How many vacation days do I get per year?
Vacation is something almost everyone looks forward to. But how many vacation days do you actually get per year, and what exactly are the rules in the Netherlands? Whether you work full-time, part-time, or are just starting a new job, it’s useful to know what you’re entitled to. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about vacation days in a clear and straightforward way.
Because when you know exactly how many days off you have, you can make the most of them. Maybe even for an unforgettable vacation.
How many statutory vacation days am I entitled to in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, you are legally entitled to a minimum of four times the number of hours you work per week. If you work 40 hours a week, you are entitled to at least 160 vacation hours per year, which equals 20 vacation days. This is the statutory minimum that applies to every employee.
Most employers offer more than this minimum through a collective labor agreement (CAO) or employment contract. In practice, 25 vacation days per year is a commonly used standard in the Netherlands. The exact number is always stated in your employment contract or in the applicable CAO.
How are my vacation days calculated when I work part-time?
For part-time workers, vacation days are calculated on a pro-rata basis according to the number of hours worked. The formula is simple: multiply the number of hours you work per week by four. If you work 24 hours a week, for example, you are entitled to at least 96 vacation hours per year.
This applies regardless of how your working week is distributed across the days. Whether you work three long days or five short days, the total number of hours determines your vacation entitlement. Some employers calculate in days rather than hours, but the same principle applies: pro rata.
What is the difference between statutory and non-statutory vacation days?
Statutory vacation days are the minimum mandatory days required by law. Non-statutory vacation days are the extra days off your employer offers on top of that legal minimum. This distinction is important, because different rules apply to each type regarding expiration and payout.
The most practical differences at a glance:
- Statutory vacation days expire six months after the year in which they were accrued.
- Non-statutory vacation days do not expire until after five years, unless your employer has made different arrangements.
- Non-statutory days can in some cases be paid out; statutory days generally cannot be paid out during employment.
- Upon termination, both types are treated separately.
It’s a good idea to keep track on your pay slip or in the HR system of how many of your outstanding days are statutory or non-statutory, so you know which days should be prioritized for use.
When do my vacation days expire?
Statutory vacation days expire on July 1 of the year following the year in which they were accrued. If you accrued vacation days in 2024 that you did not use, they will expire on July 1, 2025. Non-statutory vacation days have a longer expiration period of five years.
There is one important exception: if circumstances beyond your control prevented you from taking your vacation days, your employer cannot simply let them expire. This applies, for example, in cases of long-term illness or when your employer did not give you the opportunity to take vacation. In that case, the longer expiration periods apply.
Want to avoid losing days? Keep track of your balance and plan your vacation in good time, especially in the first half of the year.
How many vacation days do I accrue during illness or leave?
During illness, you continue to accrue vacation days as normal, even if you are on long-term sick leave. This applies to the full statutory minimum. Your employer may not distinguish between sick and healthy employees when it comes to accruing vacation days.
The following rules apply to other forms of leave:
- Maternity and parental leave: you accrue vacation days in full.
- Parental leave: you do not accrue vacation days over unpaid hours, unless otherwise agreed.
- Unpaid leave: in principle, you do not accrue vacation days during the period you are not working.
- Paid special leave (such as caregiver’s leave or short-term absence): vacation days continue to accrue as normal.
Unsure about your specific situation? Consult your employment contract or check with HR or a legal advisor.
Can I have my vacation days paid out?
During an ongoing employment relationship, statutory vacation days may not in principle be paid out. The law stipulates that employees must actually take their vacation days so that they can rest. Paying out statutory days during employment is therefore not permitted.
Non-statutory vacation days may in some cases be paid out, if your employer allows it and this has been established contractually. At the end of an employment relationship, the situation is different: the employee is then entitled to payment for all remaining vacation days, both statutory and non-statutory.
If you want to convert vacation days into money, always discuss this with your employer first and check what is stated in the CAO or your contract. Any agreements on this matter must be recorded in writing.
How Clipper Stad Amsterdam helps you make the most of your vacation days
Now that you know exactly how many vacation days you have and how the rules work, the next step is to make the most of them. Because days off are meant to be enjoyed, not lost.
On board the Clipper Stad Amsterdam, we offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else. No anonymous cruise ship, no all-inclusive resort — just a luxury sailing cruise on an iconic three-masted clipper ship. Here’s what you can expect:
- Sailing through the Caribbean with a maximum of 28 fellow guests in an intimate atmosphere
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, prepared by our onboard chefs
- Snorkeling, day trips, and relaxing on white sandy beaches
- Authentic sailing with a young, friendly, and dedicated crew
Ready to spend your vacation days on something truly special? Get in touch with us and discover which voyages are available. Or first explore everything about the Clipper Stad Amsterdam to get a feel for what makes our ship so unique.