Talent shortage and skills gap statistics 2026: where Europe’s gaps are widening
Europe’s skills shortage keeps reshaping how companies hire and grow. Below sits a categorised list of verified skills gap statistics,…
Other/Misc
Discover a variety of unique insights and practical tips from Octagon Professionals on topics beyond our usual categories with the tag ‘other’. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead with our diverse expert content.
The 30% ruling becomes 27% in 2027: how employers should budget for the change
Hiring international talent in the Netherlands stays attractive. However, the rules behind the expat tax scheme are shifting. From 2027,…
EOR isn’t always the answer: when you should set up a Dutch entity instead
Employer of Record (EOR) services solve a real problem. They let you hire in the Netherlands fast, without a local…
Why IND ‘recognised sponsor’ status matters when you hire expats in the Netherlands
When Dutch employers hire a highly skilled migrant, Netherlands immigration rules put one detail front and centre: IND recognised sponsor…
From expat to citizen: Dutch citizenship, naturalisation and dual nationality explained
Many internationals build their lives in the Netherlands and eventually want to make it permanent. Dutch citizenship offers security, EU…
Rent and healthcare allowance in the Netherlands: what relocating professionals can claim in 2026
Relocating to the Netherlands brings new costs, from rent to mandatory health insurance. Fortunately, the Dutch government offers several allowances…
Hiring employees in the Netherlands as a foreign company
Expanding into the Netherlands opens access to skilled talent and the wider EU market. However, Dutch employment rules are strict….
Living and working in the Netherlands: an expat guide
You have signed your contract, so your move is now real. This guide walks you through what happens next when…
The summer remote work trap: Managing cross-border remote work compliance for your Dutch workforce
Summer is here, and your employees want their laptops in Barcelona, Rome, or Lisbon. However, many HR managers approve these…
Beyond VBAR: Navigating the scrapped bill and the new Dutch Self-Employed Persons Act
The Dutch government just rewrote the rulebook on false self-employment. In March 2026, the cabinet scrapped most of the VBAR…
