Statutory sick pay in the Netherlands
No state reimbursement in case of illness < 104 weeks
As an employer in the Netherlands, you are responsible for continued payment of wages for two years if an employee is ill. Only after 104 weeks (2 years) can sick employees receive a social benefit from the Dutch government.
Sick employees in the Netherlands?
No doctor’s note, but you do have obligations
Do you know how to proceed, when your Dutch employees call in sick? Download this factsheet and find out how it works!
Employing staff in the Netherlands
Are you considering employing permanent or temporary staff in the Netherlands? Than make sure you are well informed on the obligations you should fulfil.
We have listed the most important topics, click to read more on:
Employing staff in the Netherlands >>Employers operating in the Netherlands face unique responsibilities when an employee becomes ill. Unlike in many neighbouring countries – where governments quickly step in with social benefits – the Dutch system places the financial and legal responsibility squarely on the employer. For foreign employers unfamiliar with this framework, the impact can be significant. Understanding these obligations is key to managing risks and staying compliant.
Employers pay 104 weeks of wages
It is compulsory for you as an employer to pay 104 weeks of wages to the sick employee, with a minimum of 70% of the legally agreed maximum wage on which social security premiums are based. What’s more, it is usually common practice that an employer continues to pay 100% of the wages to the sick employee in the first year and 70% in the second year. Contrary to most European countries, this employer’s risk is not covered by social security in the Netherlands. This means that the employer is not compensated by the Dutch government for the continued payment of wages for the sick employee.
Solution: Sick pay insurance for employers
Employers with a registered office in the Netherlands have a choice whether they take out insurance to cover this financial risk. We usually call this sick pay insurance, but it is also called absenteeism insurance in the Netherlands. Employers are not compensated by the Dutch government, but their insurance policy covers these costs.
Does this also apply to foreign employers?
Many insurance companies exclude foreign employers, because European legislation dictates that in cross-border situations, the law of the country of the policy holder applies. Most Dutch insurance companies do not wish to be bound to the law of a foreign country.
At Interfisc we have a strong network and our insurance broker managed to find several insurance companies who are prepared to make an exception for foreign employers, depending on their country of residence. This means that employers who do not have an officially registered company in the Netherlands cán often insure their employees in the Netherlands.
What happens after 104 weeks?
Only after 104 weeks (2 years) will sick employees receive a social benefit from the Dutch government, provided that the employer and employee have fulfilled their obligations imposed by law (Eligibility for Permanent Incapacity Benefit Restrictions Act or the Wet Verbetering Poortwachter). If it is not possible to re-integrate the employee into the workplace within the 104 weeks, the costs can be even higher. For example, if the relevant authority comes to the conclusion that you as an employer have not made sufficient efforts. Investing in a registered service provider such as Interfisc, that helps to minimize sickness-related absences and possible sanctions is then quickly recouped.
how can we help?
At Interfisc, we make sure that you know what to do if your Dutch employee is reporting sick.
Feel free to read our information so you are well aware of your obligations:
Our advice? Don’t wait until it’s too late but make your arrangements right from the start. Contact us!
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Since 1972, Interfisc has offered international HR & Payroll solutions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy. We do this from our offices in the Netherlands and Belgium, and with an international team of around 45 committed and caring employees.
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