The principle is that structural work is performed by employees in the service of the employer.
One or more employment contracts for a fixed term may be a prelude to a subsequent permanent employment contract. A fixed-term employment contract may also be concluded with respect to project activities or replacement in case of illness.
On concluding and renewing fixed term employment contracts your employer will apply the statutory rules (Section 7:668 and 7:668a of the Dutch Civil Code, or ‘DCC’). In deviation from Section 7:668a paragraph 1.a. DCC applies that if the total duration of multiple employment contracts exceeds a period of three years, the most recent contract will automatically be a permanent contract.
If your fixed term employment contract is continued for an indefinite period of time, the duration of the previous fixed term employment contract counts when determining the total number of years you have been employed.