If you are trying to estimate your vakantiegeld (holiday allowance) and what actually lands in your bank account, this calculator can help. Enter your gross salary details, pick an estimated withholding method, and see both gross and net holiday allowance in seconds.
Dutch Holiday Allowance (Vakantiegeld) Calculator
What is holiday allowance in the Netherlands?
Holiday allowance in the Netherlands (vakantiegeld) is extra pay that is usually built up over the year and paid once, often in May. In many employment agreements, the minimum is 8% of gross salary, though sector agreements and contracts can vary.
Who usually receives it?
- Employees with Dutch employment contracts
- Part-time employees (pro-rated)
- People who worked only part of the accrual period
How this holiday allowance Netherlands calculator works
This page uses a simple formula:
- Gross base salary for accrual = gross monthly salary × months accrued
- Gross holiday allowance = gross base × allowance percentage
- Estimated tax withheld = gross holiday allowance × withholding rate
- Estimated net payout = gross holiday allowance − estimated tax withheld
The withholding rate is either selected automatically (income-based estimate) or entered manually if your payslip shows a specific special rate.
Why net holiday allowance can look lower than expected
Many people are surprised that their May payment feels heavily taxed. That is usually because payroll applies a special withholding method for one-off payments such as bonuses and holiday pay. This withholding is not always equal to your normal monthly withholding percentage.
Important: withholding is not always your final tax bill. At year-end (or after filing taxes), your total tax position can be corrected.
Common scenarios
Started mid-year
If you joined your employer recently, set months accrued to the number of months actually worked in the accrual period. Your holiday allowance should be lower than a full-year employee, but correctly pro-rated.
Changed salary during the year
This calculator uses a single monthly amount. If your salary changed, run the calculator per salary period and add the gross outcomes for a closer estimate.
Leaving a job before payout month
Unused accrued holiday allowance is often paid in your final settlement. Check your final payslip for exact treatment and deductions.
Quick tips for better estimates
- Use your actual contract salary (gross, not net).
- Double-check the accrual period in your contract or CAO.
- If your payslip shows a special tax rate (bijzonder tarief), use custom mode.
- Treat calculator output as planning guidance, not legal or tax advice.
FAQ
Is holiday allowance always 8%?
8% is common and often the statutory minimum for many employees, but specific sectors and contracts may apply exceptions or different arrangements.
Is holiday allowance taxed differently?
It is still part of taxable income, but payroll may withhold it using a special rate method. That is why the payslip can look different from regular monthly salary.
Can I get holiday allowance monthly instead of yearly?
Some employers do this if agreed in the contract, but yearly payout is still the most common setup.