Maternity Leave (Zwangerschaps- en bevallingsverlof)
Maternity leave in the Netherlands is a statutory right for pregnant employees, ensuring time off before and after childbirth with continued pay.
- Duration: Total of at least 16 weeks.
- Pregnancy Leave (Zwangerschapsverlof): You can start this 4 to 6 weeks before your due date. You must take at least 4 weeks before the due date.
- Maternity Leave (Bevallingsverlof): This starts the day after birth and lasts for at least 10 weeks. If your baby is born after your due date, your maternity leave will be longer, as the minimum 10 weeks post-birth is guaranteed.
- Payment: You receive 100% of your daily wage (up to the maximum daily wage) from the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) via your employer.
- Eligibility: You must be an employed individual under Dutch law. Self-employed individuals have different arrangements.
Kraamzorg (Maternity Care)!
Beyond leave, the Netherlands offers 'kraamzorg', a unique system of professional postnatal home care. Ensure you arrange this during your pregnancy.
Paternity/Partner Leave (Geboorteverlof)
Fathers and partners in the Netherlands are also entitled to paid leave around the birth of their child.
- Standard Paternity Leave (Geboorteverlof):
- Duration: 1 week (5 working days for full-time employees).
- Payment: Employer pays 100% of your salary.
- When to take it: Must be taken within 4 weeks of the baby's birth.
- Extended Paternity Leave (Aanvullend geboorteverlof):
- Duration: Up to 5 additional weeks (5 times your weekly working hours).
- Payment: You receive 70% of your daily wage (up to the maximum daily wage) from the UWV.
- When to take it: Must be taken within 6 months of the baby's birth, after you have first taken the standard 1 week. It can be taken all at once or spread out.
Parental Leave (Ouderschapsverlof)
This is a flexible leave option for both parents to spend more time with young children, available until the child turns 8 years old.
- Duration: Each parent is entitled to 26 times their weekly working hours. For a full-time employee (40 hours/week), this is 1040 hours or 260 days (52 weeks if taken full-time).
- Payment:
- Partially Paid: Since August 2022, 9 of the 26 weeks are partially paid at 70% of your daily wage (up to the maximum daily wage) by the UWV. These 9 weeks must be taken in the child's first year.
- Unpaid: The remaining 17 weeks are generally unpaid. Some Collective Labour Agreements (CAOs) or employment contracts may offer full or partial payment for these weeks.
- Flexibility: Can be taken full-time, part-time (e.g., one day a week), or in blocks.
- Eligibility: You must be legally employed in the Netherlands and have been employed by your current employer for at least one year.
| Leave Type | Duration (full-time) | Payment | Notes for Expats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Leave | 16 weeks minimum | 100% daily wage (UWV) | Start 4-6 weeks before due date; 10 weeks guaranteed post-birth. |
| Standard Paternity Leave | 1 week | 100% salary (employer) | Must be taken within 4 weeks of birth. |
| Extended Paternity Leave | Up to 5 weeks | 70% daily wage (UWV) | Must be taken within 6 months of birth, after standard week. |
| Parental Leave | 26 weeks (per parent) | 9 weeks at 70% daily wage (UWV) + 17 weeks unpaid (or as per CAO) | Can be taken until child is 8 years old. 9 paid weeks must be taken in first year. |
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Understanding your parental leave rights ensures you can balance career and family. Make sure your household finances are equally well-managed.
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