Employment of young people

In the Netherlands special rules apply to employment of young people regarding the kind of work and their working hours and breaks. These rules differ per age category. Young people aged between 13 and 16 are allowed to work outside school time and in the holidays subject to certain conditions. From the age of 16, young people are free to work without restrictions.

Holiday work

You are permitted to have young employees work more hours when schools are closed and during holiday periods than when school is in session. The brochure "Vakantiewerk", published by The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, gives you more information about the types of jobs young employees are allowed to do. As well as the amount of hours and at what days they are allowed to work.

Your own company

People under the age of 16 are not permitted to have their own company. Those between the ages of 16 and 18 may have their own company, but they must be granted limited legal capacity by the sub-district court.