If you work in the Netherlands, you are entitled to vacation days and leave. However, many international employees do not know exactly how the process of requesting leave works. When are you allowed to take time off? How many vacation days do you have? And can an employer refuse a leave request?
In this blog, we explain how leave works in the Netherlands and what you should take into account when you want to take days off.
Are you entitled to leave?
Yes. Every employee in the Netherlands is entitled to vacation days. How many days you receive depends on the number of hours you work. If you work full-time, you accrue a statutory number of vacation days annually.
With many employers, you even receive more leave days than the statutory minimum. This is often stated in your employment contract or collective labor agreement (CAO). Therefore, it is wise to review these documents carefully. You usually accrue leave days during the year that you work.
How do you request leave?
In most companies, you request leave in advance from your supervisor or planner. Some organizations use a digital system for this, while other companies work with forms or email.
It is advisable to submit your request as early as possible. Especially during popular holiday periods, such as summer or public holidays, several colleagues may want to be off at the same time. By planning on time, you increase the chance that your desired days will be approved.
Can an employer refuse leave?
In the Netherlands, an employer may not simply reject a leave request. However, there are situations where this is possible. For example, when the absence of an employee causes major problems for planning or business operations. This usually only happens when there is a compelling reason. In practice, many employers try to find a solution together with employees if a requested period proves impossible.
Different types of leave
In addition to vacation days, there are also other forms of leave in the Netherlands. Consider, for example, special leave for a wedding, a death, or other important personal events.
Furthermore, there are arrangements for parental leave, maternity leave, and care leave. Which exact rules apply depends on your personal situation and sometimes also on the company’s CAO.
Do you have questions about a specific form of leave? Then it is wise to discuss this with your employer.
What happens to unused vacation days?
Vacation days do not always remain valid indefinitely. In the Netherlands, statutory vacation days usually have a limited validity period. Therefore, it is important to take your leave days on time.
Employers often encourage employees to take sufficient rest. Vacation helps you to stay healthy, motivated, and productive.
Regularly check your payslip or leave overview to see how many days you still have available.
Leave and international employees
Many international employees want to return to family or friends in their home country occasionally. Therefore, it is extra important to plan vacations well in advance.
When you indicate early when you want to be off, an employer can better take this into account. This prevents disappointments and makes it easier to maintain a good work-life balance. Good communication plays an important role in this.
Why leave is important
Time off is not only pleasant but also important for your health and work performance. By taking regular vacations, you get the chance to rest and recharge. Many employers therefore encourage employees to actually use their leave days instead of saving them up. A good work-life balance often leads to more job satisfaction and better performance in the long run.
How Does Charlie works Help?
At Charlie works, we find it important that employees know what they are entitled to. That is why we are happy to help you if you have questions about vacation days, leave, or other employment conditions.
We explain how the system works and think along with you when you want to request days off. This way, you know exactly where you stand. Ready to start at Charlie works? Then view our vacancies here.
Time off is important
Leave is an important part of working in the Netherlands. It gives you the opportunity to rest, spend time with family, and recharge.
By requesting leave on time and making clear agreements with your employer, you prevent misunderstandings. This allows you to enjoy your days off with peace of mind and return to work refreshed.
