Employment law and benefits in the Netherlands

Employment law for expats

In order to get straight what your rights are, you first need to know which country’s laws apply to your current position. Are you working in the Netherlands only or are you working in multiple countries? Usually, the employment law of the country that you are currently working in is applicable to your employment contract, but there are some exceptions. Would you like to know which country’s regulations you are subject to? I Amsterdam gives you more information.

Residence permit

If you have been granted a residence permit under the highly skilled migrant scheme, you might want to look into what happens to the validity of the permit when: you change jobs, the temporary contract is not extended or the contract of employment is prematurely terminated. Read up on highly skilled migrant residence permits.

Severance pay

In the case of a contract termination, you might be entitled to a severance payment. On 1 July 2015 the Netherlands adopted a law that makes it mandatory for the employer to pay a transitional compensation if the employee has been working for the company for over two years and the termination of contract was involuntary. This is compensation for the consequences of early dismissal and is meant to support the employee in the process of transitioning to another job. Find out if you are an eligible candidate for transitional compensation.

Unemployment benefits

Both locals and expats can receive unemployment benefits when they find themselves temporarily without a job. However, if you want to receive unemployment benefits, you need to meet certain requirements. There is a minimum pay-out term of three months. This can last up to 38 months, although you are required to actively look for a new job and show proof of job applications. Find out more about applying for unemployment benefit.