Understanding Employee Leave in the Netherlands: A Guide for International Employers

Navigating the Dutch employment landscape requires a clear understanding of statutory leave entitlements. This guide outlines the key types of leave available to employees in the Netherlands, ensuring compliance and supporting a healthy work-life balance.

Annual Leave in the Netherlands

Employees in the Netherlands are legally entitled to a minimum of four times their weekly working hours in paid annual leave. For a full-time employee working 40 hours per week, this equates to at least 20 days. Many collective labor agreements (CAOs) offer more generous terms, typically between 20 and 30 days. Unused statutory leave expires after six months unless the employee was unable to take it for valid reasons. Employees on sick leave continue to accrue annual leave. Additionally, employees receive a holiday allowance, usually 8.33% of their annual salary, subject to certain income thresholds.

Sick Leave Provisions

Dutch law mandates that employers continue to pay at least 70% of an employee's salary (not less than the minimum wage) during the first year of illness, for up to 104 weeks. This safety net ensures financial stability for employees during health-related absences.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Expectant mothers are entitled to 4-6 weeks of prenatal leave and a minimum of 10 weeks of postnatal leave, totaling at least 16 weeks. Extensions apply for late deliveries or multiple births. During maternity leave, employees receive 100% of their salary from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). Partners are entitled to one week of paid paternity leave after the birth, plus an additional 5 weeks of unpaid leave within the first six months, with the possibility of receiving benefits from the UWV.

Parental and Adoption Leave

Parents of children under eight can take up to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave. The first 9 weeks may be paid if stipulated in a CAO or employment contract. For adoptive or foster parents, a 6-week leave is available for both parents, with financial support provided.

Other Types of Leave

The Netherlands also provides for various short-term leaves. Employees can take leave for marriage (typically 2-4 days), bereavement (up to 4 days for immediate family), and short-term care for a sick relative (with 70% pay). Unpaid long-term care leave is available for serious family illnesses, and employees are entitled to paid emergency leave for unforeseen personal circumstances.

Public Holidays in the Netherlands

The Netherlands recognizes 11 official public holidays. However, there is no automatic right to a day off, as it depends on the employer's policy and the applicable CAO. For reference, the public holidays for 2025 are listed below.

Holiday Name	Date
New Year's Day	January 1
Good Friday	April 18
Easter Sunday	April 20
Easter Monday	April 21
King's Day	April 26
Liberation Day	May 5
Ascension Day	May 29
Whit Sunday	June 8
Whit Monday	June 9
Christmas Day	December 25
Boxing Day	December 26

For companies like SailGlobal, managing international teams requires precise knowledge of these regulations to ensure smooth operations and employee satisfaction. Properly administering leave policies is a cornerstone of effective global human resource management.

Netherlands Employee Leave Guide: Annual, Sick, Maternity & Public Holidays