Office Prayer Space: Costs, Space, and Design in Practice

An increasing number of employers in the Netherlands and Belgium are faced with the question: is there a place to pray? Not because the law mandates it, but because a growing, diverse group of employees has a need for it, and because the answer is often simpler and more cost-effective than employers initially think. This article covers what the law does and does not require, the practical costs of a prayer space, and how to design a space that meets real needs.

Is a prayer room in the office mandatory?

The short answer: no, no law in the Netherlands or Belgium requires an employer to provide a separate prayer room. What does apply, however, is a broader prohibition against discrimination based on religion and belief.

In the Netherlands, the General Equal Treatment Act (AWGB) states that discrimination based on religion in employment relationships is generally prohibited (Article 5, subsection 1), with a limited exception for institutions with a distinct religious foundation (wetten.overheid.nl, AWGB). In practice, this means: an employer is not required to build a prayer room, but they may not arbitrarily prohibit praying during breaks either.

In Belgium, the federal equality body Unia follows the same line: employers are not required to provide a prayer room or adjustments due to someone’s faith, but a general ban on praying during breaks may still be considered indirect discrimination if there is no valid reason (safety, hygiene) and no less intrusive alternative is possible (Unia — Religious Practices at Work). Unia advises employers to follow a structured process when dealing with a request: understand the request thoroughly, consult the parties involved, document what is non-negotiable (safety, hygiene) and what is open for discussion, and properly document the chosen solution.

In short: no legal obligation, but a sensible move. A prayer room prevents discussions, aligns with good employer practices, and usually costs less than expected.

What are the requirements and dimensions for an office prayer space?

Since there is no specific law prescribing a prayer room, there is also no official standard for its dimensions. In practice, companies and interior specialists follow a few practical and religiously sound guidelines:

• Area: plan for at least 4 to 6 m² for use by one to two people at the same time; if you want space for a small group (e.g., Friday prayers), 10-15 m² is more realistic.
• Rest and seclusion: just like with a quiet room, a prayer room is most effective when acoustically separated from the rest of the office — no through traffic, no sounds from meetings or a cafeteria.
• Orientation and practical layout: for Muslim employees, the qibla direction (direction of Mecca) is relevant; a neutral, symbol-free design with a clean, smooth floor surface (e.g., with a loose carpet) makes the space usable for multiple faiths.
• Washing facilities: having a sink nearby for ritual washing (wudu) is practical, though a separate washing room is not strictly necessary if there is a toilet with a sink close by.
• Footwear and cleanliness: a shoe rack or separate transition zone near the door prevents floor coverings from getting dirty quickly.
• Neutrality: most organizations consciously opt for a space that is not assigned to a single faith but functions as a multifunctional quiet and prayer room — this prevents discussions about 'whose space' it is and keeps the investment broadly usable.

A compact glass quiet room or a repurposed meeting room usually meets these principles well: a separate new wing is rarely necessary.

What does it cost to set up a prayer room?

The costs vary greatly depending on the starting point:

1. Repurposing an existing space (such as a small meeting room or storage room): the highest cost is usually acoustic insulation and a door that can be locked from the inside. This is by far the most cost-effective option and can often be realized within a few days.
2. Modular space placement: a freestanding, movable prayer or meditation cabin costs more than converting an existing space, but offers the advantage of being movable in case of office renovations or relocations and does not require a building permit.
3. Full custom design process: for larger offices with many employees and multiple prayer times per day, a more comprehensive approach (acoustics, washing facilities, multiple seating areas) may be the best investment.

Request a non-binding advisory meeting for a specific price estimate via our services page, or see how we approach this type of multifunctional spaces at prayer space as a multifunctional space.

Prayer room, quiet room, or both?

Many organizations intentionally combine the functions of quietness and prayer in one space. This is not only cost-efficient but also prevents the room from being empty for most of the day. A well-designed multifunctional space can be used for Friday prayers, a moment of rest between meetings, or for a colleague who needs quiet after an intense conversation. Learn more about the considerations involved in prayer room vs. quiet room and the importance of a workplace prayer room.

Frequently asked questions

Is a prayer room mandatory at work in the Netherlands or Belgium?
No. There is no law requiring an employer to provide a prayer room. However, both countries have anti-discrimination laws based on religion, making a general ban on praying during breaks risky (AWGB; Unia).

What are the requirements and dimensions for an office prayer room?
There is no official regulation, but in practice, the following applies: a minimum of 4-6 m² for individual use, acoustically separated, a smooth and clean floor surface, and preferably a neutral, multifunctional layout suitable for multiple faiths.

What does it cost to set up a prayer room?
This varies greatly depending on the situation: converting an existing space is the most cost-effective option, a modular cabin falls into the mid-range segment, and a fully custom project is the most comprehensive. Request a non-binding consultation for a tailored price indication.

Can a prayer room also serve as a quiet room?
Yes, and this often happens in practice. A neutrally furnished space is used for both prayer and moments of rest, increasing occupancy and the return on investment.

Sources: General Equal Treatment Act, art. 5 (wetten.overheid.nl); Unia — Religious Practices at Work (unia.be).

Last updated on 24 October 2026 by Stijn Belmans