Article 7:640a Dutch Civil Code, Book 7

Artikel 640a Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7 (BW) – unofficial English translation

Boek 7 · Division 3. Annual leave and leave

The entitlement to the minimum referred to in Article 634 lapses six months after the last day of the calendar year in which the entitlement was acquired, unless the employee has reasonably been unable to take annual leave until that time. Derogation may be made by contract in writing, in favour of the employee, from the period of six months referred to in the first sentence.

Unofficial translation. This English text is an unofficial translation provided for information only. Only the Dutch text is legally authentic: Artikel 640a Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7. Checked against the Dutch text in force on 12 October 2026.

Dutch case law

107 Dutch court rulings cite this article. View the rulings (in Dutch)