On 20 April 2021, the Dutch executive government (‘Tweede Kamer’) approved the Paid Parental Leave Act (‘Wet betaald ouderschapsverlof’).

9 weeks

The act entitles parents to 9 weeks of paid parental leave in their child’s first year. The remaining  17 weeks of the leave will remain unpaid and can be used up until the child’s 8th birthday. This gives families more time to get used to the new situation and make deliberate choices about the division of work and care.

The act entitles parents to 9 weeks of paid parental leave in their child’s first year.

To what extent?

The paid parental leave amounts 50% of the maximum daily wage. The payment is capped at 50% of the maximum daily wage, which is determined annually. Naturally, it is allowed to make exemptions that are benificial for the employee. The benefit must be applied for at the UWV.

The act will enter into force on 2 August 2022 (after approval by the legislative government (‘Eerste Kamer’)).

The (Dutch) press release of can be found here.