New Parental Leave for Amsterdammers
The new parental leave provides Amsterdam parents with paid leave of up to 9 weeks in the first year after the birth of their child. Since 1 August 2022, the UWV pays 70% of the daily wage as a supplement to the existing unpaid leave. This helps working parents in the vibrant city care for their newborn alongside a busy job.
What does new parental leave mean for Amsterdam?
This paid leave is intended for intensive care in the first 12 months after birth or adoption. Unlike traditional parental leave, which is unpaid and can be taken up to the child's 8th year, this focuses on the crucial early period. Both parents in Amsterdam are entitled to 9 consecutive weeks, often directly after maternity or birth leave.
The leave supplements the total parental leave duration and promotes a balanced division between work and family. Employers may not block it if the rules are followed.
Legal basis
The scheme is based on the Paid Parental Leave Act (Stb. 2022, 196), which introduces amendments to the Labour and Care Delivery in the Health Insurance Act (LBIO Act). Relevant provisions:
- Article 3:1 LBIO Act: Entitlement to 9 weeks of leave.
- Article 1:1 sub g LBIO Act: Definition of 'parental leave' including paid option.
- Article 7:634a Civil Code: Taking leave and possible refusal by employer.
- Article 76 UWV Act: Benefit of 70% daily wage (max. € 274.44 in 2024).
This act implements EU Directive (2019/1158) on work-life balance, also for Amsterdammers.
Conditions in Amsterdam
For new parental leave, the following apply:
- You are a biological or adoptive parent.
- Taken within 1 year of birth/adoption.
- At least 1 month of employment with an employer.
- Maximum 9 weeks, consecutive or in half-days.
- Notification at least 4 weeks in advance (from 4th week of pregnancy for birth).
Self-employed in Amsterdam are excluded but can use classic leave.
Application process for Amsterdammers
Two steps:
- Notify employer: Letter with dates, duration and hours. Template on rijksoverheid.nl.
- Apply for UWV benefit: Within 2 months of start via uwv.nl. Documents: payslip, ID and proof of relationship to child.
Refusal only for compelling business reasons, such as peaks in Amsterdam's hospitality or retail sectors. In case of dispute: Amsterdam District Court.
Comparison of leave types
| Leave type | Duration | Payment | Taking period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth leave (father/partner) | 1 week + 5 weeks | 100% salary | 6 weeks after birth |
| New parental leave | 9 weeks | 70% daily wage (UWV) | 1 year after birth |
| Classic parental leave | 26 weeks per parent | Unpaid | Up to 8 years |
Rights and obligations
Rights:
- Protection against dismissal (art. 7:670a Civil Code).
- Return to previous position.
- UWV benefit independent of employer.
Obligations:
- Notify on time.
- No additional work during leave.
- Repayment in case of abuse.
Practical examples from Amsterdam
Example 1: Anna from De Pijp takes 5 weeks after maternity leave. Partner Mark from Oud-Zuid follows with 4 weeks birth leave. Both receive UWV support.
Example 2: For twins, double entitlement, but small Amsterdam businesses may require staggering.
Example 3: Tom from Amsterdam-Noord notifies by email too late; employer refuses. He wins at Amsterdam District Court.
Frequently asked questions
Can I combine it with part-time work?
Yes, in half-days (min. 1 day/week), not full-time. Employer assigns hours.
Employer refuses?
Only for compelling reasons. Escalate to UWV or Amsterdam District Court. Keep emails.
Part-time worker?
Yes, pro rata. For 20 hours/week: 9 weeks x 20 hours.
Adoptive parents?
Yes, within 1 year of adoption.
Tips for Amsterdammers
Make optimal use of new parental leave:
- Plan with partner and employer, considering Amsterdam traffic congestion.
- Use Rijksoverheid template letter.
- Check daily wage with UWV.
- For issues: free advice from Juridisch Loket Amsterdam or Municipality of Amsterdam.