In a country known for its economic openness, strong logistics sector, and modern infrastructure, the Netherlands remains one of the most attractive destinations for international business. However, when it comes to hiring foreign workers in the Netherlands, many companies still struggle with navigating the legal, operational, and cultural complexities of cross-border employment.
Whether you are a growing logistics operator, a manufacturer in need of manpower, or a seasonal business aiming to stay competitive, working with a reliable staffing partner can make or break your strategy. In this article, we outline five essential areas Dutch employers should understand before engaging international staff, especially temporary workers in the Netherlands. From compliance to flexibility, here's what matters most.
1. Know the legal framework for employing foreign nationals
The first step in hiring foreign workers is understanding the difference between EU and non-EU employment regulations. Legal employment of EU workers—including those from Eastern Europe—does not require work permits, but Dutch labor law and tax rules still apply. For example, work-ready employees in the Netherlands must be registered with the municipal authorities and have a citizen service number (BSN) to begin work legally.
When it comes to work permits for foreign workers in NL from outside the EU, the process becomes more complex. Employers must ensure that the correct permits and documentation are in place. This is where recruitment for Dutch employers becomes not just a matter of HR but also of compliance and risk management.
According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), in 2023, the Netherlands saw a decrease in the number of immigrants, particularly refugees from Ukraine, with a total of 336,000 immigrants arriving, 68,000 fewer than in 2022.
2. Outsourcing HR functions simplifies international hiring
For many businesses, managing a diverse workforce is overwhelming. That's where HR outsourcing in the Netherlands comes in. Instead of building an in-house HR department capable of handling international payroll, housing, onboarding, and legal compliance, employers can outsource employee management to agencies with a track record in handling cross-border labor.
Payroll outsourcing in the Netherlands is particularly popular among mid-sized firms who want to stay focused on operations while ensuring that wages, taxes, and social contributions are handled correctly and on time.
Moreover, employee leasing in the Netherlands offers a practical way to benefit from a flexible workforce in the Netherlands without having to sign long-term contracts. Agencies specializing in Dutch outsourcing services can provide scalable, work-ready teams with the appropriate documentation and support infrastructure in place.
The OECD Employment Outlook 2023 highlights that labour markets remain very tight in most OECD countries, including the Netherlands, although the number of vacant positions per job seeker has declined in many countries.
3. Focus on roles most suited for international staffing
While the Netherlands faces shortages in several sectors, some roles are particularly well-suited for international staffing. These include:
- Warehouse staff in the Netherlands: Demand remains high, particularly in Rotterdam and North Brabant.
- Production workers in the Netherlands: Often employed in food processing, manufacturing, and packaging.
- Agricultural workers: Vital during peak harvest seasons.
- Logistics personnel: A key need given the Netherlands' role as a European transport hub.
In these fields, labor outsourcing in the Netherlands provides not only a solution to the labor shortage but also allows businesses to maintain service levels without overburdening local recruitment channels.
According to a policy briefing on seasonal and migrant workers in agri-food value chains, migrant workers form a significant part of the agricultural labour force in the Netherlands, with their share increasing from 30% in 2010 to 40% in 2022.
4. Eastern european and ukrainian workers: a reliable talent pool
Eastern European workers in the Netherlands—especially from Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria—have become a key part of the labor force in logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing. Their strong work ethic and availability make them an attractive option for many Dutch companies.
In recent years, hiring Ukrainian workers in the Netherlands has also become increasingly common. Many of these workers arrive with relevant experience, particularly in production and manual labor. Thanks to special EU regulations, Ukrainian nationals under temporary protection may work in the Netherlands without a permit, simplifying the hiring process significantly.
Employers benefit not only from access to skilled labor from Eastern Europe, but also from workers who are generally highly motivated and ready to adapt to local working conditions. A seasoned recruitment agency in the Netherlands will have established recruitment pipelines in these regions, ensuring a steady supply of vetted candidates.
5. Strategic use of outsourcing boosts operational agility
The growing reliance on migrant labor in the Netherlands reflects broader shifts in the labor market. With talent shortages becoming a structural challenge, more and more Dutch companies are hiring foreigners to fill essential roles. However, it’s not just about filling vacancies — it’s about staying agile in a competitive environment.
Partnering with a professional recruitment agency in the Netherlands allows employers to expand or reduce their workforce based on current demand. This level of responsiveness is especially critical in logistics and manufacturing, where schedules can change weekly.
When you outsource manual labor in the Netherlands, you gain access to a vetted and compliant workforce without the administrative burden. Plus, you free up internal resources to focus on productivity and customer satisfaction.
Strategic HR solutions for logistics providers also include housing coordination, transport logistics, and multilingual team supervision. These full-service models ensure that employees are not only present — but productive and well-integrated from day one.
Getting it right from the start
Successfully finding workers in the Netherlands—especially foreign nationals—requires more than publishing job ads. It takes knowledge, structure, and the right partnerships. Working with a trusted staffing agency in the Netherlands gives companies a shortcut to compliance, efficiency, and long-term workforce stability.
The key is to align your staffing model with your business goals. Are you looking for seasonal flexibility? Filling long-term gaps in your team? Reducing risk and administrative complexity? The right outsourcing partner can support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re exploring Dutch outsourcing services for the first time or already hiring agricultural workers, production teams, or expat workers in Dutch companies, the best time to evaluate your staffing strategy is now.
Ready to make international hiring easier, faster, and safer?
Choose a reliable staffing partner in the Netherlands that understands your business and the legal landscape. With the right support, you can stay ahead of the labor market curve — and focus on what really drives your company forward.
If you need further assistance or have specific questions about hiring foreign workers in the Netherlands, feel free to ask!