Employment Contract (Arbeidsovereenkomst)

When you start working in the Netherlands, you will sign an employment contract. This document outlines your rights, duties, and conditions of employment. There are several types:

Fixed-term contract (tijdelijk contract): For a limited period. Often used in the first year.
Permanent contract (vast contract): No end date, offers the most security.
Zero-hour or on-call contract (nulurencontract): You work only when needed, with no guaranteed hours.
Agency contract (uitzendovereenkomst): Used when working through an employment agency.

Always read the contract carefully before signing. Important things to check:

Your job title and responsibilities
Number of working hours per week
Hourly wage or monthly salary
Start and end date (if temporary)
Trial period (usually 1 or 2 months)
Notice period for quitting
Overtime rules and travel cost reimbursement
Holiday allowance (8% is standard in NL)

Ask for a copy of your contract — in English if needed — and make sure you understand it.

Payslip (Loonstrook) Explained

Each time you get paid, you receive a payslip. It looks complicated, but here’s what it means:

1. Personal Information

Your name, BSN, and company details
Period of payment

2. Gross Salary (Bruto loon)

Your salary before taxes
Includes any bonuses or allowances

3. Deductions

Loonheffing – wage tax and social security contributions
Pension contributions if applicable
Health insurance contributions (only in special cases)

4. Net Salary (Netto loon)

What you actually receive in your bank account

5. Accruals

Vacation days and hours
Holiday pay (often paid in May or monthly)

If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your employer or HR. Mistakes do happen, and you have the right to understand what you’re being paid and why.

Final Advice

Always keep copies of your payslips — you’ll need them for loans, renting housing, or taxes.
If you’re not sure if you’re being paid correctly, get help from a union (vakbond), a legal advisor, or a workers’ helpdesk.