There are different types of employment contracts in the Netherlands
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An agreement or contract is an official understanding between two or more persons or organisations. The contract states what the persons or organisations must do and what each person's rights are. For example, someone does work or provides a product, and the other person pays for it. In this article, we explain what an employment contract or employment agreement is and the different types.
In the Netherlands, there are different types of employment contracts
Limited-term employment contract (temporary contract)
A temporary contract is only for a limited time. It always has a clear end date.
You are allowed a maximum of 3 temporary contracts in a 3-year period.
After 3 temporary contracts or 3 years of a temporary contract with the same employer, you are entitled to a permanent contract.
Is there more than a 6-month break between two contracts? Then the counting starts again.
Indefinite employment contract (permanent contract)
A permanent contract has no end date.
This gives you more security because there is no end to your contract and your employer cannot simply fire you.
You get a stable salary every month. This allows you to apply for a mortgage, for example.
You build up a fixed pension and often have additional security in case of illness or incapacity to work.
You have rights under the law, such as a notice period.
Temporary contract
With a temporary contract, you have a contract with a temp agency. That temp agency temporarily hires you out to another company you work for. That company is called the hirer.
The temp agency must treat you in the same way as the permanent employees of the company where you work.
It is sometimes easier to find a job through a temp agency and start working that way.
This provides flexibility because you can work at different companies.
You often have less security.
You depend on the type of temporary contract you get.
Standby contracts
There are 3 types of standby contracts:
1. Standby contract with pre-agreement:
With a standby contract, you decide whether to go to work when your employer calls you. Only when you go to work does the contract take effect with the arrangements you previously agreed upon in the
You receive pay for the hours you actually worked.
After 3 consecutive contracts you get a permanent contract. However, these 3 contracts must always be concluded within 6 months of the previous contract.
Even if you have had multiple temporary contracts for more than 3 years, you are entitled to a permanent contract.
For each period you work, you get a new temporary contract.
2. Zero-hours contract
You go to work when your employer calls you.
You can have a fixed-term contract or an indefinite contract.
You do not have a fixed number of hours in your contract.
Your employer only pays wages for the hours you work. This must be in writing.
Every time you are called up, you are entitled to at least 3 hours of pay. Even if you only worked for 1 hour.
This rule applies for the first 6 months.
Are you employed for more than 6 months? Then you are entitled to continued payment of wages even if there is no work or you are not called up. This is called the
3. Min-max contract
A min-max contract is a standby contract with agreements on a minimum and maximum number of hours.
You have a fixed-term or indefinite contract.
The contract states the minimum number of hours you must work.
You always get paid for these hours even if you are not called up.
It also states the maximum number of hours you can work.
You receive pay for the total number of hours you work.
Every time you are called up, you are entitled to at least 3 hours of pay. Even if you only work for 1 hour.
This applies for the first 6 months.
Are you employed for more than 6 months? Then the obligation to continue paying wages applies. This means that you must receive wages if you have been called up but still cannot work due to a reason that lies with the employer.
Terms and conditions of an employment contract
If you have an employment contract, a few basic rules apply:
You are employed by your employer. Your employer may give you assignments and determine what work you do.
You get paid for your work. This is usually in the form of money. Sometimes part of your pay may be benefits, such as meals or board and lodging. This is only allowed on top of the minimum wage.
You yourself do the work for which you were hired.
This is what it says in your employment contract
An employment agreement (employment contract) contains the agreements between you and your employer. You have an employment contract if you are employed and receive wages. This is calledworking as an employee.
The contract usually contains these things:
The name and residence of you and your employer.
The place(s) where you work.
Your position or the type of work you do.
The date you start work.
The duration of the contract (in the case of a temporary contract).
How many hours you work (per day or per week).
Your salary and when you will be paid.
The length of your (possible) probationary period.
The amount of your holiday allowance.
The number of days of holiday.
The notice period (how long in advance you must quit or your employer may quit).
(Possibly) your retirement plan.
(Possibly) a non-compete clause (agreements that you will not work directly for a competitor).
The collective labour agreement (CLA), if it applies to your work.