Last updated<\/strong>: June 2025 | Practical | Excellence in Finance<\/p>\n\n Summer is just around the corner and vacation requests are pouring in. But what are the legal rules regarding vacation days? What are your obligations as an employer, and how can you avoid legal risks? In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about the accrual, request process, expiration, and payment of vacation days \u2014 including the latest case law. A must-read for every entrepreneur and HR professional. <\/p>\n\n Every employee is entitled to four times their agreed weekly working hours in statutory <\/strong>vacation days. For a full-time contract (40 hours per week), this amounts to 20 vacation days per year. Many employers also grant additional non-statutory vacation days<\/strong>, which are laid out in the employment contract, collective labour agreement (CLA), or staff regulations. <\/p>\n\n Note: Employees continue to accrue vacation days during periods of illness or care leave, provided they are entitled to continued salary payment. This accrual obligation also applies during periods of suspension or non-active duty. <\/p>\n\n An employee must submit a vacation request themselves, often in writing and within an agreed timeframe. You are required to respond within two weeks. If you do not respond in time, the request is automatically considered approved. <\/p>\n\n You may only reject a vacation request for compelling reasons<\/strong>, such as a serious disruption to business operations. Examples include the tax filing period at an accounting firm or a peak season in the hospitality industry. Previous absences (such as maternity leave) are not valid grounds for refusal. <\/p>\n\n Statutory vacation days expire<\/strong> six months after the calendar year in which they were accrued. Non-statutory vacation days expire <\/strong>after five years. Exception: if you have not clearly informed the employee or failed to provide a real opportunity to take the leave, the days will remain valid. <\/p>\n\n According to European and Dutch case law, you as an employer are obligated to inform employees in writing about their vacation balance and upcoming expiration dates.<\/p>\n\n In case of uncertainty about this arrangement, it is advisable to consult a medical professional and to record agreements in the employment contract or collective labour agreement (CLA).<\/p>\n\n Upon termination of the employment contract, all outstanding vacation days must be paid out<\/strong>. This applies both in cases of dismissal and for fixed-term contracts. <\/p>\n\n Is there a negative vacation balance? Then you may only offset this if it has been contractually agreed. Make sure this is clearly arranged in advance through an employment contract or company policy. <\/p>\n\n A well-organized administration prevents legal disputes and brings peace of mind to your organization.<\/p>\n\n The rules surrounding vacation days may seem straightforward, but they are often legally complex. That\u2019s why it\u2019s wise to seek advice from an expert who understands your organization. <\/p>\n\n Practical | Excellence in Finance<\/strong> supports SME employers with HR administration, payroll processing, and advice on employment law. We ensure your administration is accurate, risks are minimized, and you remain compliant with current legislation. <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Last updated: June 2025 | Practical | Excellence in Finance The holiday season is approaching \u2013 are you prepared? Summer is just around the corner and vacation requests are pouring in. But what are the legal rules regarding vacation days? What are your obligations as an employer, and how can you avoid legal risks? In […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91],"tags":[15],"class_list":["post-15422","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-algemeen","tag-entrepreneurial-advice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe holiday season is approaching \u2013 are you prepared?<\/h2>\n\n
Statutory and non-statutory vacation days<\/h2>\n\n
Requesting and denying vacation leave<\/h2>\n\n
Expiration and statute of limitations for vacation days<\/h2>\n\n
Vacation during illness: how does it work?<\/h2>\n\n
\n
Payment of vacation days upon termination of employment<\/h2>\n\n
Checklist for an effective vacation policy<\/h2>\n\n
\n
Need help with your vacation or HR policy?<\/h2>\n\n