Dismissal in the Netherlands – Complete Guide for Expats

Losing your job abroad can be confusing and stressful — especially when it happens under Dutch employment law. The Netherlands has one of the most protective employment systems in Europe, but navigating it as an expat can be difficult.

At Ontslagspecialist.nl, we help expats understand their rights, secure fair compensation, and leave their employment on the best possible terms. Our English-speaking employment lawyers have over 25 years of experience assisting international professionals across all sectors — from tech and finance to industry and NGOs.

Understanding dismissal in the Netherlands

Dutch law doesn’t allow an employer to simply terminate a contract. Every dismissal must have a valid legal ground and follow the correct procedure.
There are three main routes:

Mutual Termination via a Settlement Agreement
This is the most common route. Employer and employee agree on a settlement agreement (Vaststellingsovereenkomst) that ends the employment on mutually acceptable terms.
→ Read more: The Dutch Settlement Agreement

Dismissal via the UWV (Public Employment Authority)
Used mainly for economic reasons (reorganisation, redundancy) or long-term illness.
→ Read more: The Statutory Dismissal Procedure – UWV and Court

Dismissal via the Subdistrict Court
Used in cases of alleged underperformance or disrupted working relationships. The court must approve the dismissal before it becomes effective.

Each route has specific rules and timelines. At Ontslagspecialist.nl, our lawyers assess your situation, check the legal ground, and protect your financial and legal interests.

What expats should know

Being dismissed in the Netherlands as an expat involves more than just losing your job. It can affect your visa, tax benefits, and unemployment benefits (WW).

Common issues include:

• The settlement agreement is written entirely in Dutch.
• The offer does not include WW-safe wording, which may block your unemployment benefits.
• Your 30% ruling or residence permit may expire if the termination isn’t structured properly.
• Employers may underpay the statutory severance (transitievergoeding).

Our team ensures all these aspects are covered — so your departure is legally secure and financially fair.

→ See also: Severance Pay Netherlands

Be aware: our lawyers can often negotiate for employees a better deal than employer offers!

Real-Life Examples: How we help expats

Case 1 – British Audit Manager
James, a 45-year-old British manager, was informed his position would be made redundant. The company offered a Dutch-language settlement agreement.
We reviewed the contract, ensured WW-safe wording, and negotiated €22,000 extra severance plus extended garden leave. James could claim unemployment benefits immediately after his contract ended.

Case 2 – Indian Software Engineer under the 30% Ruling
Priya was told she “did not fit the new structure” of her tech company. The employer offered minimal compensation.
We demonstrated procedural flaws in the performance file and secured a termination package equal to six months’ salary. She also retained her 30% tax ruling and residence permit.

Case 3 – U.S. Expat Facing Visa Expiry
David’s sponsor-linked residence permit was at risk after termination. We negotiated a visa transition period, relocation allowance, and a tax-efficient payout structure — allowing him to stay legally in the Netherlands while finding a new employer.

Our expertise: Why expats trust Ontslagspecialist.nl

At Ontslagspecialist.nl, we combine legal precision with a deep understanding of expat life.
Our lawyers are bilingual and specialise in Dutch dismissal law, settlement agreements and severance negotiation.

Our core strengths

• 25+ years of experience in Dutch employment law
• Hundreds of successful expat cases (EU and non-EU)
• Fast, English-language service – same-day reviews available
• Recognised authority in dismissal law: Mr. Edwin van Jaarsveld, founder and senior employment lawyer, frequently publishes in legal journals and online platforms.

When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with a specialised lawyer, not an intake assistant. We act quickly to protect your rights, benefits, and reputation.

Key legal topics

1. The Dutch Settlement Agreement
   Most dismissals are resolved through a mutual termination agreement.
   Our lawyers review, explain, and negotiate these contracts to ensure:
   • You keep access to unemployment benefits (WW)
   • A good severance pay
2. The Statutory Dismissal Procedure (UWV and Court)
   If no agreement can be reached, your employer must request approval from the UWV or Subdistrict Court.
   We represent expats in both routes — ensuring the employer follows Dutch legal standards.
   → Learn more: Statutory Dismissal Procedure – UWV and Court
3. Severance Pay Netherlands
   Almost every employee dismissed is entitled to (at least) a statutory severance payment (transitievergoeding).
   We also negotiate extra severance based on fairness or company policy.
   → Learn more: Severance Pay Netherlands

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my employer fire me without reason?
No. Under Dutch law, every dismissal must be based on a valid reason and approved by either the UWV, the Court, or both parties’ consent.

2. Will I get severance pay if I’m dismissed?
Yes, in most cases you’re entitled to the statutory severance (transitievergoeding). Many expats successfully negotiate with our help additional compensation.

3. What is a WW-safe termination?
A termination that allows you to claim Dutch unemployment benefits (WW). Our lawyers ensure the settlement agreement includes correct wording for WW eligibility.

4. Can I refuse to sign the settlement agreement?
Absolutely. It’s a proposal, not an obligation. You can negotiate better terms or reject it entirely.

5. How quickly can Ontslagspecialist help me?
We offer same-day reviews and urgent legal advice across the Netherlands.

Taking action, first advice = for free

If you’ve received a settlement proposal, don’t sign it before legal review. A small error can cost you thousands in benefits or severance.

Ask our experienced lawyers for a free review on your situation — contact us directly.
Call +31 (0) 20 6160 120 or mail us.

About the author: The above article was written by Edwin van Jaarsveld.

Edwin is a law graduate and has been providing legal assistance with dismissal and settlement agreements for over 25 years. Is dismissal imminent? Contact us immediately at 020 6160 120.

Our lawyers will review your case the same day and explain your options clearly.