Working Hours 2026 - Netherlands
Complete guide to working hours, public holidays, and annual leave in the Netherlands for 2026
Working Hours and Leave in the Netherlands 2026
Standard Work Week
- 8 hours per day
- 5 days per week
- 40 hours per week
Under the Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet), the standard working week is 40 hours. Maximum limits are 12 hours per day and 60 hours per week, with an average of 48 hours per week over any 16-week reference period.
Annual Leave Entitlement
20 - 25 days
20 working days minimum (4x weekly hours). Many employers offer 25 days.
Monthly Averages
- 21.3 working days/month
- 170 working hours/month
Monthly Working Hours Goals 2026
Expected working hours per month based on 8-hour workday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
| Month | Working Days | Monthly Goal |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| February 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| March 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| April 2026 | 20 | 160.00 |
| May 2026 | 19 | 152.00 |
| June 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| July 2026 | 23 | 184.00 |
| August 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| September 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| October 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| November 2026 | 21 | 168.00 |
| December 2026 | 22 | 176.00 |
| Total | 255 | 2,040.00 |
Public Holidays in the Netherlands 2026
Netherlands has 9 public holidays in 2026, with 6 falling on weekdays. See full public holidays list
Understanding Holiday Types
Different countries use different terminology for non-working days. Here is what each term means for workforce planning.
Public Holidays
Official days off recognized by a country’s government. Most employees are entitled to paid leave, and businesses may close or operate with reduced staff.
Federal Holidays
Holidays established by a national government, primarily affecting government offices and federally-regulated employers. Private companies may choose whether to observe them.
Bank Holidays
Days when banks and financial institutions are closed. In the UK, this term is synonymous with public holidays. Important for payroll processing and payment schedules.
Observances
Notable dates that are not official days off. Examples include Earth Day or Mother’s Day. These do not affect work schedules unless an employer chooses to recognize them.
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag) | |
| Sun, Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday (Eerste Paasdag) | Weekend |
| Mon, Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag) | |
| Mon, Apr 27 | Monday | King’s Day (Koningsdag) | |
| Thu, May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) | |
| Sun, May 24 | Sunday | Whit Sunday (Eerste Pinksterdag) | Weekend |
| Mon, May 25 | Monday | Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag) | |
| Fri, Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag) | |
| Sat, Dec 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas (Tweede Kerstdag) | Weekend |
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