Leave conditions and benefit percentages may change. Check your own collective labour agreement, employer and UWV decision.
Plan pregnancy and maternity leave
Employees are entitled to pregnancy and maternity leave around the birth. The total duration and start date depend on the due date and actual date of birth. Ask your midwife or doctor for a pregnancy certificate if your employer or UWV requires one.
Self-employed people and people receiving benefits follow a different application process. Well before you want the leave to start, check with UWV which arrangement applies. Keep the application, decision and any changes together in one folder.
Arrange birth leave for the partner
A partner who is an employee is entitled to birth leave and may take additional birth leave under certain conditions. The employer and UWV each have a role. Agree on the planning while allowing flexibility for the actual date of birth.
A collective labour agreement or employer may offer more favourable terms. Ask about pay, the application deadline and the effects on your pension or benefits. Record the arrangements in writing.
Use parental leave deliberately
Every employee is entitled to parental leave for each child. Part of this may be paid if it is taken within the statutory period and the conditions are met. The remaining part may be unpaid unless the collective labour agreement or employer provides additional pay.
Compare several scenarios: consecutive weeks, one fixed day a week or taking leave later. As well as income, consider childcare, recovery, travel time and how care will be shared.
Prepare a workable handover
Only discuss medical information that is needed for work arrangements. Record tasks, availability during leave and the return to work. You do not have to remain informally available during leave because the handover is unclear.
If you do physically demanding work or night shifts, face risks at work or have pregnancy-related symptoms, ask your employer and occupational physician for advice in good time. The occupational physician can advise on adjustments without sharing medical details with your employer.
Sources for this guide
This guide provides general information. Your healthcare professional or the competent authority can explain what applies in your situation.
- Rijksoverheid: overview of types of leaveAccessed on 2026-09-07
- Rijksoverheid: entitlement to parental leaveAccessed on 2026-09-07
- Rijksoverheid: checklist for having a childAccessed on 2026-09-07