Vakantiegeld, or vacation pay, is an interesting element of the Dutch remuneration system. It allows employees to enjoy an additional “sum” paid into their account before the holiday season. Its specifics, rules for granting it, and method of calculation may be new to those accustomed to other legal systems. What is worth knowing about this unique form of financial support? Here is the most important information about the vacation allowance in the Netherlands.
Vakantiegeld 2025 – what is it and who is eligible for it?
Vakantiegeld, or vacation pay in the Netherlands, is an integral part of the country’s remuneration system. Every employee is entitled to receive it. It is a form of financial support that employers offer their employees to enable them to enjoy their vacation time.
The rule is that the vacation allowance is paid as a lump sum in May or June, although it can be paid monthly along with regular wages if this is clearly specified in the employment contract.
Vakantiegeld is an important part of the Dutch remuneration system, allowing employees to enjoy additional financial resources for their holidays. Both employers and employees should be well acquainted with the rules governing this allowance to ensure correct payment and understanding of its benefits.
Holiday allowance – the Netherlands also provides it to Poles! What do you need to do to get it?
The holiday allowance, called Vakantiegeld in the Netherlands, is an important part of the country’s remuneration system, guaranteeing employees extra money for the holiday period. The process for obtaining this allowance is regulated by law and covers both Dutch citizens and foreigners employed in the Netherlands. What do you need to know about it?
- The first step to obtaining holiday pay in the Netherlands is to be employed under an employment contract in the Netherlands. Foreigners employed in the Netherlands, like everyone else, are entitled to receive Vakantiegeld.
- The employment contract and the employer’s rules and regulations should contain information on the holiday pay, such as the accrual period, the method of payment (one-off or monthly) and the specific rules for calculating the allowance. It is worth checking this carefully!
- Carefully analyse the annual statement and ensure that the holiday pay allowance has been calculated and paid correctly. This can be done by analysing the annual pay statement, comparing it with the terms of the employment contract.
- If you have any doubts or problems regarding your holiday allowance, it is worth consulting your HR department for further information and support.
It is worth emphasising that Vakantiegeld is the right of every employee working in the Netherlands, regardless of their nationality. Therefore, foreigners working in the Netherlands have the same right to this allowance as their colleagues from other countries!
How much is holiday pay in the Netherlands, or Vakantiegeld?
Vakantiegeld, or holiday pay in the Netherlands, is 8% of an employee’s gross annual salary for the previous year, including overtime, performance bonuses, any commissions, allowances for working unfavourable hours or pay in lieu of days off. It is therefore an additional sum that employees receive on top of their standard salary.
The holiday allowance is accumulated during the year. The employee and the employer make monthly contributions to this allowance, which is then returned to the employee as a one-off payment in May or, depending on the contract, as part of the monthly salary.
Dodatek wakacyjny w Holandii w 2025 roku a stawka podatkowa. Co należy wiedzieć?
In the Dutch tax system, tax is calculated according to various allowances. These include: tax-free allowance, tax allowances for employees (general tax allowance and tax allowance for employed persons). There are also other exceptions that regulate the amount of tax deducted. For this reason, calculating the amount of the Dutch holiday allowance that an employee will receive may not be a simple task for everyone. If you find it difficult to settle your Dutch tax, you can use the services of professional companies. Contact us and we will prepare accurate calculations and advise you on how much your holiday tax in the Netherlands will be.
In summary: Vakantiegeld is an important part of the Dutch remuneration system, providing employees with additional funds for their holidays. Employers are required to inform their employees about the details of this allowance, including how it is calculated and when it is paid. This allows employees to plan their vacation expenses in advance and enjoy the financial security guaranteed by, among other things, the vacation allowance in the Netherlands.
