DonnaPro provides full-time virtual executive assistants to CEOs and founders across Europe. Your EA works exclusively for you - five days a week, in your timezone, across the full scope of what your business demands. No recruitment. No employer overhead. Just the support your business has grown into.
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A full-time virtual executive assistant works exclusively for you - managing your inbox, calendar, travel, stakeholder communications, and strategic admin - at full capacity, five days a week. Unlike a part-time arrangement, a full-time EA is available throughout your working day and can take on the broader scope of work that comes with a growing business. With DonnaPro, full-time means your EA is dedicated to you and only you, backed by a Quality Manager and support team.
Most CEOs and founders who reach this page are already working with an EA - or evaluating the decision. The question isn't whether EA support creates value. It's whether the volume and complexity of what you need to delegate has outgrown a part-time arrangement.
This page answers that question with specific numbers: when full-time makes sense, what it costs across European markets, and how DonnaPro's full-time retainer compares to a direct in-house hire.
Part-time EA support - typically covering 20 hours a week - works well for most founders at the growth stage. It covers the core recurring overhead: inbox management, calendar, travel, research, project coordination. For many CEOs in the 5-20 person range, that's enough.
But the work grows. Eurostat's employment research confirms that managers and senior executives are consistently among the occupations spending the highest share of working time on internal coordination and communication - and that share increases with organisational complexity.
According to DonnaPro's experience across client engagements, the shift from part-time to full-time typically happens when one or more of the following occurs:
At this point, moving to full-time isn't a luxury decision. It's an operational one - and as the cost data below shows, it's often cheaper than the alternative.
DonnaPro's full-time virtual executive assistants are pre-trained, EU-based professionals - not generalists picking up tasks as they come. They arrive ready to own a broad scope of work from day one, with a track record across 70+ task categories and 110+ industries. What follows is what full-time clients typically delegate first - and it rarely stops there.
Daily triage, drafts in your voice, noise filtered out, nothing important missed. Most clients reclaim 2+ hours a day.
View moreProtected deep-work blocks, time-zone sync and sharp meeting briefs delivered before every call, so you show up prepared rather than scrambling.
View moreFlights, hotels, itineraries and restaurant bookings, as well as personal to-dos such as gifts and weekend plans. Everything off your plate so you stay present.
View moreMarket research, competitor analysis, supplier shortlisting. Structured briefs so you decide on facts, not guesswork.
View moreFrom logistics to RSVPs, your EA ensures every event, online or in-person, is professionally executed without draining your time.
View morePolished, on-brand proposals crafted for new client offers or partnership pitches. Your EA handles the structure; you handle the relationship.
View moreWeekly KPI digests, board packs, dashboard pulls. Raw numbers turned into actionable reports before you need to ask for them.
View moreSocial post scheduling, website copy updates and campaign coordination. You set the strategy; your EA keeps the engine running.
View moreDeadlines met, tasks followed up, progress tracked. Your EA is the connective tissue that keeps execution from breaking down as you scale.
View moreJob descriptions, CV screening, interview coordination, onboarding checklists. Essential support for founders who don't yet have a dedicated HR function.
View moreInvestor updates, board pack prep, CRM follow-ups, client check-ins. Your stakeholders stay informed and your key relationships never go cold.
View moreSOP writing, process docs, digital file structure. Clear, consistent processes so your team operates with less hand-holding at every step.
View more
Gmail
Google Calendar
Zoom
Slack
Teams
Asana
Trello
Notion
HubSpot
Airtable
Google Drive
Salesforce
Calendly
Office 365
Canva
n8n
Make
Dropbox
Google Sheets
Google Docs
Zapier
Mailchimp
LinkedIn
Instagram
Keap
Google Analytics
Booking.com
SAP
Odoo
Apollo
Fathom
LastPass
Motion
Stripe
My mindset before was that I need to do it all... it was slowing me down and costing my business money. Working with my EA allowed me to focus on new business opportunities that I didn’t have time for earlier, and it directly impacted my business growth.
DonnaPro doesn’t just connect you with an assistant and walk away. They constantly recruit, train, and equip their personnel. When our assistant showed up, she was ready not to learn, but to lead. We didn’t have to recruit, train, or worry about compliance – we just had to plug her into our work.
I’ve been working with virtual assistants for the past decade, and I think that right now I’m at a point where I feel that my search for the perfect virtual assistants is over.
I meant it when I said I needed help, and DonnaPro has really delivered. It has really impacted how I work and it has allowed me to focus on the things that really mattered.
Esteban A. MirandaCEO @ European Food Banks Federation / Non-Profit / NGOWorking with DonnaPro and Grace has made a real difference to both my work and personal life. I feel more prepared, less rushed, and things I used to think about but never get around to are finally getting done. Honestly, it’s the best support I’ve had in years.
Andrew RobertsCEO & Partner / Biotech & Pharmaceutical IndustryAfter a long time managing everything on my own in the start-up world, I realised I needed help. My EA has been amazing in managing my calendar, travel plans, T&E, and other small yet time-consuming tasks. We had morning check-ins at the beginning that paid off well. Now, I can much better focus on growing the business. Working with a Donna through a trusted virtual assistant agency makes delegation friction-free.
Jochen R.CEO @ MedTech Company / Medical Device IndustryI used to manage my own travel, emails, and calendar, even while running multiple businesses. Then my EA (Romina) stepped in. She’s proactive, reliable, and keeps everything running smoothly without me having to ask. Our daily check-ins keep me on top of things, and her inbox summaries are a lifesaver when I’m travelling. I finally have the headspace to focus on what matters.
Dominic WhiteInvestor, Entrepreneur & Adventurer / Financial Services IndustryMy EA, Petra, has been very helpful during a particularly chaotic time in one of my businesses. With minimal guidance, she quickly adapted, proactively started searching for solutions, and delivered results. I love how I can just ping her on WhatsApp, and things get done seamlessly.
Daniel WeisslerFounder @ winTEC Solutions / Automotive Software IndustryMy EA doesn’t just complete tasks; she proactively identifies and solves potential issues before they become problems. Whether it’s a scheduling conflict or a looming deadline, my EA is always one step ahead, saving me countless headaches.
Lily SovinCo-Founder @ optika-oftalmos.com / Eyewear IndustryI’m super happy with DonnaPro and with Angels. Even though we’ve only been working together for a few weeks, she already feels fully integrated into my business. I really appreciate how proactive she is and how she always brings practical suggestions. It’s such a relief to finally have four eyes instead of just two. We’re definitely on track to becoming a seamless team.
Marie UtschFounder & CEO @ marieutsch.com / Digital Marketing IndustryThree months in, and it’s a relief to have someone who fully gets my tone of voice. Saga handles my inbox with confidence, answers questions independently, and keeps things moving without me needing to chase anyone – even while I was on my first real holiday in years.
Rubina RautFounder & CEO @ wuka.co.uk / Personal Care, E-commerce
The instinct for most executives is to assume that full-time agency support costs more than hiring in-house. In the majority of European markets, the data says otherwise.
A full-time in-house EA costs significantly more than the gross salary figure suggests. Once employer contributions - covering social security, pension and health insurance - are added, the fully-loaded monthly cost ranges from €6,134 in Finland to €13,490 in Switzerland.
Add recruitment (typically 15-25% of first-year salary), equipment, and HR overhead, and year-one costs in markets like Germany and France regularly exceed €100,000.
The table below compares the fully-loaded monthly cost of an in-house EA - salary plus mandatory employer contributions - against DonnaPro's full-time retainer of €6,500/month.
| In-House EA (Fully Loaded) | DonnaPro Full-Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | €7,920 | €6,500 |
| Belgium | €8,720 | €6,500 |
| Denmark | 82,500 DKK (€11,055) | €6,500 |
| France | €7,273 | €6,500 |
| Germany | €8,460 | €6,500 |
| Iceland | 1,002,965 ISK (€6,917) | €6,500 |
| Italy | €7,124 | €6,500 |
| Luxembourg | €8,175 | €6,500 |
| Netherlands | €7,510 | €6,500 |
| Norway | 93,960 NOK (€8,560) | €6,500 |
| Sweden | 82,137 SEK (€7,630) | €6,500 |
| Switzerland | CHF 11,389 (€12,400) | €6,500 |
| UK | £7,266 (€8,350) | €6,500 |
| USA | $13,875 (€11,800) | €6,500 |
Monthly cost comparison between hiring a top-tier executive assistant in-house (fully loaded, including employer contributions) versus DonnaPro's full-time virtual EA retainer at €6,500/month. Source: DonnaPro salary research 2026. In-house figures reflect salary plus mandatory employer contributions only - recruitment, equipment, and HR overhead are not included.
In-house figures reflect salary plus mandatory employer contributions only - recruitment fees, equipment, and HR overhead are not included. Once those are factored in, the gap widens further.
For executives based in countries such as Finland, Ireland, Poland, Portugal and Spain - where the fully-loaded in-house cost sits at or below €6,500/month - the part-time model is typically the stronger fit, delivering senior EA support at a fraction of the full-time commitment.
For the full breakdown of what in-house hiring really costs across European markets, see the Executive Assistant Cost Guide.
Start Your Free Strategy SessionThe full-time DonnaPro model is structurally identical to the part-time model - same quality standards, same support structure, same vetting process. The difference is capacity.
Your EA, full-time:
One monthly retainer. Nothing else to manage.
| Part-Time EA | Full-Time EA | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly retainer | €2,700 | €6,500 |
| Annual cost | €32,400 | €78,000 |
| Availability | Flexible hours within your working day | Full working day, 5 days/week |
| Typical delegation volume | Partial day coverage | Full day coverage |
| Best for | Growth-stage founders, 5-20 person companies | Scaling CEOs, multiple ventures, high complexity |
| Quality standard | C-suite vetted, <1% acceptance rate | C-suite vetted, <1% acceptance rate |
| Quality Manager | Included | Included |
| Upgrade path | Move to full-time anytime | - |
Comparison between DonnaPro's part-time and full-time virtual executive assistant options to help CEOs and founders choose the right level of support.
The simplest test: if your current part-time EA is consistently at capacity, if you find yourself waiting for availability, or if the scope of what you need to delegate has grown beyond what 20 hours a week can absorb - full-time is the right next step.
If you're not yet at that point, DonnaPro's part-time option at €2,700/month is the right starting point. Many clients begin part-time and upgrade as the relationship matures and the business grows.
Not sure which fits your situation? That's exactly what the free strategy call is for. We'll look at your workload, your delegation volume, and your goals - and recommend the model that actually makes sense for where you are right now.
Book Your Free Strategy SessionDonnaPro has placed executive assistants with CEOs and founders across 110+ industries - from SaaS and fintech to construction, healthcare, and e-commerce. Whatever your business, your EA arrives with relevant context already built in.
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View moreKeep supply chains moving efficiently with a logistics virtual assistant who thrives on operational complexity. Transform shipment tracking, carrier coordination, and communication management into competitive advantages while you focus on strategic growth and expansion.
View moreBuild a thriving educational platform with an education virtual assistant who amplifies your teaching impact. Perfect course scheduling, instructor coordination, and administrative workflows while you focus on creating transformational learning experiences that shape futures.
View moreCreate unforgettable experiences with an event planning virtual assistant who perfects every detail. Transform vendor management, logistics coordination, and guest relations from overwhelming complexity into seamless execution that builds your reputation.
View moreKeep creative projects on track and under budget with a media virtual assistant who understands entertainment industry demands. Master production scheduling, talent coordination, and administrative excellence while you focus on creating content that captivates audiences.
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View moreDonnaPro works with CEOs and founders across Europe and beyond. Wherever you're based, your EA operates in your timezone - fully embedded in your working day without the overhead that comes with local hiring.
GermanyVirtual executive assistant for Germany-based founders who need reliable EA support without local hiring complexity, high salary expectations, or slow onboarding.
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United KingdomVirtual executive assistant for UK CEOs who want executive support without London salaries, employer NI contributions, recruitment delay, or another freelancer to manage.
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SwitzerlandVirtual executive assistant for Swiss CEOs who expect precision without Swiss-level hiring costs, canton salary pressure, or a prolonged EA search.
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NetherlandsVirtual executive assistant for Dutch and international founders who need fast, English-first support across inbox, calendar, travel, and operations.
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DubaiVirtual executive assistant for Dubai-based founders who want EU-based support, structured follow-up, and reliable execution across EMEA time zones.
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FranceVirtual executive assistant for France-based founders who operate internationally and need reliable English-first executive support during European business hours.
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SpainVirtual executive assistant for Spain-based founders working internationally who need English-first EA support without building a local admin team.
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IrelandVirtual executive assistant for Ireland-based founders who want UK/EU-hours support without hiring another full-time local admin role.
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NorwayVirtual executive assistant for Norway-based leaders who want remote EA support without local salary pressure or long hiring cycles.
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DenmarkVirtual executive assistant for Danish founders who need to protect focus, delegate recurring admin, and avoid turning hiring into another internal project.
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BelgiumVirtual executive assistant for Belgium-based founders across Brussels, Antwerp, and international markets who need structured English-first EA support.
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ItalyVirtual executive assistant for Italy-based CEOs who need structured follow-up, inbox ownership, and operational support without more local hiring bureaucracy.
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USAVirtual executive assistant for US founders who want EU-based assistants handling admin, research, and follow-ups overnight while you sleep.
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CanadaVirtual executive assistant for Canada-based founders who want EU-based EA support, overnight progress, and fewer internal admin bottlenecks.
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AustriaVirtual executive assistant for Austria-based founders who want German-market precision without Vienna salary costs, local hiring delays, or another freelancer to manage.
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FinlandVirtual executive assistant for Finland-based founders who need reliable English-first EA support across inbox, calendar, and operations without building a local admin team.
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LuxembourgVirtual executive assistant for Luxembourg-based founders and financial executives who need discreet, English-first support without the cost of local hiring.
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SwedenVirtual executive assistant for Sweden-based founders who want structured, English-first EA support without Nordic salary costs or a prolonged local search.
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AustraliaVirtual executive assistant for Australia-based founders who need reliable EU-hours coverage and follow-through without hiring another local admin role.
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Your country not listed?DonnaPro has placed EAs with founders in Austria, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, Australia and more. If English is your working language and your schedule at least partially overlaps with European business hours, we can assess fit in a free 30-minute call.
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