Work, Salary & 30% Ruling

Working Life

3 Steps to Complete

Follow along for success! ✨

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Check Work Permit Status

📌 What

Find out if you need a permit to work in the Netherlands.

💡 Why

Working without a permit is illegal, you'll be deported! The employer also gets fined. Take this seriously.

🎯 How

A work permit is required for non-EU citizens. Usually the employer obtains a 'kennismigrant' (highly skilled migrant) visa through IND and sponsors you. Salary threshold for 2026: ~€48,000/year, ~€36,500 for under 30 with a master's degree. The employer must be an IND sponsor, you only prepare the documents.

Understand Salary Structure

📌 What

Understand the gross-net difference and salary structure in the Netherlands.

💡 Why

Salaries are always stated gross. Clarify whether holiday allowance is included or not.

🎯 How

Calculate net salary with thetax.nl. If you qualify for the 30% ruling, 30% of your salary is tax-free.

Understand Holiday Allowance

8% salary bonus you might not know about

📌 What

Learn what Vakantiegeld is. This is LEGAL and GUARANTEED!

💡 Why

8% of your annual gross salary belongs to you as holiday allowance. Not a bonus, YOUR LEGAL RIGHT. Usually paid all at once in May.

🎯 How

Clarify whether 'Vakantiegeld' is included or excluded in salary offers. You'll see 'vakantiegeld reservering' on the payslip, this is the monthly accumulated amount. It all gets deposited in May, but some companies pay monthly.