Parental Leave in Utrecht
Parental leave gives parents the opportunity to take unpaid leave for the care of their child, with a partially paid initial period since 2022.
Total Duration
Per child, you are entitled to 26 times your weekly working hours of parental leave, to be taken until your child reaches the age of 8 years.
Example Calculation
If you work 40 hours per week, this amounts to 26 × 40 = 1040 hours of leave.
Partially Paid Leave (9 weeks)
The first 9 weeks of parental leave are partially reimbursed: you receive a benefit from the UWV equal to 70% of your daily wage (up to the maximum daily wage). This paid leave must be taken within the first year of the child's life.
Flexible Uptake
The leave can be taken at your own discretion: full-time, part-time, or spread over a longer period.
Application Procedure
The leave must be applied for in writing with your employer at least 2 months in advance.
Impact on Pension Accrual
During unpaid leave, your pension accrual may decrease. Consult your [pension fund](https://rechtshulpilburg.nl/encyclopedie/bedrijfstakpensioenfonds) for more information.
Legal basis: Work and Care Act (Wet arbeid en zorg - WAZO)
Local Information Utrecht
For legal support in Utrecht, you can go to:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht
Frequently Asked Questions about Parental Leave
How much parental leave can I take and until what age?
You are entitled to 26 times your weekly working hours of leave per child, to be taken until your child is 8 years old. For a 40-hour workweek, this means 1040 hours of leave, flexibly scheduled.
Is parental leave paid and how does it work?
The first 9 weeks are partially paid via a UWV benefit of 70% of your daily wage (up to the maximum). This must be taken within the first year of your child's life.
How do I apply for this leave?
Submit your application in writing to your employer, at least 2 months before the desired start date, and indicate how you wish to take the leave.
What is the impact on my pension?
During unpaid leave, your pension accrual may be lower. During the paid 9 weeks, you do accrue pension via the UWV benefit. Contact your pension fund for details.
Can I take leave during my probationary period?
Yes, you are also entitled to parental leave during the probationary period. Ensure a timely written application and clear communication with your employer.