Types of Leave in the Netherlands
Your guide for leave policies in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, employers must deal with various types of leave, from vacation and maternity to caregiving and emergency leave, each with its own rules on pay, duration, and eligibility.
Whether you’re hiring your first employee or growing your team, this guide will help you navigate Dutch leave policies with ease and stay compliant from day one.
What you will find inside:
- Overview of statutory and non-statutory leave
- Key rules on maternity, partner, and parental leave
- Guidance on sick leave, care leave, and emergency leave
- Insights into adoption, unpaid, and study leave
- Practical tips for HR teams and employers
What's inside
Vacation leave: Covers statutory and non-statutory vacation leave rules, including accrual rates, expiration rules, and the 8% holiday allowance.
Maternity & birth leave: Explains entitlements for pregnant employees, including pre- and post-birth leave, payment rules, and UWV reimbursements.
Sick leave & care leave: Explains rules for sick leave, short-term and long-term care leave, including duration, payment obligations, and coverage.
Emergency leave & special leave: Highlights types of special leave like moving house or funerals, and when employees can request emergency (calamity) leave.
Study leave: Outlines options for unpaid leave for personal reasons, sabbaticals, or study, and employer policy considerations
Looking to learn more? Download the full guide for a detailed overview of leave policies in the Netherlands covering rules and regulations to help you stay compliant and support your team.
Why understanding leave in the Netherlands matters
Employee leave is more than just a policy. It’s about supporting your team while staying compliant with Dutch law. From maternity leave and vacation days to care leave and special leave, each type comes with specific rules, obligations, and processes that can impact your business.
Understanding these complexities is essential for creating a positive work environment and avoiding compliance risks. That’s why we created this guide.
Let us support you
If you have specific questions about Dutch leave policies or need support applying them correctly within your organisation, feel free to reach out to us.
Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of Dutch employment law and ensure your leave policies are compliant and fair.