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BlueStone was founded in 2017 to make a difference for highly skilled migrants.
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Holiday Allowance in the Netherlands: What Highly Skilled Migrants Need to Know
If you're working in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, you may notice differences in how employment benefits are structured. One of the most notable – and often surprising – elements is holiday allowance, known in Dutch as “vakantiegeld.” This blog explains what it is, when you receive it, and what you need to be aware of as an international professional.
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What Is Holiday Allowance?
Holiday allowance is an additional payment on top of your regular salary. It is meant to help employees take paid time off and enjoy their holidays without financial stress.
According to Dutch law, employers must pay at least 8% of their gross annual salary as a holiday allowance. This is separate from your standard paid vacation days (usually 20 per year for full-time work).
Do you know when it's paid?
Holiday allowance is typically paid once a year in May or June. It appears as a lump sum on your payslip, often under "vakantiegeld" or "holiday allowance."
If you’ve only worked part of the year, your holiday allowance will be calculated pro rata, based on the months you’ve worked since June.
Key Things to Know
It’s not a bonus – it’s a legal entitlement in addition to your salary. It’s taxed differently – usually at a higher rate because it’s considered an irregular income.
Leaving your job? You’re still entitled to the accrued amount, which will be paid with your final paycheck.
Contract specifics: Some employers pay holiday allowance monthly instead of annually. Always check your employment contract or payslip.
Good to Know for Expats
Holiday allowance is a unique part of Dutch labour culture and is often unfamiliar to new arrivals. Knowing when to expect this extra payment is helpful when budgeting or planning a summer trip.
At BlueStone, we ensure that highly skilled migrants are legally employed and fully informed. Understanding benefits like holiday allowance helps you make the most of your time living and working in the Netherlands.
