Leaves of absence Netherlands 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.
A leave of absence is the permission for an employee to be away from work for a period of time. It might be voluntary, mandatory, paid, or unpaid. Leaves of absence are often taken by employees during culturally significant or exciting life moments, such as marriage, childbirth, or holidays, as well as for more somber reasons, such as sick leave.
If you are building a global team, it can be challenging to remain compliant with many different international laws and regulations in Europe and abroad, so it’s often best to partner with a global employment expert like us for support.
Table of Contents
Statutory Leaves of Absence Netherlands
- 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 of absence Netherlands 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. Per type of Special Leave, the amount of leave days can be decided based on the company regulations.
Examples of Special Leave are:
- Leave for relocation.
- Leave for wedding of Employee, parents and in-laws.
- Leave for exams, study.
- Bereavement leave.
