Starting a career in the Netherlands? Your employment type determines your workplace rights and often your ability to rent a home. Landlords ask for proof of stable income, and the contract you hold is central. This guide explains the main employment types in the Netherlands, how each works, and what documents renters can use in applications.
What are employment types in the Netherlands?
Dutch labor law sets out several employment contracts in the Netherlands. Employees work under an employment contract (arbeidsovereenkomst) that provides protections like holiday allowance and sick leave. Self-employed professionals (ZZP’ers) enjoy independence but take on more risk. Understanding the main Dutch contract types helps you know what rights you have and what proof you can use for renting.
Permanent contract (onbepaalde tijd)
A permanent contract is the most secure form of work. It has no end date, offers dismissal protection, and signals financial stability. For landlords, this is often the strongest proof of income. Documents include a signed contract, recent salary slips, and bank statements.
Fixed-term contract (bepaalde tijd)
A fixed-term contract ends on a set date. Dutch law says after three contracts or three years, it may automatically convert into a permanent one. Among types of employment contracts in the Netherlands, fixed-term roles are common for expats and students. Landlords accept them when payslips and bank statements show steady income.
On-call contracts
On-call contracts are flexible work arrangements where employees only work when called by their employer. They are commonly used in retail, hospitality, and student jobs.
Zero-hours contract (nuluren)
You are only paid for the hours you work. Employers must provide notice in advance, and if work is cancelled too late, wages may still be due. After twelve months, you can request fixed hours.
Min-max contract
This contract sets a guaranteed minimum with a flexible maximum. You are always paid at least the minimum, even if not called in.
Key rights for on-call workers
On-call arrangements create flexibility but also uncertainty. These Dutch contract types are accepted for renting when supported by stable pay records and several bank statements.
Agency work (uitzendovereenkomst)
In agency work, an employment agency is your legal employer, but you work for a client. Rights improve over time, eventually resembling permanent employment. For renting, provide the agency agreement and payslips.
Payroll contracts
Payroll workers are employed by a payroll company but placed with another employer. Since 2020, they must receive equal pay and benefits as in-house staff. This category of employment contracts in the Netherlands is widely accepted when supported by payslips and sometimes an employer statement.
Secondment (detachering)
Secondment means you stay employed by your own company but are assigned temporarily to a client. It is common in IT, engineering, and consulting. For renting, show your secondment agreement and payslips.
Part-time vs full-time and working hours
Part-time is one of the most popular contract types in the Netherlands. A full-time week is often 36–40 hours, though many choose 32. All rights apply proportionally. For renting, part-time income is sufficient if the rent fits your net income.
Self-employed (ZZP) vs employed
Self-employed professionals register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and prove income with tax returns or a profit and loss account. Compared to other employment contracts in the Netherlands, ZZP applicants often need more financial documents. See Business.gov.nl for guidance on self-employment.
Which employment type helps most in renting?
From a landlord’s perspective, permanent contracts provide the most stability. But with TenePass, renters across all main employment types in the Netherlands can apply fairly, using a trusted rental certificate instead of oversharing documents.
See how TenePass levels the playing field → Get Your Certificate
Checklist: documents to collect
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Permanent / Fixed-term: signed contract, salary slips, bank statements
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On-call: contract, several months of salary slips, bank statements
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Agency / Payroll / Secondment: contract plus payslips
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Self-employed: KvK extract, most recent tax return or P&L
Employment types FAQ
Can I rent with a zero-hours contract?
Yes. Provide multiple months of payslips and bank statements to show consistency.
Do agency or payroll contracts count for renting?
Yes, as long as payslips confirm income.
Do I need full-time hours to qualify as a good renter?
No. Part-time is common, and landlords mainly look at whether income supports the rent.
Resources and next steps
For faster applications, read 90% Faster Rental Applications .
Learn about self-employment rules at Business.gov.nl.
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