Work and pay
Proeftijd
Probation period
What does Proeftijd mean?
A proeftijd is a probation period at the start of an employment contract. During it, both you and your employer can end the contract immediately without notice or a reason. It must be agreed in writing, it is the same for both sides, and it is capped by law: no probation for contracts of 6 months or less, at most 1 month for contracts under 2 years, and at most 2 months for longer or permanent contracts.
Key facts
| Contract of 6 months or less | No probation allowed |
| Contract over 6 months, under 2 years | Max 1 month |
| Contract of 2 years or more, or permanent | Max 2 months |
| Legal basis | Burgerlijk Wetboek article 7:652 |
What to do
- Check your contract states the probation period in writing. If it does not, there is none.
- Check the length against the legal maximum for your contract type.
- If you are dismissed during probation, you can ask for the reason in writing. The employer must give it.
- A second contract with the same employer for the same work usually cannot include a new probation period.
- If you depend on your job for a residence permit, know that dismissal during probation affects your permit too.
Worth knowing
A probation clause that is longer than the law allows is void as a whole, not just shortened. In that case there is no probation period at all, and normal dismissal rules apply from the first day.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a probation period be in the Netherlands?
None for contracts of 6 months or less, at most 1 month for contracts longer than 6 months but shorter than 2 years, and at most 2 months for contracts of 2 years or more or permanent contracts.
Can I be fired during probation while sick?
Yes. The usual ban on dismissal during illness does not apply during probation, although dismissal cannot be discriminatory. Ask for the reason in writing.
Do I get unemployment benefit after dismissal in probation?
Possibly, if you meet the work history requirement for WW. Resigning yourself during probation usually means no WW.
Read next
Official sources
More Dutch terms: work and pay
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and contracts.