Top 5 Virtual Assistant Services in Europe (2026)
If you're a CEO or founder looking for remote executive support, you've likely discovered that most virtual assistant services cater to the US market. Finding a provider that understands European business culture, operates in your time zone, and offers more than basic task execution requires knowing where to look.
We've evaluated dozens of virtual assistant services available to European business leaders and narrowed it down to five providers worth considering. Each has different strengths, pricing models, and ideal use cases.
This guide breaks down what each service offers, who they're best suited for, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Finding the right virtual assistant services in Europe requires knowing where to look - most providers still cater primarily to the US market.
What Are Virtual Assistant Services in Europe?
Virtual assistant services in Europe provide remote executive support tailored to European business culture, time zones, and regulatory environments. Unlike US-centric providers, these services understand GDPR compliance, European work customs, and the nuances of doing business across the continent.
How We Evaluated Virtual Assistant Services in Europe
Before diving into the list, here's how we assessed each provider:
- Talent Location: Where are the assistants based? European clients benefit most from Europe-based EAs for time zone alignment and cultural fit.
- Service Scope: Do they offer basic VA tasks only, or full executive assistant capabilities including calendar management, stakeholder communication, and strategic support?
- Pricing Transparency: Is pricing clear upfront, or do you need a sales call to learn costs?
- Client Focus: Do they serve everyone, or specialise in specific client types (startups, enterprises, executives)?
- Support Model: Is there a dedicated assistant, rotating pool, or hybrid approach?
According to DonnaPro's experience placing executive assistants across 110+ industries, the single biggest factor in EA success is alignment between the assistant's capabilities and the executive's actual needs. A cheaper service handling basic tasks won't help if you need someone who can manage your inbox autonomously and prepare board materials.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Virtual Assistant Services in Europe
Before diving into detailed reviews, here's a quick side-by-side comparison. This table shows the key differences at a glance - use it to narrow your options, then read the full breakdown below.
Scroll left-right to see full table.
DonnaPro |
Time Etc |
Double |
Athena |
Boldly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talent Location | EU only | US & UK | US & France | Philippines / US | US & UK |
| Best For | CEOs & Founders | Small businesses | Tech companies | Full-time support | Enterprise |
| Starting Price | €2,700/month | $310/month | $549/month | $3,600/month | ~€2,220/month |
| Pricing Model | Flat monthly | Hourly packages | Hourly packages | Full-time dedicated | Hourly packages |
| Dedicated Assistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (full-time) | Yes |
| Executive-Level Support | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Account Management | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes (EA managed) | Yes |
Now let's look at each service in detail. We've ordered this list based on overall fit for European CEOs and founders, weighing talent quality, European presence, and executive-level capabilities.
The Top 5 Virtual Assistant Services in Europe
1. DonnaPro
Overview: DonnaPro is the only virtual assistant agency built exclusively for CEOs, founders, and business owners. Rather than offering general VA services, they specialise in placing executive-level assistants who can operate autonomously and handle high-stakes responsibilities.
- Best for: CEOs, founders, and business owners who need a strategic partner, not just task support.
- Talent Pool: All assistants are based in the European Union. DonnaPro accepts fewer than 3% of applicants, focusing on candidates with prior C-suite support experience.
- Services: Their executive assistants handle the full scope of EA responsibilities: calendar management, email management, travel coordination, document preparation, project management, stakeholder communication, and industry-specific administrative needs. Unlike task-based VA services, DonnaPro EAs are trained to anticipate needs and solve problems before they reach the executive.
- Process: Onboarding begins with a consultation to assess your specific needs, working style, and priorities. You're then matched with an assistant whose skills and personality align with your requirements. A dedicated Quality Manager monitors the relationship and intervenes if boundaries start eroding or workload becomes unsustainable.
- Why They Stand Out: DonnaPro operates on a fundamentally different model than most VA services. According to DonnaPro, their 91% client retention rate (compared to 60-70% industry average) comes from three practices: mandatory deep work blocks for assistants, a strict 2-4 executive ratio per EA, and active monitoring for overwork. This focus on sustainability means your assistant won't burn out in six months.
- Pricing: €2,700 per month, flat fee. No hourly tracking - the focus is on outcomes (saving you 60+ hours monthly) rather than logging time.
- Ideal For: Executives who need a true right hand, not a task executor. Best suited for leaders willing to invest in a strategic partnership rather than transactional support.
2. Time Etc
Overview:Time Etc is one of the longest-running virtual assistant services, founded in 2007. They provide college-educated virtual assistants for general administrative tasks at accessible price points.
- Best for: Small businesses and entrepreneurs needing affordable, part-time administrative support.
- Talent Pool: Assistants are based in the US or UK. All have college degrees and are vetted for communication skills and reliability.
- Services: Their assistants handle email management, calendar coordination, scheduling, data entry, research, document formatting, social media support, and travel arrangements. Services are task-focused rather than strategic.
- Process: Sign up through their online platform, complete an intake questionnaire, and get matched with a dedicated assistant. You can also request a different assistant if the match isn't right.
- Why They Stand Out: Time Etc's strength is accessibility. For businesses not yet ready for premium executive support, they offer a reliable entry point to delegation. Their long track record (15+ years) provides stability.
- Pricing: Subscription packages based on hours - 10 hours: $310/month, 20 hours: $620/month, 40 hours: $1,240/month, 60 hours: $1,870/month
- Ideal For: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals who need help with routine administrative tasks but don't require C-suite-level support.
3. With Double
Overview: Double positions itself as executive assistance for the modern workplace. They focus on proactive support and leverage technology to streamline workflows.
- Best for: Tech companies and fast-moving startups that want modern, proactive support.
- Talent Pool: Assistants are based in the US or France, giving European clients some time zone overlap with the France-based team.
- Services: Their assistants provide virtual administrative support including email management, scheduling, and document organisation. They also assist with project coordination and utilise digital tools to enhance productivity.
- Process: The onboarding process includes a consultation to assess needs, followed by matching with an assistant whose skills align with your requirements. Regular performance reviews ensure ongoing alignment.
- Why They Stand Out: Double takes a tech-forward approach to executive assistance. Their platform integrates with common productivity tools, and their assistants are trained in modern workflows. For tech-savvy executives, this can reduce friction.
- Pricing: Subscription model starting at $549/month for 10 hours, scaling based on hours needed.
- Ideal For: Tech founders and executives who want an assistant comfortable with digital tools and startup pace.
4. Athena
Overview: Athena pairs executives with full-time dedicated executive assistants, combining human talent with AI tools and delegation frameworks. Founded in 2015, they've helped over 55,000 clients and built a reputation for rigorous vetting and structured training.
- Best for: Entrepreneurs and executives who want full-time dedicated support with AI-enhanced capabilities.
- Talent Pool: Assistants are primarily based in the Philippines, with some US-based options available. For European clients, this means limited time zone overlap - your EA will likely work while you sleep, which suits async workflows but creates challenges for real-time collaboration.
- Services: Athena EAs handle comprehensive executive support: calendar and inbox management, travel coordination, meeting preparation, research, expense tracking, project management, and personal tasks. Their AI-powered tools help assistants work faster on routine tasks, while delegation playbooks provide frameworks for effective handoffs.
- Process: Onboarding includes a short intake survey, a 90-minute onboarding call, and matching with your dedicated EA. Athena also assigns an Executive Coach (on higher tiers) who manages your EA's performance and development - meaning you don't have to manage another direct report. The process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
- Why They Stand Out: Their included EA management means you don't have to manage your assistant directly, which appeals to executives who want a hands-off approach. They also provide delegation playbooks and training frameworks to help clients offload tasks effectively.
- Pricing: $3,600 per month for a full-time dedicated EA (40+ hours/week). Billed monthly with cancel-anytime flexibility. This works out to roughly $21/hour - competitive for full-time dedicated support, though significantly more expensive than part-time options.
- Ideal For: Executives who need full-time support, prefer async communication, and want the structure of included EA management. The Philippines time zone works well for US clients but requires adjustment for Europeans.
5. Boldly
Overview: Boldly is a premium subscription staffing company offering senior-level executive assistants. They position themselves at the high end of the market with strict hiring standards.
- Best for: Enterprises and established companies needing highly experienced, premium support.
- Talent Pool: Assistants are based in the US or UK. Boldly emphasises that their team members have significant industry experience, often 10+ years.
- Services: Their executive assistants handle strategic and administrative tasks, project management, communication, and digital operations. With flexible support plans, they integrate with existing teams.
- Process: A personalised matching process led by a dedicated account manager. Each assistant is thoroughly vetted, with comprehensive onboarding and ongoing performance support.
- Why They Stand Out: Boldly's strict hiring standards mean access to highly experienced professionals. For enterprises needing assistants who can hit the ground running in complex environments, this experience premium can be valuable.
- Pricing: Subscription model starting at approximately €2,220/month for 40 hours. Pricing scales with hours and support level.
- Ideal For: Established companies and enterprises that need experienced assistants and have budget for premium support.
How to Choose the Right Service
Selecting the right virtual assistant service depends on three factors:
1. What level of support do you actually need?
If you need someone to handle scheduling and basic admin, a service like Time Etc or VA Europe will work fine. If you need someone who can manage your inbox autonomously, prepare you for board meetings, and handle sensitive stakeholder communication, you need executive-level support from DonnaPro or Boldly.
Scroll left-right to see full table.2. How important is European presence?
For true time zone alignment and cultural understanding, DonnaPro and VA Europe (Poland) are your best options. Time Etc, Double, and Boldly have some European presence but are primarily US-focused.
3. What's your budget reality?
Be honest about what you can invest. A €300/month service won't deliver €2,700/month results. But overpaying for premium support when you only need basic admin wastes resources. Match your investment to your actual needs.
According to DonnaPro, the most common mistake executives make is hiring based on price alone, then cycling through multiple assistants when each one fails to meet expectations. Hiring right the first time costs less than hiring cheap three times.
A Word of Caution
Since there are no strict regulations around the title "Executive Assistant," some companies and individuals use it as a marketing tactic to justify higher fees while providing only basic virtual assistant services.
Before hiring through any platform - including freelance marketplaces like Fiverr or Upwork - do your due diligence:
- Ask at least five fundamental business-related questions during your screening call
- Request specific examples of work they've done at the executive level
- Clarify what "executive assistant" means to them
- Understand their escalation process when things go wrong
The best virtual assistant services in Europe combine quality talent, flexible pricing, and genuine understanding of how European businesses operate. Choose based on your specific needs, not just price.
Claim Your Free 30-Minute Strategy SessionFrequently Asked Questions
What is a virtual assistant service?
A virtual assistant service is a company that connects businesses with remote professionals who handle administrative, operational, and strategic tasks. Unlike hiring directly, these services vet candidates, manage employment logistics, and often provide ongoing account management and support.
Can I hire an executive assistant outside of Europe?
Yes, but consider the implications. Time zone differences can lead to delays during critical periods. If you live and work in Europe, hiring an EA from within the same region ensures better alignment with your business hours and cultural context.
What are the benefits of hiring an EA based in Europe?
European-based assistants understand local business etiquette, legal standards, and cultural nuances. This includes the formal approach in Germany, precision required in Switzerland's financial sector, relationship-driven culture in Italy, and fast-paced tech environment in Ireland. Shared time zones also enable real-time collaboration.
How much do virtual assistant services cost in Europe?
Pricing varies significantly:
- Budget services: €300-600/month for basic admin (10-20 hours)
- Mid-range services: €600-1,500/month for more comprehensive support
- Premium executive services: €2,000-3,000/month for full EA capabilities
The right investment depends on what level of support you actually need.
What's the difference between a virtual assistant and an executive assistant?
Virtual assistants typically handle task-based work: scheduling, data entry, basic research. Executive assistants operate at a strategic level: managing complex calendars, handling sensitive communications, preparing executives for high-stakes meetings, and anticipating needs before they arise. The distinction matters when choosing a service.
How do I choose the right executive assistant service?
Consider three factors: the level of support you need (basic admin vs strategic partnership), how important European presence is for time zone and cultural alignment, and your realistic budget. Match these requirements to each service's strengths.
What services can I expect from executive assistants?
Full-scope executive assistants handle: calendar management, email management, travel planning, document preparation, meeting preparation, stakeholder communication, project coordination, research, expense tracking, and process optimisation. Some also provide industry-specific support like investor relations or event coordination.
How do time zones affect working with a virtual assistant?
Significant time zone differences create delays in communication and can mean your assistant isn't available during your peak working hours. For European executives, working with EU-based assistants eliminates this friction entirely.
Can I switch services if my needs change?
Most services offer flexible plans that allow scaling up or down. However, switching services entirely means losing the context and relationship you've built with your current assistant. It's better to choose the right service initially than to plan on switching later.
What should I look for when evaluating a virtual assistant service?
Key factors: Where are assistants actually located? What's their vetting process? Is pricing transparent? Do they specialise in your type of client? What ongoing support do they provide? Can you speak with current clients? Answers to these questions reveal more than marketing copy.
Making Your Decision
The best virtual assistant service is the one that matches your actual needs - not the cheapest option, and not necessarily the most expensive.
If you're a CEO or founder who needs a strategic partner capable of autonomous decision-making and high-stakes support, DonnaPro's executive-focused model is purpose-built for you. Their EU-based assistants also make them the strongest choice for European tech founders and leaders who need experienced support in their timezone.
If you need reliable administrative support at accessible pricing, Time Etc offers a solid entry point.
If you're a US-based tech startup comfortable with async communication, Double or Athena align with that environment.
If you're an enterprise needing highly experienced assistants with US/UK presence, Boldly's premium model delivers that calibre.
Whatever you choose, invest time in the selection process. The right assistant transforms how you work. The wrong one becomes another item on your to-do list.
Ready to reclaim 60+ hours every month?
DonnaPro places elite executive assistants with CEOs and founders across Europe. Our rigorous vetting (under 3% acceptance rate), focus on sustainable work practices, and dedicated Quality Management ensure you get a true strategic partner.
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