How long is annual leave in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, full-time employees working a 40-hour workweek are legally entitled to a minimum of 20 days of paid annual leave. However, many employers offer more than the legal minimum, with the market standard being 25 days.

For part-time employees or those with varying work hours, holiday entitlement is calculated proportionally. For example, an employee working 32 hours per week is entitled to 128 holiday hours annually (4 times 32 hours).

Employers must track employees' accrued holiday hours and ensure they can either take their holidays during the year or carry over unused hours to the following year.

What is the carry-over policy for annual leave in the Netherlands?

Most employers allow unused holidays to carry over to the next year, though it is advisable to verify this with the specific employer.

How is paid time off (PTO) calculated in the Netherlands?

Paid time off (PTO) in the Netherlands is calculated using the following formula:

• Hourly rate × 8 hours × untaken holidays

PTO for the entire year is normally granted in January but builds up throughout the year. If the supported employee leaves during the year, a pro-rata calculation is made to determine the accrued but untaken PTO.

What is the process to request annual leave in the Netherlands?

Supported employees in the Netherlands should follow these steps to request annual leave:

• Submit the leave request to the employer at least 14 days in advance.
• The employer has 14 days to make a decision on the request.
• If the employer does not have sufficient days available or there are business concerns, the request may be declined.
• By default, the request should be approved if none of the above conditions apply.
• If an employer cancels a previously approved holiday request, the employer may be liable to cover any associated costs.

Is time off usage required in set increments in the Netherlands?

No, time off usage is not required in set increments in the Netherlands. The employment agreement states that the employer and the employee strive to take holidays in the year in which they are accrued.

Is unlimited PTO an option in the Netherlands, and how can it be accommodated?

Yes, implementing an unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) policy is an option in the Netherlands. To accommodate this, specific language should be incorporated into the employment agreement to ensure that there is no compensation related to leave upon the departure of the supported employee.

Is it necessary to track leave accrual on employee payslips in the Netherlands?

No, it is not necessary to track leave accrual on employee payslips in the Netherlands.