Work and pay
Vakantiegeld
Holiday allowance
What does Vakantiegeld mean?
Vakantiegeld (vakantiebijslag) is a holiday allowance on top of your salary. By law it is at least 8% of your gross wage, and your employer pays it out at least once a year, most commonly in May or June. It builds up month by month. Some contracts include it in an all-in salary, which must then be stated clearly in the contract.
Key facts
| Minimum | 8% of gross wage |
| Paid | At least once a year, usually May or June |
| Build-up period | Commonly June to May |
| When you leave | Paid out with the final salary |
What to do
- Check your contract: is vakantiegeld paid separately, or included in an all-in salary?
- Look for the monthly reserve on your payslip to see how much you have built up.
- Expect a higher tax deduction in the month it is paid, because special payments use a different tax rate.
- When you leave a job, check the built-up vakantiegeld is paid with your final salary.
- If you apply for a residence permit, check whether the income requirement is quoted with or without holiday allowance.
Worth knowing
IND income requirements are often quoted both with and without holiday allowance. When your employer confirms your salary for a permit, make sure both of you are using the same basis.
Frequently asked questions
How much vakantiegeld do I get in the Netherlands?
At least 8% of your gross wage. Some collective agreements (CAO) or contracts give more. If you earn more than three times the minimum wage, your contract may set a different arrangement.
When is vakantiegeld paid?
At least once a year, usually in May or June. Some employers pay it monthly, which must be agreed in writing.
Why is so much tax taken from my vakantiegeld?
Holiday allowance is a special payment taxed with the special rates table, which often takes a higher share than your monthly salary. The difference is settled when you file your tax return.
Read next
Official sources
More Dutch terms: work and pay
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and contracts.