The Netherlands' holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) in 2026

A mandatory 8% allowance

Rather than a 13th month, the Netherlands mandates a holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) of at least 8% of your gross annual salary. Most employers pay it as a single sum in May, though other timing or instalments require the employee's written consent.

How it is taxed

• •The allowance is part of gross wages, taxed under Box 1 on the progressive scale up to 49.5%.
• •Employers often withhold at the annualised bijzonder tarief, but the final liability is ordinary progressive tax.
• •National-insurance contributions are withheld on it as part of gross pay.

Check your own numbers

Use the 13th and 14th month calculator for the Netherlands to value the allowance after tax, or the Netherlands salary calculator for your monthly net.