The leave can be taken within a 26-week period, from 4 weeks before the child's arrival up to 22 weeks after.

Once the adoption or foster care leave ends, parents who have an employer can also apply for paid parental leave ('betaald ouderschapsverlof').

Parents who have an employer can spread the leave out over the 26-week period if they wish.

Parents who are receiving an unemployment benefit ('WW-uitkering'), a sickness benefit ('Ziektewet-uitkering') or a salary-linked WGA benefit ('loongerelateerde WGA-uitkering') can only take the leave in one go.

If the parent's partner also has an employer, or is receiving an unemployment benefit, sickness benefit or salary-linked WGA benefit, they can also apply for adoption or foster care leave.

Parents can take the leave at the same time or separately.