Notice Period for Employment Contracts in Amsterdam: Exceptions and Calculation for Employers and Employees

# Notice Period for Employment Contracts in Amsterdam: Exceptions and Calculation for Employers and Employees In Amsterdam's vibrant labor market, where sectors such as tech, finance, and creative industries thrive, the notice period is a crucial component of Dutch employment law, as stipulated in Article 7:672 of the Dutch Civil Code (BW). For employees in Amsterdam-based companies, a standard notice period of one month applies, unless otherwise agreed in the employment contract. Employers, often operating from the Zuidas or Amsterdam’s canal-side offices, must adhere to stricter rules: one month in the first year of service, increasing to four months after nine years of employment. Local collective labor agreements (CAOs) in Amsterdam’s hospitality sector or startup scene may prescribe different notice periods, such as those in the CAO for the Amsterdam hotel industry. ## Calculation of the Notice Period in Amsterdam The notice period begins on the first day of the month following the notice of termination. During the probationary period, common in many Amsterdam-based scale-ups, the notice period is only two weeks (Article 7:652 BW). For fixed-term contracts, popular in Amsterdam’s flexible gig economy, the contract ends automatically without the need for notice. Given the high workload in the city, accurate calculation prevents delays when transitioning to a new job in Amsterdam-North or South. ## Exceptions and Shorter Notice Periods in the Amsterdam Context - **Settlement Agreement**: In Amsterdam’s mediation practices, parties often agree on shorter notice periods, supported by local legal professionals. - **Immediate Dismissal**: In cases of urgent cause (Article 7:677 BW), such as theft in an Amsterdam retail business, immediate termination without notice is permitted. - **Retirement Age**: The employment contract ends automatically by operation of law. Additionally, transition periods play a role in Amsterdam due to the strict housing market; employees often seek new employment quickly. ## Practical Tips for Amsterdam Employers and Employees Use the UWV’s notice period calculator or consult Amsterdam offices such as the UWV Werkbedrijf on Rokin. In case of disputes, the subdistrict court in Amsterdam, for example on Prins Hendrikkade, handles the case and may adjust the notice period. Employers risk continued wage payments if the notice period is too short, which is critical in expensive Amsterdam offices. Employees retain the right to a transition payment after two years of service, useful for career switches in the city. Accurate calculation avoids legal pitfalls in Amsterdam’s dynamic labor market and ensures smooth transitions. When in doubt, engage an employment law attorney at the Amsterdam Court of Appeal or specialized firms in the Nine Streets area.