Document background
The Individual Work Contract (individuele arbeidsovereenkomst) is the primary document establishing an employment relationship in the Netherlands. This contract is required whenever an employer hires an employee in the Netherlands, regardless of the employee's nationality or the company's country of origin. It must comply with Dutch employment law, including the Dutch Civil Code (Burgerlijk Wetboek) and various employment-related regulations. The document typically includes mandatory elements such as identity of parties, job description, working hours, salary, leave entitlements, and notice periods, as well as optional elements depending on the specific role and industry. It serves as the foundational agreement defining rights, obligations, and expectations of both parties throughout the employment relationship.
