Public Holidays in the Netherlands
By Career counseling

The Netherlands is known for its excellent work-life balance, and a generous amount of time off is a key part of that equation. But navigating the Dutch holiday calendar can be a bit tricky, with its mix of public holidays, vacation days, and other types of leave. This blog post will guide you through the essentials, helping you plan your time off effectively and make the most of your well-deserved breaks.

1. Public Holidays

The Netherlands has several official public holidays where most businesses and offices are closed. These include:

  • New Year’s Day: January 1st – A time for fresh starts and new beginnings, often celebrated with fireworks and gatherings with friends and family. Many people enjoy a leisurely brunch or visit relatives to exchange New Year’s greetings.
  • Good Friday: The Friday before Easter Sunday (varies each year) – A Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, often observed with religious services and family time. While it’s a national holiday, it’s not mandatory for employers to give time off. Some people may attend church services or spend the day reflecting on the significance of the holiday.
  • Easter Monday: The Monday after Easter Sunday (varies each year) – A continuation of the Easter weekend, often spent with family and friends, enjoying Easter egg hunts and festive meals. It’s a popular time for short trips and outings, with many people taking advantage of the long weekend to travel or visit loved ones.
  • King’s Day: April 27th (celebrated on April 26th if the 27th falls on a Sunday) – A nationwide celebration of the King’s birthday, marked by vibrant street parties, flea markets (“vrijmarkten”), and orange-themed festivities (orange being the national color). King’s Day is a unique and festive experience, with people of all ages taking to the streets to celebrate.
  • Liberation Day: May 5th – Commemorates the liberation of the Netherlands from German occupation during World War II. Celebrated with festivals, concerts, and remembrance events. Like Good Friday, it’s a national holiday but not a mandatory paid day off for everyone. Many people attend commemorative ceremonies or visit war memorials to honor those who fought for freedom.
  • Ascension Day: 39 days after Easter Sunday (varies each year) – A Christian holiday celebrating the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It’s a day of religious observance for many, with church services and family gatherings.
  • Whit Monday: 50 days after Easter Sunday (varies each year) – The day after Pentecost, a Christian holiday celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. It’s often a day for relaxation and spending time outdoors, with many people enjoying picnics or visiting parks and gardens.
  • Christmas Day: December 25th – A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, typically spent with family and friends, exchanging gifts and enjoying festive meals. Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and the holiday season is often filled with festive decorations, carols, and traditional treats.
  • Boxing Day: December 26th – A day for relaxation and spending time with loved ones, often involving visiting family and friends or enjoying leftover Christmas treats. Some people also use this day to shop for post-Christmas sales or enjoy winter activities like ice skating or skiing.

2. Vacation Days

In addition to public holidays, employees in the Netherlands are entitled to a minimum number of paid vacation days per year. The legal minimum is 20 days based on a full-time workweek, but many employers offer more, especially in the competitive IT sector. These vacation days are yours to use as you wish, whether for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous backpacking trip, or simply some time to unwind at home. It’s important to plan your vacation days in advance, especially if you’re aiming for popular travel times or school holidays.

3. Other Types of Leave

Besides public holidays and vacation days, there are other types of leave available to employees in the Netherlands, including:

  • Sick Leave: If you’re unable to work due to illness, you’re entitled to paid sick leave. The duration and conditions of sick leave are regulated by law and may vary depending on your employment contract and collective labor agreement.
  • Maternity Leave and Paternity Leave: Parents are entitled to paid leave to care for their newborn or adopted child. The duration of maternity leave and paternity leave has been gradually increasing in recent years, reflecting the growing emphasis on parental rights and family-friendly policies.
  • Parental Leave: Employees can take unpaid leave to care for their children. This allows parents to take extended time off to bond with their children or manage childcare responsibilities.
  • Care Leave: Employees can take leave to care for a sick family member. This provides support for employees who need to take time off to care for a loved one in need.
  • Unpaid Leave: In some cases, employees can request unpaid leave for personal reasons, such as extended travel, personal projects, or sabbaticals.

Planning Your Time Off

When planning your time off, be sure to:

  • Check your employment contract: Your contract will outline your specific entitlements for vacation days and other types of leave. It’s essential to understand the terms and conditions of your employment agreement.
  • Coordinate with your employer: Discuss your planned time off with your employer well in advance to ensure smooth workflow and avoid any conflicts. Open communication and planning can help ensure a seamless transition during your absence.
  • Consider peak seasons: If you’re planning a vacation, be mindful of peak travel seasons and book your flights and accommodation early. Prices tend to be higher during peak seasons, and availability can be limited.
  • Factor in public holidays: Be aware of public holidays when planning your time off, as they can affect your travel plans and work schedule. Some public holidays may fall on a weekend, which could affect your overall number of days off.

Profi-Workers: Your Partner in Work-Life Balance

At Profi-Workers, we understand the importance of time off for rest, rejuvenation, and personal pursuits. We’re committed to helping IT professionals find jobs that offer a healthy work-life balance and generous time off benefits.

Our expertise in the Dutch IT job market allows us to:

  • Identify companies that prioritize employee well-being and offer attractive time off packages.
  • Negotiate favorable terms for vacation days and other types of leave.
  • Connect you with employers who value a healthy work-life balance.

Contact Profi-Workers today to explore IT job opportunities that offer the time off you need to recharge and thrive.