Estimate your net Dutch salary
Use this tool to estimate gross-to-net pay in the Netherlands. Results are estimates only and may differ from your exact payslip.
How this Dutch wage calculator works
The calculator starts with your gross monthly salary and adds common Dutch salary components like holiday allowance and a possible 13th month. It then estimates income tax using a two-bracket Box 1 model and applies tax credits if you enable loonheffingskorting.
This gives you a practical estimate of:
- Estimated gross annual salary
- Estimated taxable salary
- Estimated income tax and tax credits
- Estimated net annual and net monthly pay
- Estimated net hourly wage
Understanding Dutch salary components
1) Gross monthly salary
This is your agreed wage before income tax and other deductions. In the Netherlands, this is usually shown as your monthly bruto loon.
2) Holiday allowance (vakantiegeld)
Many contracts include an extra 8% holiday allowance, typically paid in May or June. If your contract includes it separately, keep the default 8%. If it is already included in your base salary, set it to 0%.
3) 13th month or annual bonus
Some employers offer an extra month of salary at year-end (or pro-rated). Enter 1 for a full 13th month, 0 if none, or use a fraction like 0.5 for a half-month bonus.
Dutch taxes and credits in plain language
Dutch wage tax can look complicated, but the basic idea is straightforward: your income is taxed progressively, and tax credits reduce what you owe. Two major credits are:
- Algemene heffingskorting (general tax credit)
- Arbeidskorting (labour tax credit)
In real payroll systems, the exact outcome depends on your personal circumstances, pension setup, social insurance details, and whether you apply loonheffingskorting at this job. This calculator gives an estimated planning view, not legal tax advice.
What about the 30% ruling?
Expats who qualify for the Dutch 30% ruling may receive a tax-exempt portion of salary. If this applies to you, enable the checkbox and adjust the exempt percentage if needed. The calculator reduces taxable income accordingly, then computes tax on the remaining taxable part.
Tips for a more accurate estimate
- Use the salary number from your contract or most recent payslip.
- Check whether holiday allowance is included or paid on top.
- Use realistic pension contribution rates from your pension statement.
- If you have irregular bonuses, run multiple scenarios (low, expected, high).
- Compare with your annual statement (jaaropgave) for year-end reality checks.
Example scenario
Suppose your gross monthly salary is €3,500, holiday allowance is 8%, no 13th month, and pension contribution is 4%. This calculator builds an annual gross estimate, subtracts pension contributions, estimates taxes, applies credits, and returns your likely net monthly range. You can then compare job offers using net pay instead of just gross pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculator exact?
No. It is a strong estimate for planning, not an official payroll tool.
Does it include every Dutch tax rule?
No. It simplifies many details (including special cases and personal deductions) so it can stay fast and easy to use.
Should I rely on this for contract negotiation?
Yes, as a first-pass estimate. For final decisions, verify with your employer, payroll provider, or tax advisor.