Netherlands
Complete guide to Dutch employee leave entitlements including 20+ days annual leave, 2 years sick pay, and generous parental leave.
20
Annual leave
8
Public holidays
country
Location type
2025-01-15
Reviewed
Legal framework
Primary legislation
Governing body
Last updated
Official source
Entitlements overview
Annual leave
Statutory entitlement: 20
Calculation: 4x weekly working hours. Full-time = 20 days minimum.
Pro-rata: 4x contracted weekly hours
Carryover: Statutory days expire 6 months into new year. Extra days follow contract.
Sick leave
Statutory: Yes
Paid days: Varies
Statutory pay: Minimum 70% of salary (many employers pay more)
Eligibility: All employees from day 1
Parental leave
Maternity: 16 weeks (4-6 before + 10-12 after)
Paternity: 1 week paid + 5 weeks at 70%
Adoption: 6 weeks
Shared leave: 9 weeks paid parental leave each parent
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Unpaid Parental Leave: 26x weekly hours per parent (unpaid)
Short-term Care Leave: 2x weekly hours per year (paid)
Long-term Care Leave: 6x weekly hours per year (unpaid)
Calamity Leave: As needed (short term) (paid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain employment records
Penalties: Fines and compensation orders
Public holiday sample
Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year): 2025-01-01
Goede Vrijdag (Good Friday): 2025-04-18
Tweede Paasdag (Easter Monday): 2025-04-21
Koningsdag (King's Day): 2025-04-27
Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day): 2025-05-05
Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension): 2025-05-29
Frequently asked questions
How long do Dutch employers pay sick employees?
Dutch employers must pay at least 70% of salary for 2 years (104 weeks) of illness. Many collective agreements require higher payments, often 100% for the first year.
What is the new paid parental leave in the Netherlands?
Since August 2022, each parent gets 9 weeks of paid parental leave at 70% of salary (up to maximum daily wage). This must be taken in the first year of the child's life.
Related policy guides
Germany
Complete guide to German employee leave entitlements including 20+ days annual leave, unlimited sick pay, and extensive parental leave (Elternzeit).
United Kingdom (England)
Complete guide to UK employee leave entitlements including statutory annual leave, sick pay (SSP), maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave.