Working hours
Official explanation by the Dutch government in English
Work in NL, Working hours
In the Netherlands, there are rules that govern your working hours so that you can work in a safe and healthy way.
Rules for working hours in the Netherlands
You can work up to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week, but you must not work this many hours every week. In any period of 16 weeks, you must not work an average of more than 48 hours a week.
Rest and breaks
You have a right to breaks during your work. If you work more than 5.5 hours a day, you have a right to at least a 30-minute break. You also have a right to rest between working days and during weekends so that you can properly relax. Read more about breaks during work .
2026-10-05 · CC0, unless stated otherwise ·
source Work in NL, 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.
2026-10-05 · CC0, unless stated otherwise ·
source The Dutch rule
Arbeidstijdenwet, Artikel 5:7
1. De werkgever organiseert de arbeid zodanig, dat de jeugdige werknemer ten hoogste arbeid verricht gedurende: a. 9 uren per dienst; b. 45 uren per week, en c. gemiddeld 40 uren per week in elke periode van 4 aaneengesloten weken.
CC0 1.0, Basis Wetten Bestand, KOOP ·
source Arbeidstijdenwet, Artikel 5:4
1. De werkgever organiseert de arbeid van een jeugdige werknemer zodanig dat, indien hij meer dan 4,5 uren arbeid per dienst verricht, zijn arbeid tijdens de dienst wordt onderbroken door een pauze. De pauze bedraagt ten minste 30 minuten, die zonodig kan worden gesplitst in pauzes van elk ten minste 15 minuten.
CC0 1.0, Basis Wetten Bestand, KOOP ·
source Ask your own questionSelected automatically from official texts, not advice. The Dutch law text prevails.