Hello, Global Player 🌼
May is here — and with it, new opportunities to grow, rethink, and support your global talent. The Dutch tax season is officially closed, but now it’s time for appeals and extensions. Also, housing pressures are intensifying, and cross-border mobility is being redefined with positive updates to the Netherlands–Germany tax treaty.
In this edition, we cover the essential updates so you can keep your international hiring policies sharp, compliant, and future-ready.
In Today’s Edition
- Netherlands–Germany Tax Treaty: Remote Work Just Got Easier
- Dutch Housing Market: Shortage Deepens, Prices Rise
- Should Employers Fund Dutch Lessons for Expats?
- Quick News Bites
- Missed the May 1 Tax Deadline? What HR Teams Should Know
1. Netherlands–Germany Tax Treaty: Remote Work Just Got Easier
Cross-border remote work just became more flexible for Dutch and German companies. As of April 2025, employees can work from home for up to 34 days per year without triggering double taxation — a key amendment to the bilateral tax treaty.
Why It Matters:
- Less admin: Employees can file taxes in the employer’s country for up to 34 remote days.
- More flexibility: A win for companies navigating hybrid work.
- Still evolving: Talks are underway to expand the rule beyond 34 days.
2. Dutch Housing Market: Shortage Deepens, Prices Rise
A growing housing shortage is now forecasted to reach 453,000 units by 2027, while average home prices are set to increase by another 7% in 2025. At the same time, rent freezes for social housing are limiting construction budgets and timelines.
What HR Should Know:
- Expect longer relocation timelines and tougher housing searches for new hires.
- Budgeting for housing allowances will remain a strategic necessity.
- Demand is especially high in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.
3. Should Employers Fund Dutch Lessons for Expats?
The Dutch Advisory Council on Migration recommends that employers should fund Dutch language lessons for all foreign workers—especially since many international employees stay longer than expected.
Why It Matters:
- Language skills can improve employee integration and retention.
- New proposals suggest including language commitments in employment contracts.
- HR teams may need to add language support to onboarding plans.
4. Quick News Bites
- ✈️ New UK Travel Permit for EU Citizens: Travelling to the UK? EU nationals now need an electronic travel authorization (ETA), valid for 2 years. Cost: €19.20. Source
- 🏠 More Expats, More Demand: The rise in expats from Syria, Eritrea, Turkey, and beyond is reshaping Dutch employment and housing trends. 47% of long-term asylum holders are now in paid work. Source
- 🌈 Inclusive Hiring Opportunities: The Netherlands is seeing increased interest from transgender professionals and U.S.-based talent seeking safer, more inclusive environments. This is a valuable talent pool for forward-thinking companies. Source
- 🇪🇺 EuRA 2025 Heads to Zagreb: After an inspiring edition in Lisbon, the next EuRA Global Mobility Conference will take place in Zagreb, Croatia. Industry leaders will gather once again to shape the future of relocation and global talent support. Source
5. Need Expert Tax Support for Your Employees?
The Dutch tax filing deadline for 2024 income was May 1, 2025 — but not all is lost if your expat employees haven’t filed yet.
Here’s what you can do now:
✅ Request an Extension (if already submitted): Those who applied for an extension before May 1 typically have until September 1 to file.
⚠️ No Extension? Act Quickly: Employees who missed the deadline without requesting an extension may face penalties — encourage them to file as soon as possible.
📩 Received a Tax Assessment? Expats can file a formal objection (“bezwaar”) within 6 weeks of the assessment date. A clear explanation and supporting documents are required.
Why It Matters:
Delays and missteps can impact employee confidence and compliance. Having systems—and expert support—can make all the difference.
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See you in our next edition!
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