In the Netherlands, pregnant employees are entitled to at least 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, consisting of pregnancy leave (zwangerschapsverlof) of 4–6 weeks before the expected due date, and maternity leave (bevallingsverlof) of at least 10 weeks after birth. The total must be at least 16 weeks. During this period, employees receive 100% of their daily wage through the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency).

Statutory entitlement

At least 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (4–6 weeks prenatal + at least 10 weeks postnatal). 100% of daily wage paid by the UWV up to the maximum daily wage ceiling.

Eligibility

All employees are entitled to maternity leave. Self-employed workers (zzp'ers) can also receive maternity benefits under the Zelfstandigenregeling if they meet the criteria.

Employer obligations

  • Grant at least 16 weeks of maternity leave to all pregnant employees.
  • Notify the UWV of the employee's pregnancy at least two weeks before the start of leave.
  • Continue to pay the employee's salary during maternity leave (the UWV reimburses the employer 100% of the daily wage).
  • Maintain the employee's position and all employment terms during maternity leave.
  • Conduct a risk assessment and adjust working conditions if necessary for the health of the mother and child.
  • Not employ the employee during the mandatory postnatal period (minimum 10 weeks).

Employee rights

  • Right to at least 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave.
  • Right to paid time off for antenatal medical appointments.
  • Right to return to the same position after maternity leave.
  • Right to safe working conditions — employers must adjust duties if the pregnancy creates health risks.
  • Right to lactation breaks and facilities upon return to work.

Common pitfalls

  • Not notifying the UWV — employers must inform the UWV before the leave starts to ensure proper reimbursement.
  • Confusing pregnancy leave with maternity leave — pregnancy leave (zwangerschapsverlof) is the pre-birth period, while maternity leave (bevallingsverlof) is the post-birth period.
  • Failing to account for the minimum 16-week total — if the birth is late, the postnatal period is extended to ensure at least 16 weeks total.

How maternity leave is structured

Maternity leave consists of two parts: zwangerschapsverlof (pregnancy leave) starts between 6 and 4 weeks before the expected due date, and bevallingsverlof (maternity leave) starts the day after birth and lasts at least 10 weeks. If the pregnancy leave was shorter than 6 weeks, the maternity leave is extended to ensure a total of at least 16 weeks.

Payment during maternity leave

The employer continues to pay the employee's salary during maternity leave. The UWV reimburses the employer 100% of the daily wage, up to the maximum daily wage ceiling (€264.43 per day in 2024). The employer pays the salary as usual and claims reimbursement from the UWV.

Self-employed workers

Self-employed workers (zzp'ers) are entitled to maternity benefits under the Zelfstandigenregeling (ZEZ). They receive benefits at the minimum wage level for 16 weeks, provided they worked at least 1,225 hours in the year before birth.

Frequently asked questions

What if the baby is born earlier than expected?

If the baby is born before the pregnancy leave starts, the maternity leave starts the day after birth and lasts 16 weeks. Any unused pregnancy leave days are added to the maternity leave.

Can an employee work during maternity leave?

No, the postnatal period (at least 10 weeks) is a mandatory rest period. Working during this time is prohibited by law.

Does annual leave continue to accrue during maternity leave?

Yes. Employees continue to accrue annual leave during maternity leave, as it counts as paid leave.

Sources

This page is provided for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the cited primary source for current law before making employment decisions.