary benefits and protections under local laws.
For example, suppose your company wants to hire a software developer in Spain. An EOR would ensure that all Spanish labour regulations are met, manage payroll and social security contributions, and handle tax filings. Meanwhile, you remain free to focus on product development.
Key markets for EOR solutions outside the Netherlands
Working with an EOR provider that understands each country’s specific rules is essential. Below are some markets where an EOR can help you grow your team smoothly and legally.
United Kingdom
The UK presents a skilled workforce and a welcoming business environment, but post-Brexit employment rules can be intricate. A UK-based Employer of Record ensures compliance with local laws, manages payroll, and addresses tax obligations, allowing you to recruit talent with less administrative burden.
A financial services provider from The Hague saw the UK as perfect for investment opportunities. Yet, the post-Brexit landscape introduced visa checks, varied pension schemes, and complex tax requirements. A British EOR oversaw these administrative burdens, ensuring that every hire met local standards and that payroll and pension contributions were error-free. Meanwhile, the Dutch executives focused on nurturing client relationships and presenting their services confidently in a new business environment.
United States
The US offers a vast marketplace, but each state has unique employment laws and tax requirements. An American Employer of Record understands these variations, ensuring your workforce meets local standards without complexity holding you back.
I worked with a logistics company from Rotterdam that saw the United States as a gateway to a massive consumer market. Yet each state’s distinct employment laws and tax obligations created confusion when hiring drivers and warehouse staff. Their American EOR managed these local differences, ensuring all hires were correctly classified, payroll taxes were handled properly, and benefits were tailored to US expectations. The Dutch managers could then centre their attention on scaling distribution networks instead of grappling with administrative complexity.
Italy
Italy boasts a strong talent pool and strategic location, but its detailed labour laws and social security contributions can create hurdles. An Italian Employer of Record manages these challenges, handling employment contracts, payroll, and compliance so you can focus on cultivating a strong local presence.
An Amsterdam-based marketing firm moved into Italy, attracted by the country’s creativity and strategic location. They soon realised that Italy’s employment contracts, social contribution rules, and statutory leave entitlements required a far deeper understanding. With an Italian EOR’s help, the firm established compliant employment structures, honoured unique cultural norms around communication, and set accurate payroll cycles. This freed the company’s leadership to refine their local branding strategy rather than sift through legal documentation.
Spain
Spain’s economy and tax incentives (like the Beckham Law) attract businesses. Yet Spain’s labour laws and tax systems can be intricate. A Spanish Employer of Record ensures compliance, simplifies contract management, and handles payroll responsibilities.
A Dutch tech start-up chose Spain for its vibrant talent pool and appealing tax incentives. However, the founders struggled with detailed Spanish labour laws, intricate payroll rules, and social security contributions that differed from those at home. By partnering with a Spanish Employer of Record (EOR), they secured compliant contracts, correct payroll set-ups, and expert guidance on cultural working hours, allowing the start-up to focus on product development rather than wrestling with regulations.
Portugal
Portugal is on the rise as a hotspot for international business, offering appealing tax regimes. However, its labour laws and administrative processes can feel overwhelming. A Portuguese Employer of Record ensures all these factors are properly addressed, letting you concentrate on business growth.
I once worked with a tech startup from The Hague that aimed to hire developers in Lisbon. The EOR took charge of payroll and compliance, allowing the startup to focus on product development and innovation.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s economic stability and competitive tax environment are appealing, yet its labour and tax laws require careful attention. A Swiss Employer of Record navigates these complexities for you, overseeing payroll, contributions, and compliance, so you can build a local team confidently.
Imagine a fintech firm from Eindhoven that needs to hire financial analysts in Zurich. With the help of an EOR the company could ensure all Swiss obligations were met while they pursued investment opportunities.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE offers immense growth potential, but strict visa rules and labour laws must be respected. An Emirates Employer of Record assists with these requirements, allowing you to assemble a capable workforce and focus on progressing in this lucrative region.
One of my clients, a construction company from Rotterdam, decided to expand into Dubai and relied on an EOR to handle visa applications and payroll, making the entire hiring process more manageable.
Need an EOR in another country?
If your plans extend beyond the countries listed here, don’t worry. At Hightekers, we offer Employer of Record services in over 100 countries. Our global reach ensures that wherever you choose to expand, we have the expertise to support your hiring strategy. With our help, you can feel confident that compliance, payroll, and local regulations are in good hands.
How an Employer of Record simplifies global hiring
Expanding into new markets can feel daunting, with each country presenting its own set of rules and requirements. An EOR takes these responsibilities off your shoulders, ensuring that you can direct your efforts toward growing your brand, serving clients, and innovating products.
For example, I once assisted a Dutch foodtech company planning hires across Spain and the UK at the same time. Their EOR managed both countries’ complexities, letting them source top talent swiftly and efficiently while concentrating on strategic goals.
If you’re ready to expand beyond the Netherlands, let an Employer of Record handle the complexities of international hiring. Contact us today to learn how we can help you grow your business globally!