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Draft translation. The rules concern Dutch employment law; have their application to your situation assessed. About our content
Practical guidance

Practical handbook, worksheets and checklists

Take your preparation with you. Download the complete handbook, use an editable sample letter or save a focused checklist for your employment issue.

Employment Law in the Netherlands

Work & rights · practical guides

PDF · 28 pages
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Download the practical handbook

All eight routes, document checklists and space for notes in one printable handbook in this language.

  1. My employer wants to dismiss me
  2. I have received a settlement agreement
  3. My wages are unpaid or late
  4. I am ill and need to return to work
  5. My fixed-term contract is ending
  6. There is a workplace conflict or unwanted behaviour
  7. I am offered a new employment contract
  8. I want to leave my job

Use the printed boxes to mark your preparation and write questions and agreements in the space provided. The links lead to detailed articles and online workbooks. This PDF does not have digitally fillable fields.

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Official sources
Sources (111)

Sources and editorial notes

This preparation guide is our own editorial work. The primary sources below support the linked in-depth articles. Check the stated source date and obtain an assessment of any agreement or procedure for your own situation.

Sources current as of:

The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.

Employment Law in the Netherlands01

Organise an employment dispute

Practical checklist

Gather agreements, messages and a timeline before seeking help.

  • Employment contract and amendments
  • Applicable collective agreement and staff handbook
  • Recent payslips and working hours records
  • Letters, emails and my employer’s proposal
  • A timeline of events and specific questions
Download checklist (.txt)
Sources (2)

Sources and editorial notes

Our editorial team compiled this checklist using the sources listed below as a starting point.

Sources current as of:

The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.

Employment Law in the Netherlands02

Discuss a settlement agreement

Practical checklist

Take the key points to check to your legal adviser.

  • I have the full proposal and all attachments.
  • I have checked the reason for termination and who initiated it.
  • I have had the end date and notice period assessed.
  • I have checked compensation, holiday days and final settlement arrangements.
  • I have discussed the effects on sickness, unemployment benefits and my finances.
  • I have checked the statutory cooling-off period and time for legal advice.
Download checklist (.txt)
Sources (2)

Sources and editorial notes

Our editorial team compiled this checklist using the sources listed below as a starting point.

Sources current as of:

The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.

Employment Law in the Netherlands03

Track sickness and reintegration

Practical checklist

Organise arrangements with your employer and occupational physician; keep medical information separately.

  • The date I reported sick and contact arrangements
  • The occupational physician’s advice and my questions
  • The action plan and evaluation dates
  • Agreements about suitable work and hours worked
  • Questions for the occupational physician or a UWV expert opinion
Download checklist (.txt)
Sources (2)

Sources and editorial notes

Our editorial team compiled this checklist using the sources listed below as a starting point.

Sources current as of:

The source publications are in Dutch. All language editions cover Dutch law.

Tools & calculations

General information. Not a substitute for personal legal advice.

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My employer wants to dismiss meA meeting, a formal dismissal application and summary dismissal call for different responses. First identify the procedure and the dates. Then check the reasons your employer gives and the help you need.
I have received a settlement agreementA proposal to leave involves more than the amount of compensation. This guide helps you examine the wording, end date and position after departure together before deciding whether to negotiate or sign.
My wages are unpaid or lateSet out the difference between what appears to be due, what the payslip shows and what reached your bank account. This guide helps you substantiate the shortfall, write a specific request and choose the next step.
I am ill and need to return to workDuring sickness, pay, medical guidance and work arrangements run alongside one another. Use this guide to clarify roles and agreements and to address a disagreement promptly through the appropriate route.
My fixed-term contract is endingStart with the complete contract history, rather than only the latest end date. Then examine the notification of continuation, compensation, final pay and income afterwards. This route keeps those questions separate.
There is a workplace conflict or unwanted behaviourA warning, disagreement about work and report of harassment are different issues. Organise what is happening, what you need and which route fits. This guide helps you prepare a factual, careful account.
I am offered a new employment contractA new contract concerns your future work and restrictions after leaving. Compare the offer, collective agreement and attachments before focusing only on salary. This guide helps structure your questions and your first period at work.
I want to leave my jobA new job, conflict or personal change may prompt you to leave. First check whether and when you can resign and how this affects income, restrictive clauses and final pay.

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