Do you have any annual leave left over from last year? This is a good time to check how many days you still have. Annual leave is not valid indefinitely. If you don't take it in time, it may expire.
Statutory annual leave
Every employee is entitled to statutory annual leave. Do you work full-time? Then you are entitled to at least four weeks of holiday per year. Do you work part-time? Then this is calculated on a pro-rata basis.
You must generally take statutory annual leave within six months after the calendar year in which you accrued it. For example, if you accrued leave in 2025, you must take it before 1 July 2026. If you don't, these days may expire. Before statutory annual leave can expire, your employer must inform you of this in a timely and clear manner. Your employer must also genuinely give you the opportunity to take the days.
When do annual leave days remain valid for longer?
Sometimes there is an exception. For example, if:
- you were unable to take leave due to illness
- your employer made it impossible to take sufficient leave
- it concerns statutory additional leave days
In these situations, a limitation period of five years often applies.
You can also take annual leave during illness or reintegration.
Additional annual leave
Many employees are entitled to extra leave days in addition to statutory holidays, as stipulated by the CLA or employment terms. These are called additional annual leave days. These days usually have a limitation period of five years after the calendar year in which they were accrued. For example, if you accrue additional leave days in 2025, they will generally expire after 31 December 2030.
Check how many days you have left
Not sure how many leave days you have left? Request a summary from your employer. You can often find this information on your payslip as well.
Applying for leave? Then you can ask your employer to deduct the days that will expire soonest first. This way, you avoid unnecessarily losing days.
Differences per sector
The basic rules for leave days apply to everyone. However, additional agreements have been made per sector.
Hospitality
Do you work in hospitality? Then you accrue additional leave hours in addition to statutory holidays. Additionally, with a long-term employment, you may be entitled to extra loyalty leave.
Catering
Do you work in catering? Then, in addition to leave days, other leave arrangements may apply, such as ADV agreements.
Recreation
In recreation, employees are entitled to extra additional leave days in addition to statutory holidays. There may also be agreements regarding leave saving. Check all information.
Do you still have many days left?
Do you think you won’t be able to take your annual leave in time? Then request an extension in writing before the expiry date. For example, because your employer has previously rejected holiday requests or because you want to take the days soon for a planned holiday. Always ask for a written response. This way, you avoid any disputes afterwards.
Holidays are there to rest and recharge. Check how many annual leave days you have left and make use of them.