Working conditions for unpaid visiting researchers in the Netherlands

Member since 16 October 2025

Jon_J.W.New member16 October 2025 00:37:23

Hi everyone,

I’ll be spending around six months in the Netherlands as an unpaid visiting researcher. The host institution won’t provide any financial support, so I’ll be fully self-funded. I’m trying to understand what the usual working conditions are for people in this kind of position.

Are unpaid visiting researchers expected to follow fixed working hours?
Is it common or acceptable to take short personal breaks (for example, 1–2 weeks off) during the visit?
Can researchers without an employment contract take time off in winter or spring if their supervisor agrees?

I’ve seen conflicting information about whether holiday rights apply to non-employed researchers. If anyone has experience with this type of academic visit in Dutch universities or research institutes, I’d really appreciate your advice.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert19 October 2025 09:50:48

8031

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Try contacting "Boundless"; they are an organisation that specialises in international workers rights in the Netherlands; they have a website with contact details and this link will take you straight to it.

I hope this helps.

Cynic

Expat Team