Bank Holidays in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, known for its progressive culture, vibrant cities, and efficient work-life balance, places significant emphasis on its bank holidays. For both employers and employees, understanding the intricacies of bank holidays in the Netherlands is crucial for adhering to labour laws and ensuring smooth business operations. In this blog, we’ll dive into the key aspects of Dutch bank holidays, the rights and obligations of employers and employees, and how these holidays impact businesses.

What are bank holidays in the Netherlands?

Bank holidays in the Netherlands, known as “feestdagen” (public holidays), are official days when government offices, schools, and many businesses close. These holidays are a blend of religious, historical, and secular observances, reflecting the nation’s cultural and social values. Like other European countries, Dutch bank holidays are an important part of the country’s work culture, allowing time for rest, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations.

How many bank holidays are there in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, there are 9 officially recognized bank holidays. However, it’s important to note that the celebration of some holidays can vary based on regional traditions, such as in the predominantly Catholic southern provinces. Additionally, while certain holidays are national, others might be observed more widely in specific regions or by specific communities.

Here’s a list of the official bank holidays in the Netherlands:

1. New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) – January 1st
2. Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag) – Date varies
3. Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag) – Date varies
4. King’s Day (Koningsdag) – April 27th (King’s Day is never celebrated on a Sunday, usually the day before)
5. Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) – May 5th (official holiday only every 5 years)
6. Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) – Date varies
7. Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag) – Date varies
8. Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) – December 25th
9. Boxing Day (Tweede Kerstdag) – December 26th

In some provinces, additional local holidays or celebrations may take place, but the ones listed above are the official national bank holidays.

Working on bank holidays in the Netherlands: What are the rules?

Whether employees are required to work on bank holidays in the Netherlands largely depends on the sector and specific employment agreements. There are several considerations:

• General rule: In most cases, employees are not obligated to work on bank holidays, and businesses generally close. However, exceptions exist, especially in sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and transport where operations may continue during public holidays.
• King’s Day: A particularly important holiday in the Netherlands, King’s Day is a day of national celebration, and most businesses are closed. Many cities host large outdoor events, and employers generally give employees the day off.
• May 5th – Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag): Liberation Day is only an official public holiday every five years (e.g., 2020, 2025), when it is widely observed across the country. In other years, businesses may choose whether to grant employees time off, often based on collective agreements.
• Company agreements: As in other countries, collective bargaining agreements or specific company policies may define whether employees are required to work on certain holidays, often with provisions for additional pay or compensatory time off.

Compensation for working on bank holidays

For employees who work on bank holidays in the Netherlands, compensation is typically governed by their employment contracts or collective labour agreements (CAO).

Alternatively, some employees may choose to take an additional day off instead of receiving extra pay, which is usually negotiated within the company or through labour agreements. It is essential for employers to clearly communicate the compensation rules for working on bank holidays in the employment contract and ensure that they comply with Dutch labour regulations.

Impact of bank holidays on businesses

Bank holidays can have significant implications for businesses, particularly those that rely on customer interactions or continuous operations. Here are some key considerations:

• Operational adjustments: Many companies, especially in retail, hospitality, and services, either close or modify their hours of operation on bank holidays. Employers need to plan ahead to maintain business continuity and ensure that employees’ rights are respected.
• Workforce management: For businesses that remain open, managing employee schedules during bank holidays is essential. Employers should ensure that there are enough staff members available to meet operational needs while giving employees the time off they are entitled to.
• Customer communication: It’s essential to inform customers of any changes in business hours during bank holidays. This can be done through email notifications, website updates, and social media announcements.

Obligations for employers

Employers in the Netherlands have specific obligations when managing bank holidays. They must comply with labour laws by respecting employees’ rights regarding public holidays, ensuring that employees are not required to work unless it is necessary or agreed upon, and providing appropriate compensation when employees do work on these days.

It is also essential for employers to offer fair compensation, as outlined in the employee’s contract or collective agreement, when work on a bank holiday is needed. Additionally, employers should inform employees well in advance if they are expected to work on a bank holiday and clearly communicate the compensation or time off arrangements.

Holiday entitlement and bank holidays

In the Netherlands, bank holidays are generally in addition to the statutory leave entitlements that employees receive. However, a few points are important to note:

• Holiday increase: Public holidays do not count against an employee’s annual leave entitlement. If a bank holiday falls during a scheduled vacation, it is not counted as a vacation day.
• Part-time workers: For part-time employees, entitlement to a bank holiday depends on their regular work schedule. If a bank holiday falls on a day they would normally work, they are entitled to a day off. If not, there is no entitlement to additional time off.

Navigating bank holidays in the Netherlands

Bank holidays in the Netherlands play an important role in shaping the country’s work-life balance and its business culture. For employers, understanding and adhering to labour laws regarding bank holidays is critical for smooth operations and maintaining employee satisfaction. For employees, these holidays provide valuable opportunities for rest, relaxation, and celebration.

At Parakar, we specialise in helping businesses navigate the complexities of Dutch labour laws and holiday management. If you need assistance with compliance, workforce management, or any HR-related services in the Netherlands, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you every step of the way.