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Dutch Holiday Allowance Calculator (Vakantiegeld)

Calculate your Dutch vakantiegeld (holiday allowance) for 2026. Enter your gross annual salary and see the 8% allowance, the amount reserved each month, and the net you keep after marginal-rate tax.

How to use the Vakantiegeld

  1. 01

    Enter your gross annual salary in EUR.

  2. 02

    See the 8% holiday allowance, gross and net.

  3. 03

    Check the marginal rate that applies, because vakantiegeld is taxed as special pay.

  4. 04

    See how much is reserved each month toward the May payout.

Frequently asked questions

What is vakantiegeld?

Vakantiegeld (also called vakantietoeslag) is a statutory holiday allowance worth at least 8% of your gross annual salary. Your employer reserves it through the year and usually pays it as a lump sum in May. Some employers pay a higher percentage or spread it across the year, but 8% is the legal minimum.

Why is the net allowance lower than 8%?

Vakantiegeld is taxed as bijzonder loon (special pay), which is withheld at your marginal Box 1 rate rather than the average rate you see on your normal salary. Because the credits are already used up against your regular pay, the allowance is effectively taxed at the rate on your last euro earned, so the net you keep is below the gross 8%.

Which period does the allowance build up over?

The standard reservation period runs from 1 June to 31 May. The allowance you accrue over those twelve months is paid out in May, which is why it lands as a single lump sum rather than monthly.

What counts toward the 8% base?

The 8% is calculated over your gross salary including most fixed allowances, such as a fixed shift or performance allowance. It generally excludes items like overtime pay, expense reimbursements, and the employer pension contribution. This calculator uses your gross annual salary as the base.

Is this the exact amount I will receive?

No. This is an estimate. Your contract or CAO may set a higher percentage, and your exact withholding depends on your full tax situation. Check your payslip or the May payment specification for the precise figure.

About this tool

This calculator works out the Dutch vakantiegeld: 8% of your gross annual salary, the amount reserved each month, and the net you keep after it is taxed as special pay at your marginal rate.

All calculations run in your browser. No data is sent to any server. Estimate only, not tax advice.

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