Netherlands (NL)
The Netherlands is a small, densely populated constitutional monarchy in Northwestern Europe, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable and progressive countries.
Family Rights & Benefits
Maternity, parental leave and child benefits in Netherlands.
The Netherlands has comprehensive family support legislation. Maternity and parental leave are well-funded, with progressive enhancements in recent years. Child benefits (kinderbijslag) are universal regardless of income. Since 2022, paternity/partner leave was significantly extended. Dutch family law applies equally to same-sex couples (the Netherlands was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001).
Maternity leave (bevallingsverlof / zwangerschapsverlof)
Before birth: 4–6 weeks before the due date (zwangerschapsverlof). The employee chooses when within the 6-week window before birth.
After birth: At least 10 weeks after birth (bevallingsverlof). Total minimum: 16 weeks. In case of premature birth (before 37 weeks), leave is extended so that at least 10 weeks are taken after the actual birth date.
Job protection: Full job protection during maternity leave. Cannot be dismissed during pregnancy or maternity leave. Right to return to the same or equivalent position. UWV pays the maternity benefit — 100% of daily wage up to the maximum UWV daily wage (€283.93/day in 2026).
Parental leave (ouderschapsverlof)
Max duration: 26 weeks per parent (both parents combined: 52 weeks total), up to the child's 8th birthday
Split rules / Elterngeld: From August 2022: the first 9 weeks of parental leave are paid (70% of daily wage, via UWV) if taken in the first year after birth. The remaining 17 weeks are unpaid (unless employer supplements). Can be taken in parts.
Benefits
Child benefit (kinderbijslag)
0–5 years: €295.07/quarter; 6–11 years: €358.30/quarter; 12–17 years: €421.53/quarter (2026 — increased from 2025 rates)
Duration: From birth until the child turns 18
Eligibility: All parents resident and insured in the Netherlands, regardless of income
How to apply: SVB (mijnsvb.nl) — often automatic after birth registration. Apply manually if not received within 3 months.
Paid quarterly. The SVB also manages the international coordination of child benefits under EU rules.
Income-dependent child allowance (kindgebonden budget)
Depends on income, number of children, and their ages. Up to €1,620/year for the first child plus additional per subsequent child (2026)
Duration: Until the youngest child turns 18
Eligibility: Income-dependent: roughly up to €120,000 household income. Claim via Belastingdienst Toeslagen.
How to apply: belastingdienst.nl/toeslagen — apply for kindgebonden budget alongside other toeslagen
Single parents receive a higher amount (single parent supplement — alleenstaande ouderkop). Often combined with huurtoeslag and zorgtoeslag applications.
Partner/paternity leave (geboorteverlof)
100% of salary for 1 week (paid by employer); additional 5 weeks available within 6 months at 70% of daily wage (via UWV)
Duration: 1 week immediate (geboorteverlof) + 5 weeks additional (aanvullend geboorteverlof) within 6 months of birth
Eligibility: The non-birthing partner (partner verlof). Available regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
How to apply: Notify employer in advance. Additional leave (5 weeks): notify employer at least 4 weeks in advance; UWV pays 70% directly to the employer.
The Netherlands expanded partner leave significantly in 2020. Partners are entitled to 1 full week at 100% pay, then up to 5 additional weeks at 70% via UWV.
Birth gift / kraambezoek
No monetary birth gift from the government. Maternity nurse service (kraamzorg): 24–80 hours of postnatal home care — covered by basic health insurance.
Duration: 8–10 days after birth
Eligibility: All Dutch residents with a newborn.
How to apply: Register with a kraamzorg provider during pregnancy. Major providers: Buurtzorg, Cavent, Pantein, Cordaan.
The Dutch kraamzorg system — a professional maternity nurse who visits your home for 8–10 days after birth — is unique in Europe and highly valued. It is covered by basic health insurance.
Sick child leave
Dutch parents have the right to emergency leave (calamiteitenverlof) for sudden childcare needs. Additionally, "care leave" (zorgverlof) allows up to 2 × weekly working hours per year at 70% pay for care of sick family members. Emergency leave for sick child: 1–2 days at full pay per year (depending on CAO).
Birth registration
A child born in the Netherlands must be registered at the gemeente within 3 working days of birth. Both parents' details are registered. The child receives a BSN automatically. If the child is born to unmarried parents, the father/non-birthing parent must formally acknowledge paternity (erkenning) unless already done during pregnancy.
Childcare rights
Working parents who meet the eligibility criteria (both parents working or studying) are entitled to the kinderopvangtoeslag subsidy. The Netherlands is expanding childcare subsidies — a plan to make childcare near-free (circa €0.96/hour) for all working parents is being phased in from 2027 under new legislation, making the Netherlands's childcare system among the most subsidised in Europe.
Family Rights
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