Maximum working time in the Netherlands (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: The Working Hours Act allows up to 12 hours per shift and 60 hours per week, with an average of 48 hours per week over 16 weeks. Adults need 11 hours of daily rest and 36 hours of weekly rest, or 72 hours per 14 days.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum average weekly working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment48 hours [1]
Maximum daily working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment12 hours per shift (dienst). Nights: 10 hours per night shift as the main rule (article 5:8). [1]
Minimum daily restEmployees (adults) in general employment11 hours [1]
Minimum weekly restEmployees (adults) in general employmentAt least 36 hours of uninterrupted rest in every period of 7 x 24 hours, or at least 72 hours in every period of 14 x 24 hours (the 72 hours may be split into periods of at least 32 hours). [1]
Normal full-time working weekEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified
Individual opt-out from the weekly maximumEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Adults may also not work more than 60 hours in any week, and not more than 55 hours on average over 4 weeks (article 5:7). Collective arrangements may depart from the 4-week limit.
  • The limit is counted per shift, not per calendar day. Shift workers on nights have a lower limit (article 5:8).
  • The 11 hours may be shortened to 8 hours once in any period of 7 x 24 hours. Young workers have different rules.
  • The rule is for workers aged 18 or over. Young workers must have 36 hours in every 7 x 24 hours.
  • The Working Hours Act sets maxima and no statutory full-time week; the sections checked state none.
  • No source read states whether an individual opt-out from the weekly limit exists.

Sources

  1. Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties (wetten.overheid.nl): Arbeidstijdenwet (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.