Updated with 2026 tax rates & IND thresholds

🇳🇱 Dutch Salary Calculator (2026)

Calculate your net salary in the Netherlands, with and without the 30% ruling for expats

Understanding Dutch salary components

Holiday Allowance

By law, Dutch employees receive 8% holiday allowance ("vakantiegeld"), typically paid in May. Some employers also offer a 13th month bonus. Always enter your total annual gross salary, including these allowances if they're part of your contract.

30% Ruling for Expats

The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax advantage for highly skilled migrants recruited from abroad. If you qualify, 30% of your gross salary is considered a tax-free reimbursement for extraterritorial costs, significantly increasing your net income.

Employer Contributions

On top of your gross salary, employers pay social security contributions for old-age pension (AOW), survivor benefits (ANW), and long-term care (WLZ). These costs are separate from your salary but represent the true cost to your employer.

Tax Credits

Everyone working in the Netherlands receives tax credits that reduce how much income tax you pay. The two main ones are the General Tax Credit (Algemene heffingskorting) and the Labour Tax Credit (Arbeidskorting). Both are automatically applied through payroll and depend on your income level — the higher your income, the smaller the credits.

Taxable Income

Your taxable income is your gross annual salary minus any tax-free allowances, such as the 30% ruling benefit. For example, if your gross salary is €60,000 and you qualify for the 30% ruling, only €42,000 is taxed. This reduced taxable income directly lowers your income tax and increases your net salary.

Income Tax: Box 1

Most employees fall under Box 1, which covers income from work and home ownership. In 2026, Dutch income tax for Box 1 is 35.75% up to €38,883, 37.56% up to €78,426, and 49.50% for anything above that. This calculator automatically applies these rates along with social security contributions to estimate your true take-home pay.

Frequently asked questions about Dutch salary

Does the gross salary in the Netherlands include holiday allowance?

Not always. By law, employees receive 8% holiday allowance ("vakantiegeld"). Some contracts state the salary excluding this allowance, while others list the total including it. In our calculator, always enter the total annual gross salary including holiday allowance and any 13th month.

What is the 30% ruling?

The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax advantage for highly skilled migrants. If you qualify, 30% of your salary is paid tax-free. This can significantly increase your net income. Our calculator always shows your net salary both with and without the 30% ruling so you can see the potential benefit.

Do employers in the Netherlands pay extra on top of my gross salary?

Yes. Employers also pay social security contributions (for old-age pension, long-term care, and survivor benefits). These costs are on top of your gross salary and are shown in the "employer cost" breakdown. This represents what your employer actually spends on your employment.

Are pension contributions included in this calculator?

No. Pension schemes vary per employer and sector (CAO). Some employers contribute heavily to pensions, while others do not. Since this differs per contract, pension deductions are not included in our calculator. Check your employment contract or CAO for specific pension details.

How do I calculate my net salary in the Netherlands?

Your net salary is your gross annual or monthly income minus income tax and social security contributions. The Dutch Salary Calculator automatically applies the 2026 tax rates, tax credits, and any 30% ruling benefit to show your true take-home pay.

Is the 30% ruling worth it?

Yes — for most expats it's one of the biggest financial advantages of working in the Netherlands. The 30% ruling makes 30% of your gross salary tax-free, which can increase your net income by 20–30% depending on your salary level.

What is the minimum salary for the 30% ruling in 2026?

The minimum taxable salary to qualify for the 30% ruling in 2026 is:

€71,304 per year for employees aged 30 or older

€52,284 per year for employees under 30 with a master's degree

If you earn below this, you won't be eligible for the 30% ruling.

Do I need to include holiday allowance and 13th month in my salary?

Yes — when entering your salary in this calculator, include your total annual gross amount, which already covers holiday allowance (8%) and any 13th month bonus if they apply to your contract.

Can I use this calculator if I'm self-employed (ZZP)?

No — this calculator is for employees with payroll taxes (loonheffing). If you are self-employed, your taxes are calculated differently (Box 1 income minus business deductions). We may add a Dutch freelancer net income calculator in the future.

What happens after the 30% ruling ends?

Once your 30% ruling period (up to 5 years) expires, your entire salary becomes taxable again. Your net income will decrease accordingly, which this calculator can help you estimate by comparing both cases.

Can my employer apply the 30% ruling retroactively?

Yes, if both you and your employer meet the eligibility criteria, they can apply for the 30% ruling retroactively up to four months after you start your Dutch employment. Once approved, your payroll will be corrected automatically.

How often are Dutch tax rates updated?

Dutch income tax rates and credits are updated annually by the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Office). This calculator always uses the latest rates — currently for 2026 — and will be updated for 2027 as soon as new thresholds are published.

About the Dutch Salary Calculator (2026)

This Dutch Salary Calculator shows your net salary in the Netherlands after tax, based on the latest 2026 tax rates. It instantly compares your income with and without the 30% ruling, a popular tax benefit for highly skilled migrants working in the Netherlands.

Whether you're relocating or reviewing a job offer, this tool helps you understand:

  • Your net monthly and annual salary
  • The impact of the 30% ruling on your take-home pay
  • Your total employer cost including Dutch payroll contributions

What is the 30% ruling?

The 30% ruling is a Dutch tax advantage for international professionals recruited from abroad. If you qualify, 30% of your gross salary is tax-free for up to five years.

This calculator shows exactly how much that reduces your tax burden and increases your net income.

How Dutch income tax works (2026)

The Netherlands uses a progressive tax system with two income brackets. This calculator automatically applies:

All calculations are based on the official 2026 Dutch tax rates.

Why use a Dutch net salary calculator?

This tool is designed for expats and international job seekers who want to understand how much they'll actually earn in the Netherlands. It's ideal for:

Example: salary difference with and without 30% ruling

Gross Salary With 30% Ruling Without 30% Ruling
€60,000 €52,850 net / year €43,900 net / year
€100,000 €80,200 net / year €66,800 net / year

That's a difference of more than €13,000 per year, or €65,000 over five years.

Moving to the Netherlands?

If you meet the 30% ruling salary requirement, your employer can sponsor your Highly Skilled Migrant Visa.

This calculator helps you confirm eligibility and understand your real take-home pay after Dutch taxes.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for illustrative purposes only. No guarantee is made for the accuracy of the data provided. Tax laws and rates may change. Please consult a qualified tax services professional before making any financial decisions.