Contracted hours

In the Netherlands, you and your employer agree in your contract how many hours you will work each week. These are your contracted hours. 

Hours according to your contract 

In the Netherlands, you can work full-time or part-time. You agree in advance how many hours you will work each week. You can occasionally work more than your contracted hours. We call this overtime. If you work overtime, you will get more money or more time off. 

Working Hours Act 

The Working Hours Act contains frameworks for working hours and rest periods. This law exists to protect your health and help you maintain a good work-life balance. If you want to work more or less than your contracted hours or at a different location, discuss your wishes with your employer. You are allowed to do this under the Flexible Working Act. 

How many hours can you work? 

In the Netherlands, you are allowed to work up to 12 hours a day. You are not allowed to more than 60 hours in a week. You can do this very occasionally, for example if your work is extremely busy for a short period of time. In any period of 16 weeks, you must not work an average of more than 48 hours a week. Always talk to your manager if you have to work more than your contracted hours. Read more about working hours here. 

Right to breaks 

If you work more than 5.5 hours in a day, you have a right to at least a 30-minute break. If you work more than 10 hours in a day, you have a right to at least a 45-minute break. You should rest during your break. In other words, you are not allowed to work during your break or to work without a break.  

Read more about breaks here. 

Night shifts 

If you work at night, additional rules apply. If you are working a night shift, you are allowed to work a maximum of 12 hours. The maximum number of 12-hour night shifts you can work is five during any two-week period, and 22 in any year. Following a night shift, you must have at rest period of at least 12 hours before you go back to work. 

Breaks and night shifts if you are pregnant 

If you are pregnant and you are working, you have a right to more breaks. You can take additional breaks for up to one eighth of your working day. For example, if you work eight hours, you are allowed to take an additional hour of breaks. You will still get paid for that time. You are not allowed to work overtime or at night while you are pregnant. Read more about pregnancy and your rights here. 

Working on Sundays 

Working on Sundays might be necessary, depending on your job. However, if you work on Sundays you must have agreed this with your employer. You have a right to at least 13 Sundays off a year. 

Payment for additional hours worked 

You might be paid for additional hours you work, depending on the arrangements in your CAO. If you work more than your contracted hours because you choose to, your boss does not have to pay you for the additional hours.  

Working more or less than your contracted hours 

If you want to work more or less than your contracted hours, or you would like to work at a different location or change your working hours, you can ask your employer. More information can be found on Rijksoverheid.nl. 

When can you work more or less than your contracted hours? 

You can ask to work more or less than your contracted hours if: 

• The company where you work has at least ten employees. 
• You have worked there for at least 26 weeks. 
• You make a written request, for example by sending an e-mail or a letter. 
• You make your request two months before you want to start working the new number of hours. 

Your request must include how many hours you want to work each week and the date you want this to start. 

What does your employer have to do? 

Your employer must respond to your request within a month before the desired start date. 
If your employer does not say anything, you are allowed to start working the hours you requested. 

Your employer can only say no if it has a good reason (compelling business interest), for example because: 

• There is no one who can take over your work. 
• Your requested hours do not work with the roster. 
• There is not enough work or money. 

Your employer must explain these reasons to you in writing. If you do not agree, discuss the matter with your employer. If this does not resolve the situation, ask
Het Juridisch Loket for help. 

Important! 

If you work less than your contracted hours, your wages will be lower. This means your pension could be lower. Ask your pension fund about this. If you want to work more than your contracted hours, your employer can say no but it must consider your request seriously and discuss it with you.