Employment law in the Netherlands is designed to protect workers and create a balanced relationship between employers and employees. Whether you’re working under a fixed-term contract, a permanent agreement, or on a freelance basis, it’s essential to understand your rights under Dutch law—especially as a foreign national or expatriate.
At D&H LAW FIRM AND ASSOCIATES, we advise both employees and employers across the Netherlands. This guide will help you understand the key elements of your rights as an employee so you can make informed decisions and take appropriate action if issues arise.
1. Your Right to a Written Employment Contract
By law, every employee in the Netherlands is entitled to a clear, written employment agreement. This contract should outline:
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Job title and description
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Salary and payment terms
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Working hours and location
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Start and end dates (if fixed-term)
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Notice periods
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Holiday allowance (usually 8% of annual salary)
If you don’t receive a written contract within one month of starting your job, your employer may be in breach of labor regulations.
✅ Tip: Contact our legal team if you’re unsure whether your contract meets Dutch legal standards.
2. Protection Against Unfair Dismissal
Dutch labor law provides strong protection against sudden or unjust termination. An employer must have a valid reason to terminate your contract and must usually obtain approval from the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) or a judge.
Examples of valid reasons include:
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Economic necessity (reorganization)
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Long-term illness (after 2 years)
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Poor performance (with evidence and warnings)
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Misconduct or breach of trust
Unfair dismissal may result in compensation or even reinstatement if challenged in court.
✅ Important: Never sign a termination agreement without seeking legal advice. You may be entitled to more than what’s offered.
3. Working Hours and Breaks
Under the Dutch Working Hours Act, your employer must follow fair scheduling rules:
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Maximum of 12 hours per shift and 60 hours per week, but averaged to 48 hours over 16 weeks
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At least 11 hours of rest between shifts
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Breaks required after 5.5 hours of work (at least 30 minutes)
Employees also have the right to part-time work or to request flexible working hours under certain conditions.
✅ Need clarity on your rights? Our employment law specialists can help you review your schedule and contract obligations.
4. Holiday and Sick Leave
Employees in the Netherlands are entitled to:
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At least four times the number of working days per week as paid holiday (e.g. 20 days for a 5-day workweek)
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A mandatory 8% holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) on top of gross salary
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Paid sick leave up to two years (usually at 70% of salary)
Your employer cannot legally penalize you for being sick. They are required to work with occupational health services to assist your recovery.
5. Equal Treatment and Anti-Discrimination
Dutch law strictly prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of:
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Gender
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Age
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Race or ethnicity
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Religion
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Sexual orientation
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Disability
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Contract type (e.g. temporary vs. permanent)
If you experience harassment, unequal pay, or unfair treatment, you have the right to file a complaint—and possibly claim compensation.
✅ Need advice? Speak to our legal team confidentially about workplace discrimination.
6. Maternity, Paternity & Parental Leave
Employees are entitled to:
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16 weeks of paid maternity leave
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Partner/paternity leave of 1 week (fully paid), with an additional 5 weeks at 70% pay
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Parental leave (unpaid or partially paid, depending on employer)
Employers must accommodate pregnancy-related health needs and cannot dismiss an employee for taking parental leave.
7. End-of-Contract Rights and Severance Pay
When your employment ends, you may be entitled to:
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Transition compensation (transitievergoeding)
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Remaining holiday days payout
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A certificate of employment (werkgeversverklaring)
If your contract isn’t renewed or is terminated, ensure you review your rights before accepting the final terms.
🧠 Final Thought
Knowing your rights as an employee in the Netherlands empowers you to act confidently and protect your career. Dutch labor law is complex—but also fair and worker-focused. Whether you’re facing contract issues, dismissal, or workplace discrimination, timely legal advice can make all the difference.
💼 Need Help with an Employment Issue?
📍 Visit us: Gustav Mahlerlaan 46, 1082 MC Amsterdam, Netherlands
📞 Call: +31 20 852 7560
📩 Or Get in Touch for confidential legal support regarding your rights at work.