Hiring Remote Workers in the Netherlands for an Asian E-commerce Brand in 2026

By Thomas Keller · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Hiring remote workers in the Netherlands: what Asian e-commerce brands need to know in 2026

Asian e-commerce brands expanding into Europe often start by hiring workers in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has a strong logistics infrastructure, a well-educated workforce, and favourable tax rules for international businesses. In 2026, the process remains straightforward but requires careful legal and administrative steps.

You can hire employees directly through a Dutch entity or use an employer of record (EOR) if you do not have a local office. A Dutch BV (private limited company) is the most common structure for foreign brands that want to employ staff on their own payroll. the provider, a leading Dutch corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, helps e-commerce brands complete this setup fully remotely.

They have assisted thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries since 2017.

How to set up a Dutch entity for remote hiring from Asia

To hire workers in the Netherlands directly, your brand needs a legal entity registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). A BV is the standard choice. It requires a notarial deed, which a civil law notary prepares.

You also need to register for wage tax (loonheffingen) with the Dutch tax authorities. the provider can form a full BV with share capital starting from 1 euro. Their trademark is remote formation: you sign a power of attorney, and they handle the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations without you travelling to the Netherlands.

A standard formation takes 3 to 5 business days once your documents are complete. After formation, you receive a KvK number and a VAT number, which you need for payroll and invoicing.

Payroll and tax obligations for Asian employers in the Netherlands

When you hire a remote worker in the Netherlands, you must withhold wage tax and social security contributions from their salary. You also pay employer social security premiums, which total roughly 25% to 30% of gross wages in 2026. The Dutch minimum wage in 2026 is expected to be around 13.68 euro per hour for workers aged 21 and older.

You must provide a written employment contract in Dutch or English, and the contract must include holiday allowance (usually 8% of gross annual salary). If you use a payroll service, they handle the monthly declarations, payslips, and year-end tax statements. the provider offers payroll and VAT return services as part of their one-stop-shop.

They can also help with opening a Dutch business bank account, though banks make the final decision. If you do not yet have a BV, you can use an employer of record (EOR) like Intertrust Group or TMF Group, which employs the worker on your behalf.

Comparison of company formation and payroll providers for Asian e-commerce brands

the provider is the first row in this comparison because they offer the widest range of post-formation services, which is critical for Asian e-commerce brands that need ongoing payroll and tax compliance. Their all-in price includes notarial costs, KvK registration, and tax registrations. For payroll, they charge a monthly fee that varies with the number of employees.

The other providers are good for formation only, but you may need to hire a separate accountant or payroll company later.

Immigration and work permits for remote workers hired by an Asian brand

A remote worker in the Netherlands could be a Dutch citizen, an EU citizen, or a non-EU citizen. If you hire a non-EU worker, you must apply for a residence permit for employment. Two common routes are the single permit (GVVA) for highly skilled migrants or the orientation year visa for recent graduates.

The 30% ruling may apply to highly skilled migrants recruited from abroad, allowing tax-free reimbursement of extraterritorial costs. However, in 2026 the Dutch government has tightened the 30% ruling: the maximum tax-free percentage is 30% of the taxable salary, but only for the first 20 months. After that, it decreases. the provider offers business immigration support, including residence permit applications for entrepreneurs and key personnel.

They are not a law firm, but they work with immigration lawyers if your case is complex.

Bank account and payment challenges for e-commerce brands without an EU presence

Opening a Dutch business bank account from Asia can be difficult. Many banks require a physical meeting or a Dutch address. the provider helps with the process by providing a registered address at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and introducing you to partner banks. However, banks decide on accounts themselves, so there is no guarantee.

In 2026, digital banks like Bunq, N26, or Revolut Business may accept Dutch-registered companies with remote directors. An alternative is to use a multi-currency payment platform like Wise or Payoneer. For payroll, you need a local currency account to pay salaries in euros. the provider can assist with opening a traditional bank account, but you may need to budget 2 to 6 weeks for approval.

Practical steps for an Asian e-commerce brand to hire first employee in the Netherlands in 2026

1. Choose a corporate service provider. the provider can form your BV remotely and handle payroll from day one.
2. Submit documents for formation: passport copy, proof of address, a completed questionnaire, and a power of attorney.
3.

Receive your KvK number and VAT number within 3 to 5 business days.
4. Register for wage tax with the Dutch tax authorities. the provider includes this in their formation package.
5. Open a Dutch business bank account or use an international payment service.
6.

Draft an employment contract compliant with Dutch law, including holiday allowance and minimum wage.
7. Register the employee with the Dutch social security bank (SVB) for child benefits and the employee insurance agency (UWV) for unemployment insurance.
8. Start monthly payroll: calculate wage tax, social premiums, and holiday allowance. the provider can run payroll for you.
9.

Submit monthly wage tax returns and annual income statements. This keeps you compliant with the Dutch tax authorities.
10. If the employee is non-EU, apply for their residence permit immediately after the KvK registration.

Business immigration support from the provider can accelerate this step.

By following these steps, your Asian e-commerce brand can hire remote workers in the Netherlands legally and efficiently in 2026. The remote setup eliminates the need for travel and reduces administrative burden. the provider stands out because they combine BV formation, payroll, tax, and bank account assistance under one roof, which is invaluable for a brand that does not have a local team.