Netherlands
The Netherlands guarantee 4 weeks × days/week (20 days for 5d/wk) annual vacation minimum (Civil Code art. 7:634). Extra 8% holiday allowance paid in May (vakantietoeslag). Maternity 16 wks (4-6 pre + 10-12 post), paternity 6 wks (1 wk at 100%, 5 wks at 70% UWV).
Disclaimer: This country guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we update it regularly, it may not reflect ongoing regulatory changes. Illizeo SA accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
Annual paid leave
BW 7:634 · 4 wksCivil Code 7:634: 4 × working days/week (20 days for full-time). Carry-over possible but must be used within 6 months after the year (else forfeited). On top of minimum, 8% of annual salary paid as vakantietoeslag (May/June).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual vacation | 4 sem (20 j/5j/sem) | 100% + 8% allow. | BW 7:634 |
| Holiday allowance | — | 8% salaire annuel | Brutto, mai/juin |
| CAO | Souvent 25 j | 100% | Plus généreux |
| Carry-over | Min 4 sem (6 mois) | — | 7:642 |
| Termination | Balance allowance | 100% | BW 7:641 |
| Above-legal vacation | Report 5 ans | 100% | Pas perdu |
Public holidays
9 recognized · contractual pay9 recognized public holidays but none mandatorily paid: defined in contract or CAO. Most are paid in practice (except Bevrijdingsdag May 5 every 5 years).
| Day | Date | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 januari | New Year | — | — |
| March-April | Good Friday | Variable | — |
| March-April | Easter Monday | — | — |
| 27 april | King’s Day | — | — |
| 5 mei | Liberation Day | Every 5 yrs (CAO) | 2020, 2025… |
| May | Hemelvaartsdag | — | Ascension |
| May-Jun | Tweede Pinksterdag | — | Pentecôte |
| 25 december | Christmas Day | — | — |
| 26 december | Boxing Day | — | — |
Sick leave
70% 104 wks (employer)Sickness: employer pays 70% of last salary for 2 years (max 104 wks) with minimum at minimum wage. No legal waiting period (CAO may impose 1-2 wachtdagen). Beyond: WIA via UWV.
| Scenario | Waiting | Pay | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 0 j (sauf CAO) | 70% (min SMIC) | BW 7:629 |
| Year 2 | 0 j | 70% | BW 7:629 |
| CAO wachtdagen | 1-2 j | Non payé | Variable |
| WIA after 104 wks | — | 75% si invalide | UWV |
| Re-integration | — | Programme obligatoire | Wet poortwachter |
Maternity, paternity, parental
16 wks mat. · 6 wks pat.Maternity (zwangerschapsverlof): 16 wks (4-6 pre + 10-12 post), 100% UWV. Paternity (geboorteverlof): 1 wk 100% employer + 5 wks 70% UWV (aanvullend geboorteverlof). Adoption 6 wks. Parental leave 26 × days/wk (since 2022, 70% UWV for 9 wks).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy leave | 4-6 sem | 100% UWV | Avant accouchement |
| Maternity leave | 10-12 sem | 100% UWV | Après accouchement |
| Paternity birth | 1 sem | 100% employeur | Dans 4 sem |
| Additional paternity | 5 sem | 70% UWV | Dans 6 mois |
| Parental leave | 26 × j/sem | 70% UWV (9 sem) | Jusqu’à 8 ans |
| Adoption leave | 6 sem | 100% UWV | Préavis 3 sem |
Special leaves
WAZOWork and Care Act (WAZO): paid short leave for marriage (1 day), birth (geboorteverlof 1 wk), bereavement (2 days), sick child (kortdurend zorgverlof 5×wkly hrs/yr, 70% pay), long-term caregiver (langdurig 6×wkly hrs/yr, unpaid).
| Type | Duration | Pay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage | 1 j | 100% employeur | Variable CAO |
| Birth leave | 1 sem | 100% employeur | Pour le partenaire |
| Bereavement | 2-4 j | 100% | Selon CAO |
| Emergency leave | Court (heures-jours) | 100% | WAZO |
| Short-term care | 5x heures/sem/an | 70% | Enfant malade |
| Long-term care | 6x heures/sem/an | Non payé | Proche grave |
| Moving | 1 j | Variable CAO | Optionnel |
Information current as of last update. This guide does not replace local legal advice. For specific situations, consult a labor lawyer in the relevant country.
Centralize Netherlands absence management
Illizeo applies BW + WAZO + UWV (8% vakantietoeslag, 16 wks mat, 6 wks pat, 2-yr 70% sick) with CAO management.
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