--- title: Getting Laid Off in the Netherlands? Your Expat Guide - Vaststellingsovereenkomst.org description: Wat is een Vaststellingsovereenkomst? Wat kan er mis gaan? Kijk snel op de website author: Edwin van Jaarsveld url: https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/en/getting-laid-off-in-the-netherlands-your-expat-guide --- ![What is a settlement agreement?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/17/shutterstock_499576012-1-gespiegeld-177f0f5e.jpeg) [### Result guarantee **Guaranteed!**](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/en/result-guarantee/) [![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/images/edwin-vertelt.svg)](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=144) ## Getting Laid Off in the Netherlands? Your Expat Guide --- ## If you're an expat facing dismissal in the Netherlands, what are your rights, and where can you find support? The Dutch labor market is known for its robust employee protection, but dismissal can still be a complex and stressful experience — especially for expats. This article outlines the main dismissal scenarios and explains how legal experts at **vaststellingsovereenkomst.org** can support you through the process. ### Dismissal in the Netherlands: When is it possible? In the Netherlands, an employer must follow formal procedures before dismissal. Common reasons include: - **Business economic reasons** – financial difficulties or reorganization (via UWV) - **Long-term incapacity** – after 2 years of illness and no reintegration options (via UWV) - **Underperformance** – proven disfunctioning, despite support and warnings (via court) - **Misconduct** – theft, fraud or refusal to work may lead to instant dismissal - **Broken working relationship** – when collaboration is no longer possible - **Settlement agreement (VSO)** – mutual agreement often preferred for speed and clarity ### Legal Assistance for Expats via vaststellingsovereenkomst.org Expats face extra challenges, such as language barriers and unfamiliar legal systems. Our specialized lawyers: - Are fluent in English and understand expat-specific needs - Provide strategic legal advice and situation analysis - Negotiate strong settlement agreements that protect your rights #### What does legal support include? - **Maximum transition payment** negotiation - **Work exemption** with salary retention - **Positive reference** and outplacement options - **Clear agreements** on returning company property - **Review of confidentiality & non-compete clauses** - **WW-proof settlement agreements** to retain unemployment benefits - **Representation at UWV or court** if needed **Our team ensures you don’t miss your rights — and fights for the best possible outcome.** ### Q&A: Dismissal of Expats in the Netherlands - **Q1:** My employer wants to dismiss me. What should I do? *Don't sign anything. Contact a specialized lawyer first to review your options.* - **Q2:** Do expats have the same rights as Dutch employees? *Yes, Dutch labor law applies equally — but legal support helps you avoid pitfalls.* - **Q3:** What is a settlement agreement (VSO)? *A mutual agreement outlining dismissal terms — essential for protecting your unemployment benefits and compensation.* - **Q4:** Can I lose my benefits if I sign a VSO? *Yes — unless it’s correctly drafted. We ensure your VSO is WW-proof.* - **Q5:** Can the lawyers advise in English? *Absolutely. Communication in English is part of our service.* - **Q6:** How quickly must I respond to a VSO? *You have a 14-day cooling-off period. But always have it reviewed first!* - **Q7:** Can I negotiate the transition payment? *Yes, often above the statutory amount — especially if initiated by the employer.* - **Q8:** What if I’m dismissed with immediate effect? *Seek legal help immediately. This affects your income and benefit rights.* - **Q9:** Do I have to keep working during the notice period? *Yes, unless work exemption is agreed. We often arrange this for you.* - **Q10:** Who pays legal fees? *In many VSO cases, your employer covers all or part of the costs. We’ll help negotiate that.* ![Unemployment benefit upon dismissal](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/images/unemployment_benefit_upon_dismissal_.jpg) ### Facing Dismissal in the Netherlands? Don’t Go It Alone. If you're an expat in the Netherlands and find yourself facing dismissal or a proposed settlement agreement, remember: **you don’t have to go through this alone.** The lawyers at **vaststellingsovereenkomst.org** specialize in supporting expats with: - Clear legal advice in English - Negotiating maximum financial outcomes - Securing your unemployment benefits **Never sign anything before it’s reviewed**. Taking early legal advice can make all the difference. **Call us: +31 (0) 20 6160 120** — or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for free initial advice. --- [Check my settlement agreement](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2418&lang=en-GB) ![what is a settlement agreement?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/bb/vaststellingsovereenkomst_2020-bbc4ed47.jpeg) ### Get the most out of your agreement and contact us today. - Free telephone consultation - Free dismissal proposal check - Result guarantee ## Never just sign. Let us help you Many things can go wrong, which can cost you not only a lot of money but even your unemployment benefits (WW). [Send us your settlement agreement for a free check](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2455&lang=en-EN) ## ## What can we do for you?   - we can answer your questions about dismissal and the settlement agreement; - we can screen your settlement agreement for unemployment benefit safety, irregularities, pitfalls, the severance payment, etc.; - we can advise you on ‘what to do?’ - we can negotiate with your employer for **a better severance arrangement;** - we can — if you wish — try to prevent your dismissal.     ![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/04/photo-1562564055-71e051d33c19-04d0db95.jpeg) In any case, with our help you avoid costly mistakes and achieve the best possible result! Take action now: Call **+31 (0)20 6160 120** or [email](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/en/email-for-advice/) us. The first advice is FREE [Have your agreement checked by us for free](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2418) ## Quickly navigate to a topic [What is a settlement agreement?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=1196) [Economic dismissal](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2427) [How much should my severance pay be?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2432) [Settlement agreement and illness](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2431) [Is my settlement agreement safe for my unemployment benefits?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2421) [Severance pay](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2432) [Settlement agreement and a fixed-term contract](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2436) [Settlement agreement and pregnancy](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2437) [Help with dismissal](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2435) [How does a settlement agreement look?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=1214) [When is dismissal possible?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2426) [Dismissal for underperformance](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2429) [Settlement agreement in case of reorganization](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2430) [Statutory severance pay](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2433) [What is a termination agreement?](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2423) You’re probably not dealing with dismissal every day — but we are! don’t take it lightly; it could save you a lot of money and even protect your unemployment benefits. Avoid costly mistakes and get in touch right away with our experienced employment law lawyers and attorneys. [Get your agreement checked for free](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2418) ## A few things to consider in a dismissal settlement: Besides the unemployment benefits rights, there are (of course) other matters that must or can be arranged in a dismissal settlement. To give you an idea, below are some topics.    Date of termination of employment contract Preferably choose a date that falls after the notice period applicable to the employer. Termination of employment contract To avoid problems with obtaining unemployment benefits, this should be a 'neutral' reason, such as economic circumstances or a disrupted working relationship that is not the employee's fault. Severance pay This is usually an important point. Is the employee entitled to the transition payment, or possibly a higher amount? Ask our specialists about the possibilities. Is the employee exempted from work? This can be particularly important in cases of a strained employment relationship or the loss of work during a reorganization. Are the unused vacation days paid out? In cases where the employee is granted long-term exemption from work, it is often agreed that the unused vacation days will expire. Does the employee have to return certain company property (such as a laptop, phone)? This can be a point of negotiation. It is often agreed that the employee may keep the laptop or phone. Non-competition clause and non-solicitation clause Do these clauses remain in effect or do they expire? The expiration of the non-competition clause is especially important for the employee if they want to continue working in the same industry. Does the employee receive a positive reference letter? A positive reference letter can, of course, be helpful when looking for another job. Do the parties agree to final settlement? If the parties agree to a final settlement, they cannot claim anything beyond what is laid down in the settlement agreement. More than 20 years of experience with dismissal cases Customers rate us with a 9  + average More than 15000  + dismissal cases successfully completed ## How do we work? ### Contact us for a free and no-obligation consultation* Your employer offers you a settlement agreement or wants to dismiss you in another way. Then contact our dismissal specialists immediately. You can present your case by phone or email. You can do this without worrying about costs. The first advice is FREE*. (*) unless otherwise agreed with you ### We review your situation and provide advice Our specialists assess your situation. We explain whether you can be dismissed and whether the proposed settlement agreement looks good or not. What 'pitfalls' does the settlement agreement contain? And what are the areas for improvement? We pay attention to the security of your unemployment benefits and the amount of severance pay (can it be increased?), as well as other important matters. If your employer does not offer a settlement agreement, but you have been dismissed immediately, or if a dismissal procedure is looming at the subdistrict court or the UWV, we can also assist you. We explain what your chances are in such a procedure and how we can help you defend yourself or avoid the procedure altogether. ### The solution for your situation If the settlement agreement offered by your employer is a fair offer, we will let you know as soon as possible. But usually, there are points for improvement. Think, for example, of a higher severance payment, exemption from work, etc. We can then negotiate with your employer for a better arrangement. Usually, this succeeds! And most of the time this can be done **at no cost** **to the employee** because we often manage to have the costs reimbursed by your employer. If dismissal without a settlement agreement is looming, we can also help you. We will defend you before the court or the UWV, or try to negotiate a good severance agreement for you. With our experience of more than 20 years, we achieve the best possible results for you! So present your case to us immediately. You will know where you stand **within 24 hours**. ![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/a8/vaststellingsovereenkomst_controleren-a89edd16.jpeg) ### Example of a settlement agreement Our specialists have prepared a sample settlement agreement for you. You can adjust the example according to the specific arrangements you make with your employee or employer. Order the editable sample settlement agreement below. ### [Model vaststellingsovereenkomst](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=productdetails&virtuemart_product_id=8&virtuemart_category_id=1 "Model vaststellingsovereenkomst") --- € 24,50 --- ![](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/templates/yootheme/cache/54/vaststellingsovereenkomst_weigeren_te_ondertekenen-540d485e.jpeg) ### Sample employee letter Your employer wants to terminate your employment contract and offers you a settlement agreement in this regard. What is a wise response to that offer? We have prepared a sample letter for your initial response. Using the sample letter, you remain available for work and thus retain your right to wages. You also request time to respond to the employer's dismissal proposal and to seek advice. Order the sample letter below. ### [Voorbeeldbrief na aanbod vaststellingsovereenkomst](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&view=productdetails&virtuemart_product_id=16&virtuemart_category_id=1 "Voorbeeldbrief na aanbod vaststellingsovereenkomst") --- € 19,50 --- ## Questions about your settlement agreement? Would you like to have the dismissal proposal reviewed? The initial advice on your settlement agreement is FREE! [Call or email our specialists!](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2445) ## Don’t hesitate! Ask for help with dismissal and avoid costly mistakes. Our experienced lawyers and legal experts assist you with your dismissal case and do everything possible to achieve the best possible outcome for you, such as a **higher severance payment**. We have over 20 years of experience and have handled more than 15,000 dismissal cases. Dismissal is a significant event where many things can go wrong. Don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and legal assistance. [Get help with dismissal](https://vaststellingsovereenkomst.org/index.php?Itemid=2445)