For employees and employers
Calculate holidays 2026
How much holiday do you accrue? For employees and employers: by law an employee is entitled each year to 4 times the number of hours they work per week, pro rata to the period of employment. Extra-statutory days follow from the collective agreement or contract.
Holiday hours 2026
| Breakdown | Amount |
|---|
Leaving your job and still have hours left? Calculate what you get for them with payout of holidays.
Explanation: calculate holidays
The statutory number of holiday hours per year is 4 times the number of hours someone works per week. At 40 hours per week that is 160 hours (20 days of 8 hours), at 32 hours per week 128 hours. Anyone employed for a shorter period accrues pro rata. Sick? See also sick pay.
Frequently asked questions
How many holidays is an employee legally entitled to?
To 4 times the number of hours they work per week. With a full-time working week of 40 hours, that is 160 hours, or 20 working days of 8 hours. Extra-statutory days follow from the collective agreement or contract.
How do I calculate holidays for part-time work?
Part-time workers are also entitled to 4 × their hours per week. Someone working 24 hours a week is therefore entitled to 96 holiday hours a year. With a partial year of employment you accrue pro rata.
When do holidays expire?
Statutory holiday hours expire 6 months after the year of accrual (hours from 2026 on 1 July 2027), unless the employee was reasonably unable to take them. Extra-statutory hours become time-barred 5 years after the year of accrual.
May holidays be paid out?
Statutory holidays may not be paid out during employment. At the end of employment, days not taken are paid out.
Does a sick employee accrue holidays?
Yes, an employee simply accrues holiday hours during sickness.
Note: indicative, not advice
This calculation is an indication based on general statutory rules and 2026 rates and does not constitute tax, legal or payroll advice. Statutory hours expire 6 months after the year of accrual (hours from 2026 on 1 July 2027), unless the employee was reasonably unable to take them; then they become time-barred after 5 years. Extra-statutory hours become time-barred 5 years after the year of accrual. A collective agreement or contract may contain longer periods. Statutory days may not be paid out during employment. No rights can be derived from this result.
Something wrong or missing? Let us know
Sources & values used
| Item | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory minimum | 4 × agreed hours per week, per year | statutory |
| Pro rata | per calendar day employed | approximation |
| Statutory expiry period | 6 months after year of accrual (2026 → 1 July 2027) | statutory |
| Limitation extra-statutory | 5 years after year of accrual | statutory |
- Government of the Netherlands – Holidays (in Dutch)
- Dutch government – How can I take my holidays? (expiry and limitation) (in Dutch)
- Ondernemersplein (overheid.nl) – Holidays for employees (in Dutch)
Checked on 6 October 2026.