Explained: The NEW 30% ruling
12-04-24
If you were recruited from outside the Netherlands, you are likely familiar with the concept of the ‘30% ruling.’ In 2024, the Dutch government introduced several key changes to the 30% ruling. To help businesses and expats understand what these changes mean for them, we are going to use this article to explain the NEW 30% ruling.
King’s Day: what you need to know
29-03-24
Spring has sprung, and the traditional Dutch holiday of ‘King’s Day’ is approaching! We celebrate King’s Day on April 27th, and you can be sure that the Dutch are already planning what they will be doing on this day. The ...
Guide to wages in the Netherlands (updated 2024)
14-03-24
Wages in the Netherlands can baffle internationals regarding how it is calculated or how much tax is deducted from the “gross amount”. Not to mention, the minimum wage, social premiums, and extra benefits typical in the Netherlands is unique. We ...
Overcoming homesickness: 5 coping strategies for expats living abroad
07-03-24
At Octagon, we understand the challenges expats face when adjusting to life in a new country, particularly the Netherlands. As expats ourselves, we are committed to easing this transition for our clients and their employees. Recognising that homesickness is a ...
The Dutch indefinite residence vs. long-term EU residence permits
29-02-24
If you’re planning to stick around in the Netherlands for a while, there are other ways to do so besides changing your reason for stay or citizenship/naturalization. For those who are not from an EU member state, you have two ...
5 Tips to negotiate your salary in the Netherlands
23-02-24
Understanding the Dutch labour market and effectively negotiating your salary can be both exciting and intimidating. We know that salary negotiations in the Netherlands have distinct nuances, influenced by cultural and professional factors. To help you navigate this process with ...
9 innovative employee benefit ideas for a competitive compensation package
16-02-24
It’s tough to stand out as an employer in today’s crowded talent market. Everyone is competing for the best talent available, but separating yourself from other employers has never been more difficult. It’s no longer enough for employers to offer ...
EXPLAINED: Sick leave policies for companies in the Netherlands
05-02-24
Burnout, personal injury, the flu, or the common cold – these are all examples of legitimate reasons employees in the Netherlands call in to work to take a sick day. The Dutch are renowned for their progressive approach to labour ...