Hotel California Cluster
Exit Cost Estimator
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. Estimate the true cost and timeline of closing your Dutch subsidiary.
Your Dutch Subsidiary
Mandatory above 50 employees
Default: 2 (≈3% of headcount)
Estimated Total Exit Cost
€ 1.658.750
EUR 33K per employee
Cost Breakdown
The Three Clocks
US Board expects
3-6 months
Dutch legal process
12-18 months
Full dissolution
18-24 months
Risk Factors
Collective dismissal rules (WMCO) apply — UWV notification + 1-month waiting period + trade union consultation required.
Works council has adviesrecht — can challenge at Enterprise Chamber and potentially reverse the decision.
2 sick employees — each adds EUR 80-150K to the total and cannot be terminated during illness.
The Bottom Line
Closing your 50-person Dutch subsidiary will cost approximately EUR 1.7M and take 12-24 months. Your board expects this done in 3-6 months. The gap between expectation and reality is where expensive mistakes happen.
This number should be in your business case before you enter the Netherlands — not discovered when you try to leave.
Need to navigate a Dutch exit without surprises? I have been through this process and can tell you where the hidden costs are buried.
Let's talk about your exit