Paternity leave

In the Netherlands, you are given paternity leave when your partner has a baby. This leave is also called partner leave. 

What is paternity leave? 

If your partner is having a baby, you can take time off on the day your partner gives birth. You can also take a few weeks’ more leave after the birth. Some of this leave is paid, and some leave qualifies for a benefit paid by the government. This enables you to take care of your partner and your baby. 

One week of paternity leave 

As the partner, you get one week off when your baby is born. The number of hours you have off depends on how many hours you work. During this week, your employer pays your wages in full. 

Example: 
You work six hours a day for five days every week. 
In this case, you get 30 hours of leave: 5 x 6 = 30. 

• Your employer continues to pay your wages as usual. 
• You can choose when to take this leave. 
• You must, however, take it within four weeks after the birth. 

Five weeks of additional paternity leave 

As the partner, you also get five weeks of additional leave. This is called additional paternity leave. 

• Instead of your usual wages, you receive a benefit from UWV that is equal to 70% of your daily wage. 
• You must take this leave within six months after the birth. 
• You must have already taken the week of paternity leave. 

Leave requests 

Request paternity leave from your employer at least four weeks in advance. If your child is premature, your paternity leave request must be made as soon as possible after the birth.