Working days 2026
In 2026 Netherlands has a total of 254 working days.
How many working days are there in 2026?
Working days
254
Public holidays
9
6 on weekdays
Other weekday holidays
1
Most: July (23 days) – Least: May (19 days)
Monthly breakdown
January
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 01. Nieuwjaar (THU)
February
- Working days:20
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
March
- Working days:22
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
April
- Working days:20
- Public holidays:2
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 05. Pasen (SUN)
- 06. Tweede paasdag (MON)
- 27. Koningsdag (MON)
May
- Working days:19
- Public holidays:2
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 14. Hemelvaartsdag (THU)
- 24. Pinksteren (SUN)
- 25. Tweede pinksterdag (MON)
June
- Working days:22
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
July
- Working days:23
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
August
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
September
- Working days:22
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
October
- Working days:22
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
November
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
December
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:1
Holidays impacting working days
- 25. Kerstmis (FRI)
- 26. Tweede kerstdag (SAT)
- 31. Oudejaarsavond (THU)
Other countries
The Netherlands observes 8 to 9 official public holidays per year - relatively few compared to other EU countries. On these days, employees are entitled to paid leave, provided this is stipulated in the employment contract or collective agreement. HR and payroll administrators must account for specific exceptions, such as the five-yearly status of Liberation Day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Liberation Day (5 May) in 2026 a mandatory day off for all employees?
No, Liberation Day is only an official public holiday in so-called lustrum years - years divisible by five, such as 2025 and 2030. In 2026, it is therefore not an official public holiday. Many employers do grant their employees time off on 5 May, but this is a choice based on the collective agreement or employment contract, not a legal obligation.
Good Friday is not on the list of official public holidays - how should I handle this as an employer?
Good Friday is indeed not an official public holiday in the Netherlands, but is recognized as a day off by many employers and in various collective agreements. Check the applicable collective agreement or employment contract to determine whether employees are entitled to this day. If no agreement has been made, you are not required to treat Good Friday as a paid day off.
What happens if King's Day falls on a Sunday - is a substitute day off designated?
The Netherlands does not have a general system of substitute days off. King's Day is an exception to this: if 27 April falls on a Sunday, the celebration - and the official day off - is moved to Saturday 26 April. In 2026, King's Day falls on a Monday, so this exception does not apply.
Are Ascension Day and Whit Monday official public holidays in the Netherlands?
Yes, both Ascension Day (Thursday 14 May 2026) and Whit Monday (Monday 25 May 2026) are official public holidays in the Netherlands. This distinguishes the Netherlands from many other EU countries where these days are not public holidays. Employees are entitled to paid leave on these days, unless the collective agreement or employment contract stipulates otherwise.
New Year's Eve (31 December) is listed as a bank holiday - what does this mean for payroll administration?
New Year's Eve is not an official public holiday in the Netherlands and does not automatically entitle employees to a day off or additional compensation. Whether employees have time off on 31 December depends entirely on what is agreed in the collective agreement or employment contract. Check on a per-employee basis whether any arrangements apply, so that you execute leave recording and salary processing correctly.