Employment Law
Guide

Probation period (proeftijd) rules for expats

In short

Maximum probation durations and your rights during it.

Last updated 25 June 2026

A proeftijd clause must be written into your contract — it cannot be agreed verbally. Maximum durations: 1 month for contracts under 2 years; 2 months for contracts of 2+ years or indefinite contracts; 0 months (invalid) for contracts under 6 months. During proeftijd, either party can terminate immediately without notice or reason. After proeftijd ends, full Dutch dismissal protections apply.

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