Netherlands Holiday Pay Calculator 2026
Estimate your net holiday allowance (Vakantiegeld) based on your gross annual salary and Dutch tax rates.
Last updated: May 2026
Your fixed annual salary as per contract.
Net Holiday Pay (May)
Estimated after-tax amount
What is Vakantiegeld in the Netherlands?
By law, all employees in the Netherlands are entitled to a holiday allowance of at least 8%of their gross annual salary. This is often referred to as "Vakantiegeld". It is intended to help cover the costs of your summer vacation.
Holiday pay is usually accumulated from June 1st to May 31st and is paid out as a lump sum in May. Because it is considered "extra" income, it is often taxed at the highest marginal rate applicable to your income, making the net amount seem lower than your regular monthly salary.
How to use this calculator
- 1Input Annual Salary — Enter your total gross annual salary as per your contract (excluding bonuses).
- 2Calculate 8% Gross — The tool automatically calculates the 8% gross amount you have accrued.
- 3Estimate Tax — The calculator applies the special tax rates for one-off payments in the Netherlands.
- 4Plan Your Payout — See the final net amount that will be added to your May paycheck.
Formula & example
Net Holiday Pay = (Annual Gross × 0.08) × (1 - Special Tax Rate)
Example: Employee with €60,000 annual gross.
- Gross Holiday Pay: €4,800
- Estimated Tax (37.07%): ~€1,780
- Net Holiday Pay: ~€3,020
Benefits
Summer Budgeting
Know exactly how much extra cash you'll have for your summer travels.
Tax Transparency
Understand why your holiday pay is taxed more heavily than your base salary.
Salary Negotiation
Clarify if a salary offer includes or excludes the 8% holiday allowance.
Use cases
New Expats
International workers often don't know about the 8% bonus until they see it in their contract.
Contractors
Check if your hourly rate includes the mandatory holiday pay accrual.
Budgeting
Plan for major May/June expenses like car insurance or annual subscriptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is holiday pay mandatory?+
Yes, it is a legal requirement for all employees in the Netherlands, including those on temporary or zero-hour contracts.
Can I get my holiday pay paid monthly?+
Some companies, especially for temporary roles, pay out the 8% accrued allowance monthly instead of a yearly lump sum.
What happens if I quit my job?+
Your employer must pay out all accrued but unpaid holiday allowance in your final settlement.