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Hours of Work in the Netherlands

All Countries > Netherlands
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Capital

Amsterdam

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Official Language

Dutch

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Currency

Euro

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Payroll cycle

Monthly

Via offers complete Payroll, EOR and Contractor mangement services for the Netherlands
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Quick facts about the Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its progressive policies. The country is the first to make working from home a legal right. A leader in IT and telecommunications, the Netherlands stands out as one of the most dynamic economies in the European Union. With the 17th largest economy in the world, the country is home to over 17 million people.

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Global Payroll

Sunday regulations in the Netherlands

Employers should avoid requiring employees to work on Sunday unless previously agreed upon. Sunday work should only be required when absolutely necessary and be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay. 

Rest periods in the Netherlands

Employees who work at least 5.5 hours must enjoy 1 unpaid 30-minute break that can be split into two 15-minute breaks. Employers must make sure that even those that work at home take a rest period or meal period. 

Employees that work longer than 10 hours are entitled to a 45-minute unpaid break that they can split into three 15-minute breaks. 

Workers must have 11 hours in between each shift and a minimum of 36 consecutive hours of time off per week.

Overtime in the Netherlands

Dutch labor laws don’t regulate overtime pay and employers should include the rate in the employee’s employment contract. The overtime rate is usually set at either 50% or 100% of pay or added vacation leave. 

Overtime pay usually does not include managers or higher salaried workers. 

Employees are not entitled to overtime pay when they have not been given a direct order to stay longer than their shift by a supervisor and if the overtime is less than 1 hour over their scheduled shift.  

Time-tracking obligations

Employers are required to store and keep track of employees hours, including their rest time, overtime, vacation, and sick days. Employees must always have access to these records. 

The requirement for the length of time employers must keep records is at least 52 weeks. Fines for noncompliance with time-tracking obligations range from $100-$45,000 EUR.

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Why companies partner with Via

Via makes hiring talent around the world and building your global team seamless by helping you onboard workers in as little as 2-3 business days. With our easy-to-use platform, Via helps you manage local HR processes for direct employment such as work visas & permits, employee data privacy compliance, benefits, global payroll, background checks, and more. Our team of local labor lawyers and on-the-ground experts provide 24-hour local support and ensure that your company remains compliant while expanding abroad. As your employer-of-record/entity abroad, Via assumes responsibility for employment liability, so that you can focus on what matters: recruiting and managing your team.

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    Netherlands Employer of Record (EOR) Services
    Set up Your Subsidiary in the Netherlands
    Hours of Work in the Netherlands
    Employee Rights in the Netherlands
    Remote Work in the Netherlands for Citizens and Foreigners
    End of Employment in the Netherlands
    Leave in the Netherlands
    Work Visa & Permits in the Netherlands
    Payroll in the Netherlands
    Hiring & Recruiting in the Netherlands
    Netherlands Employee Compensation & Benefits
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Frequently asked questions

  • How much leave do you get in the Netherlands?

    Full-time employees in the Netherlands are entitled to 20 days of paid holiday leave per year.

  • How many weeks of annual leave does the Netherlands have?

    The Netherlands requires at least 20 days of leave for full-time employees which equates to 4 weeks of annual leave.

  • How many sick days do you get in the Netherlands?

    There is no set amount of sick days in the Netherlands and employees are allowed to take up to 2 years of paid sick leave (with reasonable proof) without it affecting their employment.

  • Is the Netherlands a 4 day work week?

    Although not mandated by law, many companies have embraced around a 30 hour work week in the Netherlands or a 4-day work week.

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