Legal matters
Partner - Postpartum leave
Your baby is (almost) here and as a partner you would like to take some extra time off. But what exactly are your rights? You’ve probably seen all the terms flying around: birth leave, additional birth leave, paternity, parental leave… And the rules can differ depending on whether you’re employed or self-employed. In this article, we clearly explain the key facts so you know exactly what to expect.
Summary: the key facts if your partner has given birth
- Birth leave: On the day of childbirth
- Paternity/partner leave: 1 week to be taken within 4 weeks of birth, then 5 weeks to be taken within 6 months after birth
- Parental leave: 26 weeks per child to be taken within 8 years of birth, 9 of the 26 weeks are paid if they are taken within 1 year of birth
- Self-employed parents: unfortunately, not entitled to these forms of leave
Exact conditions may vary depending on your collective labour agreement (CAO) or employment contract
👉 More about birth leave on Rijksoverheid.nl and www.uwv.nl - maternity parental
1. Birth leave and paternity: the first week together
If your partner has just given birth, you (as the non-birthing partner) are entitled to one full working week of paid birth leave to be taken within 4 weeks of birth. This applies regardless of whether you work full-time or part-time.
Need time off immediately after the birth? You can also request emergency leave (calamiteitenverlof), which is paid and intended for urgent situations like the start of labour or birth.
2. Partner leave: take more time
Want to stay home longer after your baby is born? You can apply 5 weeks to be taken within 6 months after birth, paid at 70% of your daily wage (up to a legal maximum). This leave must be taken within the first 6 months after birth.
You can use these weeks flexibly — take them all at once or spread them out. Discuss the options with your employer and apply in time.
3. Parental leave: flexible until your child turns 8
Both parents are entitled to 26 weeks of parental leave per child. You can take this leave anytime until your child turns 8. Since 2022, if you take the first 9 weeks during your baby’s first year, you will receive partial payment (70% of your daily wage) from the UWV — up to a capped amount.
The remaining weeks are unpaid, but often you can arrange to take them flexibly with your employer — for example, part-time.
4. Self-employed? Unfortunately, no leave rights
Are you self-employed? Unfortunately, you’re not entitled to birth leave, additional birth leave, or paid parental leave like employees are. However, you can explore other ways to temporarily reduce your workload — such as unpaid time off or arranging a temporary replacement.
👉 Use the ‘Having a Child’ checklist from the Dutch government to see exactly what applies to your situation.
In short: what can you do?
Figuring out leave arrangements takes some effort, but there are great tools and clear rules to help you. Use the government’s checklist, talk to your employer, and sort things out in time — so you can enjoy those important first weeks at home with peace of mind.