What are the Leaves of Absence types in the Netherlands?

Leaves of Absence is regulated under the Work and Care Act   [Wet Arbeid en Zorg] in the Netherlands, hereinafter referred to as: the WAZO. This Act defines the right to leave and the right to payment.

Statutory Leaves of Absence

• Pregnancy and maternity Leave
• Partner/Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave
• Calamity Leave
• Short-term Care Leave
• Long-term Care Leave (for example Informal Care Leave in Dutch Mantelzorg)
• Adoption Leave
• Unpaid Leave/Sabbatical
• Sick Leave

Special Leave

Besides leaves regulated under the WAZO there are more leave types: Special Leave. Special Leave is not based on law, but on general country specific common practice. Examples of Special Leave are:

• Leave for relocation.
• Leave for wedding of Employee, parents and inlaws.
• Leave for exams, study.
• Bereavement leave.

Per type of Special Leave, the amount of leave days can be decided based on the company regulations.