The rule: no statutory rate, set by CAO/contract
The Netherlands has no general statutory right to overtime pay. The Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet, ATW) regulates maximum hours and rest periods but does not set an overtime premium. Whether you are paid for overtime (overwerk), and at what rate, depends on your employment contract and the applicable collective labour agreement (CAO). Where a CAO provides a premium, it is typically +25% to +100% depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and whether it falls on a public holiday.
What does apply by law
| Statutory overtime rate | None — set by CAO/contract |
| Typical CAO premium | +25% to +100% |
| Maximum (ATW): per shift / week | 12h/shift, 60h/week |
| Maximum average week | 48h over 16 weeks |
Worked example
Enter your CAO or contract multiplier above. At €20/hour with a +50% CAO premium, two overtime hours = 2 × €20 × 1.5 = €60. Overtime is also sometimes compensated with paid time off instead of money.
What the law does set
The ATW caps working time at 12 hours per shift and 60 hours per week, averaged to no more than 48 hours over 16 weeks (EU Directive 2003/88/EC). Work beyond these maxima is prohibited regardless of any agreement.
- Is there a statutory overtime rate in the Netherlands?
- No — overtime pay depends on your contract or collective agreement (CAO).
- What is a typical premium?
- Often +25% to +100%, depending on when the overtime is worked.
- What are the legal hour limits?
- 12 hours per shift, 60 per week, averaging no more than 48 over 16 weeks.
- What rate should I enter?
- The one from your CAO or employment contract.