The Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet) is the Dutch statute that sets maximum working hours and minimum rest periods for employees. Its core rules are in chapter 5, including article 5:7 (working time), 5:4 (breaks) and 5:8 (night shifts). It applies to almost every employer in the Netherlands and protects employee health and safety.
Table of contents
How many hours may an employee work?
An adult employee may work up to 12 hours per shift and 60 hours per week. Over 4 weeks, the average may not exceed 55 hours per week; over 16 weeks, it may not exceed 48 hours per week. A collective agreement (cao) may deviate from the 4-week average, but never from the 60-hour weekly cap.
What rest and breaks are required?
- Daily rest of at least 11 consecutive hours, which may be reduced to 8 hours once every 7 days if the work requires it.
- Weekly rest of 36 consecutive hours per 7 days, or 72 hours per 14 days.
- A 30-minute break for shifts over 5.5 hours, and 45 minutes for shifts over 10 hours.
What are the rules for night shifts?
A night shift involves more than 1 hour of work between midnight and 6 a.m. It may normally last up to 10 hours, with a maximum of 36 night shifts per 16 weeks. A night shift ending after 2 a.m. must be followed by at least 14 hours of rest, and a series of 3 or more night shifts by at least 46 hours.
Who enforces the Act?
The Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) supervises compliance and can impose administrative fines; the amount follows from article 10:7 of the Act and the fining policy rules. Employers must record hours actually worked and publish work and rest schedules in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Act apply to senior staff?
Employees earning at least 3 times the statutory minimum wage are exempt from most working and rest time rules. The employer’s general duty of care for health and safety still applies.
Does overtime count?
Yes. All hours worked count towards the maximums, including overtime.
Related terms
For advice on working time and employment conditions, see our employment law page. Book a free introductory meeting.
