
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.

Salary Netherlands – an Octagon guide (updated 2024)
14-03-24
Salary in the Netherlands can baffle internationals regarding how it is calculated or considered. Not to mention, the minimum wage, social premiums, and extra benefits typical in the Netherlands is unique. We see that people new to the Netherlands are ...

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 in The Netherlands – for companies
05-02-24
Burnout, personal injury, the flu, or the common cold – these are all examples of employees’ legitimate reasons for sick leave in the Netherlands. The Dutch are renowned for their progressive approach to labour laws and employee welfare, and this ...

EXPLAINED: The Whistleblower Protection Act in the Netherlands
02-02-24
Does your company have more than 50 employees? If so, you are required to implement a whistleblower policy as a part of your internal reporting procedure. Whistleblowers play a pivotal role in organizations by exposing and reporting ‘wrongdoing’ within the ...