The Netherlands is a top hiring destination in Europe, offering a skilled, English-speaking workforce and strong access to the EU market, especially across technology, engineering, logistics, and fintech sectors.
However, Dutch labour laws are highly regulated, with strict rules on contracts, termination, and social security. While staffing agencies in the Netherlands help speed up talent sourcing, they do not manage full compliance or legal employment. As a result, many global companies use Employer of Record (EOR) services in the Netherlands to hire compliantly without setting up a local entity.
This guide covers the top staffing agencies in the Netherlands, key labour law considerations, and how Asanify supports compliant hiring.
Why Global Companies Are Hiring in the Netherlands in 2026
The Netherlands offers a unique combination of talent quality, regulatory stability, and geographic advantage that makes it ideal for international hiring.
A Highly Skilled, Global-Ready Workforce
Dutch professionals are known for strong technical expertise, multilingual capabilities, and familiarity with international work environments. English is widely spoken across professional sectors, significantly reducing communication barriers for global teams.
Strong Presence in High-Growth Industries
The country is a European hub for:
- Software development and IT services
- Fintech and SaaS startups
- Engineering and advanced manufacturing
- Logistics, supply chain, and e-commerce
This diversity makes hiring in the Netherlands attractive for companies across industries.
Business-Friendly Yet Highly Regulated
While the Netherlands supports innovation and foreign investment, it enforces strict employment regulations. For employers, this creates a dual reality: strong long-term workforce stability but high compliance expectations.
As a result, companies increasingly rely on staffing agencies in the Netherlands for talent access and Employer of Record in the Netherlands for compliance and scalability.
What Do Staffing Agencies in the Netherlands Actually Do?
Staffing agencies in the Netherlands primarily focus on talent acquisition and workforce placement. Their role is critical, but often misunderstood by global employers.
Core Services Provided by Staffing Agencies
Most recruitment and staffing firms in the Netherlands offer:
- Candidate sourcing and screening
- Temporary and contract staffing
- Permanent placement services
- Industry-specific recruitment expertise
They are particularly effective for companies that already have a Dutch legal entity and simply need faster access to local talent.
Where Staffing Agencies Fall Short for Global Employers
Despite their strengths, staffing agencies typically:
- Do not act as the legal employer
- Do not manage full payroll compliance independently
- Do not assume responsibility for Dutch labour law risks
This means the foreign company often remains exposed to compliance liabilities unless another model such as EOR is used.
Staffing Agencies vs Employer of Record (EOR) in the Netherlands
Understanding the distinction between staffing agencies and EOR services is critical for choosing the right hiring model.
Staffing Agencies: Best for Talent Access
Staffing agencies excel at:
- Finding skilled local candidates
- Supporting short-term or project-based roles
- Reducing recruitment timelines
However, the hiring company usually becomes or already is the legal employer.
Employer of Record in the Netherlands: Best for Compliance
An Employer of Record:
- Becomes the legal employer of the worker
- Manages payroll, taxes, and social security
- Ensures compliance with Dutch labour law
- Handles contracts, benefits, and termination
The Smart Hybrid Model
Many global companies now combine both approaches:
- A staffing agency identifies the right talent
- Asanify, as the EOR, employs the worker compliantly
This hybrid model delivers speed without sacrificing legal certainty.
Staffing Models Offered in the Netherlands
| Hiring Model | Best For | Payroll Responsibility | Duration |
| Temporary Staffing | Seasonal roles, maternity coverage | Staffing Agency | Flexible (1–12 months) |
| Temp-to-Perm | Trial before permanent commitment | Agency → Employer | 3–6 months |
| Permanent Placement | Executive/specialist hires | Client Company | Long-term |
| EOR (via Asanify) | Full-time hires without an entity | Asanify | Ongoing |
In-Demand Roles via Staffing Agencies in the Netherlands
- Tech & IT: Software developers, DevOps engineers, data analysts
- Logistics & Warehousing: Forklift operators, warehouse managers
- Healthcare: Nurses, lab technicians, care workers
- Finance & Legal: Auditors, controllers, legal assistants
- Admin & Customer Support: Multilingual agents, office managers
Suggested Read: EOR Netherlands: A Detailed Guide on Employer of Record 2025
Top Staffing Agencies in the Netherlands (2025)
These staffing agencies are at the forefront of Dutch hiring solutions in 2025. They offer deep local expertise, CAO-aligned compliance, multilingual candidate access, and scalable staffing models for both domestic and international employers.
- Asanify
- Randstad Netherlands
- Adecco Netherlands
- ManpowerGroup Netherlands
- Hays Netherlands
- Undutchables
- Unique Uitzendbureau
- ASA Talent
- Michael Page Netherlands
- Tempo-Team
1. Asanify
Overview:
Asanify is a leading global Employer of Record (EOR) and staffing solution that empowers companies to hire across the Netherlands without establishing a local legal entity. It blends the flexibility of staffing with the assurance of full payroll and legal compliance.
Key Features:
- EOR services combined with on-demand staffing
- Local payroll outsourcing and statutory benefits management
- Full alignment with CAOs and Dutch labor laws, including sick leave policies
- Seamless remote and hybrid hiring across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven
- Integrated HRIS and payroll systems with built-in tax optimization features
2. Randstad Netherlands
Overview:
As part of the globally renowned Randstad Group, Randstad Netherlands offers staffing and workforce management services across sectors such as logistics, IT, and administration.
Key Features:
- Broad talent network across the Netherlands
- Strong compliance with Dutch labor and CAO requirements
- Digital-first tools for sourcing and screening candidates at scale
3. Adecco Netherlands
Overview:
Adecco delivers staffing and recruitment solutions across light industrial, financial, and technical domains. Their services are tailored to support both SMEs and large enterprises.
Key Features:
- Fast, efficient placements for entry to mid-level roles
- Management of temporary workers and payroll
- Broad regional reach, including tier-2 and industrial cities
4. ManpowerGroup Netherlands
Overview:
A key player in the Dutch staffing ecosystem, ManpowerGroup specializes in temporary staffing, career development, and contract recruitment for both tech and administrative roles.
Key Features:
- Scalable contract and freelance staffing models
- Workforce data and analytics for planning and forecasting
- Language assessments and onboarding support tools
5. Hays Netherlands
Overview:
Hays is known for sector-specific hiring, especially in IT, engineering, finance, and life sciences. Their Dutch office connects professional talent with global and local firms.
Key Features:
- Expert recruiters specialized by domain and role type
- Employer branding services for niche and competitive positions
- Strong bilingual and international candidate networks
6. Undutchables
Overview:
Undutchables focuses on placing international professionals and expat talent in Dutch companies, making it ideal for global firms looking for English-speaking staff.
Key Features:
- Multilingual sourcing across sales, admin, and marketing roles
- Cultural alignment and relocation support
- Deep understanding of expat and international job markets
7. Unique Uitzendbureau
Overview:
Unique provides full-cycle staffing and workforce management for mid-sized businesses across generalist roles, with a focus on flexibility and process customization.
Key Features:
- Temporary and long-term staffing across diverse sectors
- Tailored onboarding experiences for each client
- Strong presence in regional markets and suburban areas
8. ASA Talent
Overview:
ASA Talent specializes in recruiting students, recent graduates, and entry-level professionals. Their partnerships with universities make them a go-to for junior staffing.
Key Features:
- On-campus recruitment and flex worker placements
- Youth-focused onboarding, scheduling, and payroll solutions
- Scalable for short-term and volume hiring needs
9. Michael Page Netherlands
Overview:
A respected name in executive search and mid-level hiring, Michael Page offers recruitment services in finance, law, sales, and operations.
Key Features:
- Deep screening, testing, and candidate profiling
- Global reach for international candidate searches
- Support for both contract-based and permanent placements
10. Tempo-Team
Overview:
Tempo-Team, a Randstad subsidiary, focuses on operational, logistics, and blue-collar staffing. Known for its process automation and volume hiring capabilities.
Key Features:
- Pre-screened candidate pools for warehousing and logistics roles
- Highly automated recruitment workflows for efficiency
- Industry-specific compliance and training support
Detailed Comparison of Top Staffing Agencies in the Netherlands
| Agency | Focus Area | Hiring Models | Bilingual Support | Payroll Services | CAO Compliance |
| Asanify | Global, Tech, Remote Teams | EOR, Contract, Perm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Randstad | Generalist | Temp, Contract, RPO | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adecco | Industrial, Finance, Admin | Temp, Perm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ManpowerGroup | IT, Admin, Tech Support | Freelance, Temp | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hays | Tech, Life Sciences | Perm, Executive | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Undutchables | Multilingual Roles | Perm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unique | Admin, Industrial | Temp, Contract | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| ASA Talent | Students, Entry-Level | Contract, Flex | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michael Page | Executive, Legal, Finance | Direct Hire | Yes | No | Yes |
| Tempo-Team | Light Industrial, Support | Temp | Limited | Yes | Yes |
Top Dutch Cities for Staffing Demand
Amsterdam
As the business and tech hub of the Netherlands, Amsterdam leads in demand for roles in software development, finance, digital marketing, and global operations. Its international appeal also makes it a hotspot for multilingual staffing.
Rotterdam
Known for its strategic port, Rotterdam sees high staffing needs in logistics, shipping, warehousing, and industrial operations. It’s a key center for supply chain and infrastructure talent.
Utrecht
Utrecht is strong in fintech, healthcare, and consulting. With a well-educated workforce and central location, it’s a preferred destination for hiring analysts, medical professionals, and startup teams.
Eindhoven
Home to tech giants like ASML and Philips, Eindhoven specializes in high-tech manufacturing, electronics, and R&D. Staffing demand focuses on engineers, designers, and production specialists.
The Hague
As the government and legal capital, The Hague drives demand for legal, administrative, and public sector roles. International organizations also contribute to multilingual hiring needs.
Labour Law in the Netherlands: What Employers Must Understand
Dutch labour law strongly favors employee protection, making compliance non-negotiable.
Key considerations include:
- Mandatory written employment contracts
- Strict notice periods and termination protections
- Holiday allowance (minimum 8% of gross salary)
- Regulated working hours and overtime rules
- Mandatory social security contributions
Foreign companies hiring without proper structures risk fines, disputes, and reputational damage. This is why Employer of Record in the Netherlands has become a preferred model for global employers.
How to Select the Right Staffing Partner in the Netherlands
Choosing the right staffing partner in the Netherlands requires more than evaluating candidate quality. Global employers must assess how well the partner understands Dutch labour law, compliance responsibilities, and long-term hiring needs especially if you do not have a local entity.
Key factors to consider:
- Local labour law expertise: Ensure the partner understands Dutch employment contracts, notice periods, and worker protections.
- Hiring model flexibility: Check whether they support temporary, permanent, or EOR-based hiring.
- Compliance and risk ownership: Clarify who is responsible for payroll, taxes, and statutory contributions.
- Scalability and support: Choose a partner that can support future hiring as your team grows in the Netherlands.
Suggested Read: Labour Laws in the Netherlands (2025): A Complete Guide
Why Global Companies Choose Asanify for Agile, Compliant Hiring in the Netherlands
Asanify is a modern, technology-driven solution for companies looking to expand their workforce in the Netherlands and beyond without the complexity of setting up local legal entities. As a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) partner, Asanify helps international businesses quickly hire, pay, and manage talent across Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, while ensuring full compliance with Dutch labor laws and CAO agreements.
In a market known for strict employment regulations, multilingual talent, and evolving hybrid work norms, Asanify bridges the gap between compliance and agility. Whether you’re staffing a customer support team in the Netherlands, onboarding software developers in India, or building a sales hub across Europe, Asanify simplifies everything from onboarding to payroll and statutory benefits while also supporting payroll outsourcing and tax optimization across jurisdictions.
Key Benefits of Using Asanify
- Hire Without Setting Up a Dutch Legal Entity: Onboard employees in the Netherlands without creating a local company ideal for market testing and lean expansion.
- Local Labor Compliance and CAO Alignment: Contracts and policies comply with Dutch labor laws and applicable CAOs to reduce legal and HR risks.
- Payroll, Contracts, and Benefits Fully Managed: Asanify handles everything from onboarding to payroll, tax filings, and social contributions in full compliance.
- Seamless HRIS and Payroll Integrations: Connect with your existing HR tools for real-time visibility and minimal administrative overhead.
- Support for Long-Term and Project-Based Hiring: Choose between full-time staffing or contract-based hiring depending on your project needs.
- Trusted by Global Teams and Expanding Businesses: Used by startups and global enterprises for fast, compliant hiring across the Netherlands and beyond.
In short, Asanify merges the operational simplicity of staffing services with the legal rigor of an Employer of Record making it the go-to solution for scaling your team across the Netherlands and Europe, without the burden of entity setup or regulatory complexity.
Final Thoughts: Staffing Is Step One – Compliance Drives Long-Term Success
Staffing agencies in the Netherlands play a vital role in accessing top talent. However, for global employers focused on sustainable, long-term hiring, compliance, legal employment, and payroll management are equally critical.
By combining recruitment expertise with EOR services in the Netherlands, companies can hire faster, reduce risk, and scale confidently. Asanify stands at the center of this model transforming Dutch hiring from a regulatory challenge into a strategic advantage.
FAQs
No, you can hire using an EOR like Asanify.
Social security, healthcare contributions, income tax withholding, and pension handled by the staffing provider.
It’s a sector-based collective agreement that outlines mandatory employment terms. Agencies ensure CAO compliance.
Yes, especially in roles requiring English/Dutch or English/French.
Varies by contract and seniority. Standard is 1–2 months but must follow CAO guidelines.
Yes – especially through EOR models like Asanify that ensure full compliance.
Salaries must be paid in EUR, but invoicing can happen in your local currency.
Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Utrecht are tech hiring hotbeds.
The agency handles wage calculation, deductions, and reporting Asanify automates this process.
Typically 1–3 weeks depending on the role and location.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.