Duration and benefit
Eligible employees can take up to six weeks within 26 weeks: from four weeks before until 22 weeks after the child joins the family. Both working parents may qualify independently. Taking in several children simultaneously does not multiply adoption leave.
Apply for leave at least three weeks beforehand. For employees UWV pays 100% of daily wage, capped at the maximum daily wage. Payment may go through the employer or directly. Parents receiving benefits have different calculation rules; self-employment alone does not establish employee eligibility.
Pension during leave
Do not assume all providers automatically use the same salary or contribution split. Ask in writing which accrual and partner cover continue, who pays contributions and how subsequent unpaid leave is handled. Check each employer if you have several jobs.
Subsequent parental leave
Subject to conditions, nine working weeks of parental leave are partly paid. For adoption or foster care they must be used in the first year after joining the family and before the eighth birthday, rather than only in the first year of life. This leave has separate conditions and may affect pension differently. Keep UWV decisions, leave agreements and pension information.
What does BPH do?
Bureau Pensioen Hulp has no AFM licence. BPH provides general education and, on request, can introduce you to an external adviser using contact details only. BPH does not provide personal product recommendations, compare products for you or mediate in arranging them. Check an external adviser’s authorisation, services and fees yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is pension accrual always unchanged?
Ask employer and provider; scheme and contribution terms determine treatment.
Must paid parental leave for adoption precede the first birthday?
No. The relevant deadline is within a year of joining the family and before the eighth birthday, subject to other conditions.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.