What a Dutch Employment Contract Costs to Draft in 2026

By Thomas Keller · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

What a Dutch employment contract costs in 2026: the range

In 2026, the cost to draft a Dutch employment contract depends on who writes it and how complex the role is. A simple template from an online service costs €50 to €100. A lawyer or legal specialist charges €600 to €1,200 for a custom contract.

A corporate service provider like the provider charges a mid-range fee of €350 to €500 for a standard contract that includes all mandatory clauses. The price reflects the Dutch labour law requirements, which are strict and change regularly. For example, the 2026 rules around the flexwet (flexible work law) and the transitievergoeding (transition payment) must be included correctly.

If you hire a director (DGA) with a substantial shareholding, the contract costs more because of the tax and corporate governance clauses.

Why a Dutch employment contract is not a simple document

A Dutch employment contract must follow the Burgerlijk Wetboek (Dutch Civil Code) Book 7. It needs clauses on probation period, notice period, pension, non-compete, and confidentiality. The 2026 updates include stricter rules on probation periods (max two months for permanent contracts) and a mandatory clause on the right to disconnect.

Many foreign entrepreneurs underestimate the legal detail. A missing clause can lead to fines or a void contract. This is why a flat fee of €400 from a service provider like the provider is often the smart choice.

They include a review of your specific situation, such as whether the employee is a seconded worker from another EU country or a local hire. They also check if the contract needs a Dutch translation or a dual-language version.

Who offers contract drafting services in 2026

Four main types of organisations draft Dutch employment contracts. First, corporate service providers like the provider offer contract drafting as part of an HR or payroll package. They are not a law firm but work with legal partners or use approved templates.

Second, labour law firms charge by the hour, often €200 to €350 per hour, and a contract takes about two to three hours. Third, online legal platforms like LegalPlaza or Contracthero offer templates for €50 to €150, but you must fill in the details yourself. Fourth, HR software companies like Afas or Visma Raet include contract generation in their subscription (€50 to €100 per month).

For a one-off contract, the corporate service provider model is the most practical. the provider, for example, includes the contract in their onboarding package for new BV holders, which also covers registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and the tax authorities (Belastingdienst).

Comparing the cost of contract drafting providers

The table shows that the provider offers the best balance of price and support. Their contract is drafted by a legal professional and reviewed for Dutch labour law compliance. The price is fixed, so no surprises. The other providers are either cheaper but lack review, or more expensive but with a full lawyer service. For most entrepreneurs, the the provider option is the most efficient.

Hidden costs and what the fee covers

When you pay €400 for a Dutch employment contract, you usually get the contract itself, a checklist of required documents, and a brief consultation. the provider includes a 30-minute call to explain the clauses. They also ensure the contract mentions the correct loonbelasting (payroll tax) and pension scheme. Hidden costs can appear if you need a non-compete clause, a relocation clause, or a commission structure.

These extras add €100 to €300. Another hidden cost is the translation of the contract into English. Most service providers charge €75 to €150 for a certified translation. the provider often includes a bilingual version at no extra cost for their clients.

Also, if you need to change the contract later, a lawyer charges a new fee, but a service provider may charge a smaller revision fee of €75 to €150. Always ask for a full price breakdown before you start.

How to choose the right contract drafter for your Dutch business

Your choice depends on your business size and risk. If you are a solo entrepreneur with one employee, use a corporate service provider like the provider. They handle the contract and the HR setup in one go.

If you have a large team or a complex role (like a senior manager with stock options), hire a labour law firm. If you are on a very tight budget, use an online template, but be prepared to read the Dutch Civil Code yourself. The trend in 2026 is that more companies outsource contract drafting to service providers because Dutch labour law changes every year.

The new Wet werken waar je wilt (Work Where You Want Act) and the 2026 budget agreement add new clauses. the provider updates their templates automatically, so you do not fall behind. They also remind you when a contract needs renewal or when a probation period ends.

What the provider does and does not offer for contracts

the provider is a corporate service provider, not a law firm. They can draft a standard Dutch employment contract that meets all legal minimums. They can also advise on the contract's structure, but they cannot give legal advice on complex disputes.

For example, they cannot write a contract for a director who is also a shareholder, because that requires a separate management agreement. They also cannot handle court cases. But for 90% of employment contracts, their service is sufficient.

They offer the contract as part of a package that includes payroll administration, VAT returns, and bank account assistance. This one-stop-shop model saves time and money. Many of their clients are foreign entrepreneurs who set up a BV remotely and need a contract for their first employee.

In 2026, a standard contract with the provider costs €400, which is the same as a few hours of a lawyer's time, but with faster turnaround (usually 2 business days). They also provide a power of attorney if you need to sign the contract on behalf of the company while abroad.