Salary, taxes & benefits

Take home salary: A rough calculation is as follows:
  1. Know your monthly gross (excluding bonus, holiday allowance etc)
  2. If your employer is paying for the health insurance, add € 200 per adult in your family including you .
  3. If 30% ruling is applicable, multiply above value by 0.7. Else multiply by 1. This is the ‘taxable wage’.
  4. Multiply upto €55,500 of your ‘taxable wage’ by 0.58.
  5. Multiply anything exceeding €55,500 by 0.48.
  6. If 30% ruling applies to you, multiply 3 by 0.3. Else it is 0.
  7. Add values from 4, 5 and 6. This is your very rough take home salary for the month.
  8. Note: Employer may also pay bonus, 1 month salary/year as holiday bonus etc. This is taxed at 52% flat.
  9. There are also some tax credits to the tune of about 3000 euros per year that apply.

A good tax calculator is available at http://www.expatax.nl/calculations/grosstonet/gross-net.htm

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If that does not work, try the one below for a very rough calculation:

[CP_CALCULATED_FIELDS id=”6″]

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30% ruling: A person employed directly from abroad may be eligible for ‘30% ruling’. If you are approved, your first 30% of the salary is completely tax free for the first 8 years of your stay in Netherlands. Income tax is calculated according to the tax-slab on 70% of your salary. For details on eligibility criteria, I found these website useful: http://www.taxpat.com/en/F.A.Q.-s/Questions-Regarding-the-30–Ruling–Netherlands-Tax-Benefit-#1 and http://www.expatax.nl/30ruling.php

Non-working spouse tax refund: A non-working spouse is eligible to get approx €160/- per month as tax-refund. You need to apply for it at a local tax office. Go to your local tax office and explain your background. They will help you fill the form. You will need your Residence Permit/Passport, BSN, spouse salary slip, bank account number of you or spouse. Per my understanding, you must have lived in Netherlands for minimum 6 months to get this….not very sure about this rule. Note: The amount will be credited in the name of the non-working spouse. However, the bank account number can be of the working spouse….it need not even be a joint account.

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Grocery shop: Albert Heijn will most likely be your grocery shop of choice. They give free ‘bonus card’. Ask for it. When shopping in future, if you show this card at the checkout counter, you will get discounts on some items.

Child care benefit: For each child, you will get a refund of about € 150 per quarter from the SVB. Go to their website and apply.
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Tax-refund for first year: For the employed, irrespective of when you move to Netherlands, your employer will withhold tax from your salary as if you were earning for the full year. So if you have moved to NL after January 1,  you have most likely paid more taxes than you should have. You can claim this back from the tax-office in the next year. The procedure is: at the beginning of the next year (ex;2013), your employer will send you an annual statement called ‘Jaaropgave’ for the previous year (ex:2012). After you receive this, call the tax-office (0555 385 385) and request for a tax/return form (they will speak in English on this number). You will get a booklet via post. Though the form is in Dutch, an English version of the instructions manual for 2008 is available on their website (click here for the manual). There will be minor differences between 2008 M form and the current year M form. But the manual should be a good help. Fill the form and send it.

Important points:
– the tax form will ask only your income declaration. Refund will be calculated by the tax-office
– do not mention your India (non-EU) income even in the “foreign income” section
– if you have received your 30% ruling approval close to the year end or after the year end, enclose a copy of your 30% ruling approval and also a letter saying your 30% ruling has to be accounted when processing your tax return. This is because your employer would have held taxes from you as if you did not have the 30% ruling until it is approved. The employer will normally adjust the refund in your subsequent months salary within the tax year. But in case there was no scope for adjustment, then you need to claim it back and this is where the letter will help. Note: Irrespective of when you have come to NL, I would say, just enclose these 2 anyway to avoid ambiguity….enclosing cannot hurt anyway.
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Tax-free school fees: If you have 30% ruling and a school going child(ren), you can save some money. When filling the school-fee form at the beginning of the year, request for the school fees to be billed to your employer. Your employer will pay this invoice, but will deduct an equal amount from your gross. Since your gross reduces, you do not pay tax on the reduced amount. This will save you about 40% to 52% of the tuition fees depending on your tax bracket!!
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Tax-free shopping: A foreign resident/visitor can claim the VAT refund when leaving the EU permanently. Ask for a tax-free form when doing your shopping. When leaving, at the airport show your purchases, tax-free forms and passport to customs officials and claim your refund! Found this link to have good information: http://www.taxfreeworldwide.com/lang-en/what-is-tax-free-shopping.html
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Tax refund for the year you left NL:  If you have left Netherlands before Dec-31, you will have paid too much tax. Once you get the jaaropgave from your company for the year you left, file the taxes as a non-resident to get the refund of excess tax paid. I think it can be done online, but I could be wrong.
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Pension at retirement:  For every year of working in NL, you are eligible for 2% of AOW value as monthly pension after you reach retirement age (about 66). The AOW value is determined by SVB every year depending on inflation etc. In 2013, its value is about €725.00. For example, if you spent 5 yrs in NL, you would be eligible for 10% of the AOW value as pension. So before leaving NL for good, call SVB and ask for a statement. Then call them when you are 66 to get your pension!! :)
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Disclaimer: The is my best effort and no responsibility will be taken for any inaccuracy

95 thoughts on “Salary, taxes & benefits

  1. Gajanan

    Great job, this article is so informative.
    Appreciated the efforts.

    Reply
  2. Friday

    Hello,

    Is the child care refund available even if my children are back home in India.

    Reply
    1. admin

      Thanks Ankit. Like I say, my calculator is very rough. The numbers are only indicative.

      Reply
  3. Avik

    Dear Admin,
    Is this calculator updated? Because my University HR dept. said that on a gross salary of 2000 Euros, without 30%, I will get 1500 Euros (approix.) and with the 30% ruling, it will be 1800 Euros.
    So I am a bit confused as your calculator says otherwise. Can you please clarify?
    Thanks

    Reply
  4. prakash

    HI Admin I have question on Pension, As you mentioned above if you work here for 5 years then will eligible 10% pension , Its 10% of 725? or 10% of amount which is in SVB account after 5 years? And this 10% will pay death?
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  5. sankar

    Hi, How i am sankar i was in NL last 1 year under highly skilled migrant(MVV) , how the person will come to he is elgible for 30 percent ruling. Could you please clarify. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. sankar

      Hi, i am sankar i was in NL last 1 year under highly skilled migrant(MVV) , how the person will come to he is elgible for 30 percent ruling. Could you please clarify. Thank you.

      Reply
      1. admin

        The link given in the article above gives you the eligibility criteria. Your employer needs to apply for it on your behalf.

        Reply
  6. Sameer

    Hi Admin,

    Have been browsing the entire net for references for the past few weeks. I got a job offer in Eindhoven and monthly take home as per the calculator will be 3199. I am 28 years old just married and will be accompanied by my wife. Do you think this salary will survive us considering that we want a single bedroom house.? Will I be able to afford car? Please help me. I am in a lot of dilemma because the salary hike is really not even the least if the consider the high rentals there. Please give some advice.

    Thanks

    Sameer

    Reply
    1. admin

      Hi Sameer, I would suggest to use my “cost of living” topic to make your savings calculation. My answer would be no different from what is already written there. Please note that pay hike and promotions are much slower when you join a Dutch company.

      Reply
      1. Sameer

        Hi Admin,

        Thanks for the response. I do understand that things are slower there with regards to promotion and hike. However I am quite excited to live in Europe. I have around 4.5 years of experience in software. Do you think this salary is ok? There is an extra bonus at the end of year also.

        Thanks
        Sameer

        Reply
        1. admin

          Yes the salary is okay for the experience. Life is good and peaceful here in general opinion…of course individual cases differ.

          Reply
          1. Sameer

            Hi Madhu,

            I can’t thank you enough for the amazing job you are doing. I am in a lot of confusion and have almost lost my peace in making this decision. Earlier my calculation was I will be getting 3199 net as take home. But after further crunching of numbers and info from the employer I see that my take home would be 2450.Now additionally I will get 3400 as the holiday bonus and another 3680 goes into pension and a bonus potential of 7000(gross).
            Apart from that there is no other major benefit (only 10% discount in Health insurance).
            As relocation benefit they are giving me one month salary gross as net extra which is 3500 but I am expecting this will go away in house deposit and setting up the house.
            I have 5 years of experience and earn around 18 lakhs in India total and get a in hand salary after all deduction as 1.1-1.2L per month. My wife also works here in the IT field.
            Please tell me if I should take this offer.
            Will life be very tough for me and my wife with the above money.
            Also I wanted to know that my employer is saying that I might not be able to get full 30% ruling but will get only 21% benefit. After I receive my bonus and the total package crosses 52000 then I may get the full benefit with the backlog. DO you ave any idea about such scenario?
            Another information I wanted is whether the holiday bonus is non taxed?
            It will be really helpful if you can give some advice as I have to take this major decision immediately.
            Thanks
            Sameer

          2. Madhu

            Hi Sameer, I agree 2450 will barely help you meet ends if your wife is not working. Your employer is right – full advantage of 30% ruling can be achieved only when your gross salary crosses 52k. The 3680 pension should be considered salary since you will get it back. Holiday allowance is taxed….and from what I know, it is taxed at 52% flat!

          3. Sameer

            Thank you so much Madhu, I think its not worth it to come at a lower salary and face hardship. You helped me in a critical decision.

            Thanks

          4. Sameer

            I have one final question if they by chance come back for any negotiation what should I ask for.

          5. Madhu

            3000 take home excluding holiday allowance and moving benefits.

  7. Bharath Kumar

    Hi Admin, Firstly thanks for putting up information up , it is very useful for all of us.

    I would like to know the taxes applicable to a Freelancer in Netherlands. I am coming to Netherlands on dependent visa and with my connections with my past clients and employers , i would most probably working as a free lancer/single man company in Netherlands.

    With a bit of browsing I understood that for a freelancer, there is a standard tax amount we need to pay on a yearly basis but I want your advise on this.

    Regards,
    Bharath Kumar

    Reply
  8. AJ

    Inquiry: I am an Indian living in Los Angeles, USA on a H1B visa with Indian citizenship and planning to move to Amsterdam, Netherlands for a job

    Thanks a lot for this wealth of information. Wondering if you know how long it takes to get citizenship for someone who gets a job/sponsorship by a Dutch company to work in Amsterdam.

    1. How long does it take to get a work permit/residence permit from signing job offer to first day of work in Amsterdam?
    2. How long can you work on a work visa?
    3. And what is procedure to get a permanent citizenship of Netherlands?
    4. How long the process from work visa to citizenship generally takes?
    5. Is it easy or difficult?
    6. Average salary for software engineers. Salary estimate for someone with a Masters in Software engineering from Los Angeles, 7 years of experience working in American companies using Microsoft Stack, Angular js,Javasript and excellent communication skills(everyone thinks I am American indian) etc

    Reply
    1. admin

      Hi AJ, The process here is a little different as compared to US. I was in LA (San Dimas) on H1B for 5yrs before moving to NL!

      1. Refer time-it-takes
      2. No limit as long as you have employment. If laid off, you need to find a new job in 3 months. If you resign, you need to find a new job within 1 month.
      3. Refer Dutch Citizenship
      4. same as 1
      5. Easy
      6. No idea!

      Reply
      1. Sourabh Bhandari

        Hi Madhu,

        I also have a question for you. I have been living and working in Brussels for the last 3 years. Now, I am moving to Netherlands. The company working for my paperwork, has informed me that I won’t be eligible for the 30% ruling because of 150km rule, as my last place of residence i.e. Brussels isn’t 150km away from the dutch border.

        So now I would like to ask you that, is there any other benefit scheme or option through which I would be able to save some taxes? I know it can’t be as good as 30% ruling, but something would be better than nothing.

        My personal situation: I am Indian Citizen, my wife is also an indian citizen who will come as a dependent on me. She will not work, atleast in the beginning. I have all my financial interests, house, family, investments in India.

        Any help, link or comment from you on this would be highly appreciated and will be very helpful. I look forward to hear from you.

        Thanks,
        Sourabh

        Reply
        1. Madhu

          Hi Sourabh, I read somewhere that you can list some foreign expenses as deductions when 30% ruling is not applicable. But I have no further information. You will have to dig further on the internet or ask a relevant lawyer. If your wife is joining you from India, it is better she finds a job before coming here or within 3 months. Then she can get 30% ruling.

          Reply
  9. Yati

    Hi

    I would just like to share more on the non-working spouse tax refund. Since I know about this refund from this website, I thought I am gonna share my experience since I had just applied for it.

    If you are in the region of Eindhoven, you basically have to make an appointment by calling 08000543, press 0 to talk to them. Set an appointment, then go to Karel De Groteln 4, Eindhoven. U just need to bring either your passport or resident permit and info on your partner’s salary. In my case I bring my husband’s offer letter with his company. It’s very easy really because all the info is already in the system, you just need to go there to show your partner’s salary and to sign the form. Please insist on providing your account number, because in my case they did not ask for it. After about 3-4 weeks, you will get a letter confirming your amount entitled and they will request your account number if you have not given it yet.

    Reply
    1. Mahesh

      Hi Yati

      I moved to Eindhoven in September 2016 . I called the Eidhoven tax office to apply for non working spouse for my wife . But they was asked me to compete some tax assessment for year 2016 . Also they asked for If I have any income before September .
      Can we apply this benefit in same year we moved here ?
      what to fill in the previous income before moving here ?

      Regards
      Mahesh

      Reply
  10. NS

    Hi,
    I have around 15 years experience in technology–database, DW, BI, analytics, tech project management in US(12 yrs) and India (3 yrs). I and my kids hold a US passport though I work and live in India today. I am a single mom with two kids–9,5 and am looking at moving to NL for providing my kids a better academic environment and affordability. Please advise me as to what would be the best city (I am hoping Amsterdam) for my kids to settle easily in. I would like my kids to study in Dutch medium school rather than international schools. Please advise what would be a good city in NL for me to get a job, what should be my expected salary, what schools to look for my kids, what neigborhood to look at for living, any tax benefits one has for initial years in a new country, unemployment benefits or conditions, how easy to get a visa for US citizens. So, I have a bunch of questions as you see. Your advise would be truly appreciated.
    Thanks

    Reply
    1. admin

      Hi NS, Amsterdam-Utrecht-Rotterdam-DenHague-Eindhoven generally have better job opportunities. monsterboard.nl, indeed.nl are leading websites for job search. If you get a job, visa is generally not an issue. Pretty much all cities have their plus and minuses. There is no city that is termed bad or non livable. For the rest of the questions I suggest you go thru the blogs in the ‘Money matters’ topic.

      Reply
  11. prasad

    Hi,

    I came to eindhoven one month back. Mine is short term visa. 90 days. Currently am staying in one PG Pension. It is very costly it seems. They are charging 800 Euros per month. Can you please guide me which is cheaper here. Or sharing with indians is also fine for me.

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Regards,
    Prasad

    Reply
  12. Anamika

    Hi Madhu;

    Thanx For the Efforts u have taken to help everyone,… I am In Eindhoven from last three months , want to know about the child benefit exact procedure … I have two kids , will i be able to get the benefit for both the kids ?

    Thanx
    Anamika

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Hi Anamika, you just need to call SVB. You will get their number on google. Just call them and tell that you have 2 children and would like to get the child benefit.

      Reply
  13. bhramar

    Madhu,

    Thank you for starting this blog and sharing your experiences and other information related to Netherlands. Its very helpful.

    I am currently working in Sales in Automotive Industry and have been in US for the past 6 years. My wife is an Instrumentation Engineer and she is working on a job opportunity (Highly Skilled Migrant category) in Eindhoven. We are excited about this opportunity, but I am concerned about job prospects for me.

    How difficult it is for someone from a non-EU nation to find a job in Sales / General Management in Netherlands?
    I do not speak Dutch or any other European language.

    Thank you for your inputs.

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      If you are into customer/consumer facing sales, I expect it will not be easy without knowing Dutch. If it is in the back office, there could be possibilities though they will not be as easy to come by as IT jobs. Once you are here, I don’t think employers differentiate even if you are non-European. I would suggest to check with https://www.facebook.com/expatspousesinitiative?fref=nf. This is a new initiative in Eindhoven where start ups hire unemployed spouses initially on voluntary basis and if they find you suitable in a couple months or so, they offer you a job.

      Reply
          1. bhramar

            Thank you. DAF was on the radar, but will checkout VDL as well.

  14. Rajesh

    Hi

    I have 9 years exp in IT
    I am married and my daughter is 2 years old
    My spouse is non.working

    I have an salary proposal as below

    For Netherlands
    Net salary after Social security and taxes €3500/month

    For Switzerland
    cHF 3700/month

    Is this good deal@

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      For NL, about 4000 seems more decent. For Swiss – no idea ….only thing I know is Swiss is very very expensive for a tourist as compared to NL.

      Reply
  15. Prajin Nair

    Hi Madhu Sir…
    I’m Prajin Nair, Persuing my undergraduation in tourism studies(Honors) from Sardar Patel University though i still have one year to complete my course, I often think of doing my PG in Stenden University- Leeuwarden ( International Tourism and Leisure Studies). wt do you suggest on the same and how do you comment…? i have no one in Holland to get help from.

    Thank You….

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Hi Prajin, I have no clue about this line. I would suggest to join a facebook group of Stenden University and try to make some contacts.

      Reply
  16. Prajin Nair

    Thank You Sir….
    I will try doing the same… for any other general information i hope to contact you, and i guess u wont be disturbed… !!!

    Reply
  17. krishna

    Hi Madhu ,

    Thanks for all the great information at one place and ur interest in helping people with lot of useful information. I have a question in my case too. I have a offer from NL based company near Venray. The offer is 5500 Euro monthly before taxes. I have asked the employer to apply for 30% tax ruling. However Iam presently staying in Aachen which is not more than 150 km away for nearest dutch border , actually it is 5 kms or so. My question is Iam here from India and i dont get paid here in Germany , my Indian office only pays me my per diem and my salary in India to Indian bank account. Iam here for the last two months only. Am i eligible for 30% tax ruling.

    Reply
  18. Furkhan Shaikh

    Hi Madhu,

    I had traveled to Netherland for two weeks, and my employer has deducted the tax from my salry stating the he will pay it to Dutch autority in behalf of me. The tax amount is near 1200 EUR. However, can I get that tax reund, if yes then can you help me to know what is the process.

    Thanks in advance.

    Regards,
    FK

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Call the 0555 number in this post and ask for a tax return form. If you de-registered when leaving NL, tax office will send the tax return form to your new address. Use google translate to understand the form, fill it and send it to tax office.

      Reply
  19. Vikram

    Hi Admin,

    My query is with respect to 30% ruling . I am living in NL for last 6 years since June 2009.
    I am employed as highly skilled migrant and eligible for 30% ruling. I have decided to change my Job and new employer confirmed to apply 30% tax ruling for me.

    My question is , am i be eligible for 8 years ( till May 2017) of tax benefits or still 10 years ( Till May 2019) hold true . I have tried to gather information from my websites but still unclear about this part.

    Best Regards,
    Vikram

    Reply
  20. Anisha

    Hi Admin,

    I came as a dependent of a highly skill migrant this January. I now got a job, but they would initiate knowledge migrant Visa for me. Would I be eligible for 30% ruling with it? Also would it impact my stay in Netherlands once the contract expires.

    Kind Regards,
    Anisha

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      If it is less than 3 months since your arrival in NL, 30% ruling will likely be approved else most likely not. No harm in asking your employer to apply anyway. When your employment expires you can switch back to dependent status. You need to visit IND few weeks before your employment ends and apply for the change. Process is easy but will cost a couple of hundred euros.

      Reply
  21. Pooja

    Hi Madhu,

    Thank you for information in this website it is very much helpful.

    Me and my husband are working in same and reputed firm in Mumbai. Our companies are sending us to Netherland for few years. We have branch at Utretch. We will be paid our salaries in India. However, company will be paying 2750 euros to my husband and 2250 euros to me. Total 5000 euros. We have son who is 1 year old. Child care seems to be very expensive. My questions are:

    1) Is salary good enough for monthly expenses as we dont wish to use our Indian salary?
    2) Which city has less cost of rent and child care for us to settle in?

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      1. If net salary, it is good.
      2. Living costs will be approximately same anywhere in Netherlands

      Reply
      1. Priyanka

        Hi Madhu,

        Very very helpful website. Thanks a lot.

        My husband will be moving for company assignment to Roosendaal. I wish to accompany him and work from there for my current employer. My employer will give me permission to work from there provided it is legal to do so. Do you have any advise for the same.

        Thanks.

        Reply
        1. Madhu

          No idea. Chk with a tax consultant. Ideally income tax is paid in the country you live. But not sure how the law applies for internet based work.

          Reply
  22. Swarna

    Hi Madhu,

    My employer had offered me a net salary projection of 3400 euro per month (excluding medical insurance which i have to arrange on my own) including 30% ruling benefit.

    Say I am not eligible for 30% ruling since am less than 30 years old and hold only bachelors degree do i have to pay 52% tax on my salary?

    Employer is also contributing to pension 5460 euro per year..can i ask them to include them this in my package instead of availing it after 67 years?

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      You seem to be eligible for 30% ruling.
      The link given takes into account the relevant taxes for the salary though it has not been updated since 2014. Try googling for updated calculators
      You can try negotiating with your employer and see if they agree!!

      Reply
  23. Geetha

    Hi Madhu,

    I came to Netherlands on 12-December-2015. It has been 2 months since i came here. I didn’t get any suitable job yet. But i am going to India for a vacation on Feb 25th and will be back by March 25th. But then it will be already more than 3 months. If i get a job before April end then will i be eligible for 30% ruling. At least will there be any possibility of getting 30% ruling.

    Reply
  24. sanghania

    30 percent ruling is applied in my salary. but it is valid only for 8 years of which 5 years are already gone. so now only 3 years are left. Currently i get 3500 euro net monthly. Does this mean, my salary will get reduced after 3 years if 30 percent would be get invalid. and approximately by what amount it will get reduced. ? even rough figure is good to get some idea.

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Yes the take home will reduce after 30% ruling period is completed. Use the calculator link in the post to know the change.

      Reply
  25. Smita

    Hi,

    I have a question regarding 30% ruling:
    I am in the Netherlands, since January 2016.
    I have Master’s degree and I am less than 30 years.
    My take home is 27000 EURO/yr.
    I also get Indian salary as I am working on an onsite assignment.

    My question is: Will my Indian salary be considered while calculating my income for 30% ruling eligibility?
    Am I eligible for 30% ruling benefit?
    Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      1. I don’t think so
      2. Depends on your age. If 30+ salary seems insufficient.
      Check with your employer….they should know answers to these questions!

      Reply
  26. sirish

    Hi,

    Appreciate for the Effort you have put in for this wonderful site.

    Can anyone help me what would be the TAX on 13th Month Pay and 8% Holiday Benefits.

    I want to know if it is TAX free, or need to add to my Yearly Salary and compute it?

    Thanks,
    Sirish

    Reply
  27. Zak Peter

    Hi Madhu,

    Thank you for the efforts and experiences shared which are indeed very insightful. I have one query on the social security calculation as I’ve found inconsistent information on different websites.

    My situation: Indian citizen working outside India, hired directly by a Dutch entity and eligible for 30% ruling.

    Question – Are the social security levies viz: (1) (National insurance systems (volksverzekeringen) and (2) Employee insurance schemes (werknemersverzekeringen) integrated with the income / wage tax under Box 1 or additionally levied? If additionally levied then what is the calculation?

    Many thanks in advance for your response.

    Cheers,
    Zak

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      All mandatory deductions components are integrated with the income / wage tax under Box 1

      Reply
      1. Zak Peter

        Thank you very much Madhu, much appreciated. I did eventually find the rates too being at 28.15%. Have a good day and thanks again for your help.

        Reply
  28. AP

    Thank you for the Efforts u have taken to help everyone, my wife and me are working in cologne Germany and would be soon moving to Eindhoven to work, both of us have a job contract for an year and possibility to extend. Our 30% Ruling was rejected by IND stating that we have not stayed last 2 years in a distance <150 km from the Dutch border.
    My assumption was that as we are working in germany on assignment from Indian IT company and we are paid Per Diem and our house was also company paid accommodation and salaries also paid in India. we would have greater chances of being treated as International Hire and we would be eligible for 30% Ruling. can you share your thoughts on this please?

    thanks in advance.
    AP

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      I don’t think they will reconsider. You can try hiring a suitable lawyer. The first meeting with the lawyer is usually free and they will give their opinion if it is worth fighting at the end of the first meeting

      Reply
  29. Rajesh

    Hi Madhu,

    I have been invited for an interview in Delft/Rotterdam and most probably this is the last step as HR round. I wanted to know:

    1. How much is the salary I can expect or negotiate? I think they need me so I have some chance of negotiation. I am currently living in USA and earning around $125K base + 25k bonuses etc.
    2. I compared the cost of living and I found its same or more expensive then USA as in USA I am paying $1400 as rent for a house.
    3. What all other benefits I can negotiate? Eg: stock options, company paid accommodation , company car etc.
    I think they are ready to pay international schooling etc. So wanted to understand what all things generally are part of benefits which can be negotiated?
    4. What all will be good area to live nearby where Indians are staying? I prefer a decent place which is safe for my family as I will have 2 kids. Can you share any apartment complex name etc.?
    5. How is the termination clause works in Netherlands? I heard it is next to impossible to get fired/laid off.Is it true?
    6. Do I need to negotiate on contract eg: fixed contract/permanent contract? I heard permanent contract is best because then it is impossible for comapny to remove you as they have go through labour laws etc.
    7. Can I negotiate on severance packagae as well?
    8. How much is the general salary for technical architect role in Netherlands?
    8. Do I need to ask for 30% ruling?
    9. Is there any way I can find how much is the general IT salary range in Netherlands?

    I am interested in moving as I heard there is lot of job safety here compared to what we have in USA (there is no notice period) and India is very near.

    I know I asked lots of questions over here but since its a big decision for me to leave one country with my family so I wanted to be extra sure if it is right decision or not.

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      5. First 1 or 2 years employers usually give only temporary contract. When you continue after that by govt mandate it has to be permanent contract. You can get laid off on permanent contract when the company is not doing well or they prove that you are not doing your job.
      9. Check similar roles in job sites like indeed.nl etc
      Other questions – either already covered in the blog or too subjective to answer.

      Reply
  30. Ram

    Hi,

    SHould we declare Indian assets like flats / land while filing tax return in Netherlands ?
    Thanks,
    Regards,
    Ram.

    Reply
      1. Ram K.

        Thanks for the response.
        My 30 % ruling was over this year, for next year where should I declare it in the form ? In Box 3 ?, such a way that I own a flat and 2 lands of #### worth ? Should I convert the figures from INR to EUR ??
        Please advise,
        Thanks,
        Ram.

        Reply
        1. Madhu

          I am not sure. There is space for ‘assets’. Would suggest to ask a tax consultant

          Reply
  31. Mithun

    Hi Mashu, I am coming to Netherlands on ICT for 6 months. However, it seems my salary will get transferred to Indian bank account rather than a local bank as dutch government do not allow to open a bank account for such a short stay. Shall I then carry travel card for day to day shopping/eating for next 6 months or is there a way to get a local debit/credit card?

    Reply
  32. Prashant

    Hi Madhu,

    first of thanks for all the help, just one query, my company is not a registered entity in Netherlands and I will mostly work for customer, am I eligible for 30%?

    I meet all other condition but not sure about this after going through number of links.

    Regards

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Your employer needs to be registered in NL and also separately registered with IND to hire non-EU citizens.

      Reply
  33. Rohan Neema

    i have a query regarding the non working spouse tax refund.
    I have been living in Netherlands for 4 + years now and with each passing year the tax refund for non working spouse becomes less and less.
    what is the criteria for this ? is 160 Euros per month a fixed amount ?
    If yes, then i might be filling the return wrong.
    Any advise is appreciated.
    Thanks a lot in advance.
    Thanks,
    Rohan

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      The amount is reducing every year and will be fully abolished in 2021 (I think). 160€ mentioned in the site was from 2012 data I think

      Reply
  34. Jay

    Hello Madhu,
    Thanks for the detailed information.
    I got an offer from Dutch based company in Oosterhout,NL and I have following points in mind before take up the opportunity.

    1) I have total 11 years of experience on Automotive industry, and I will be paying net income per month as 3200 Euros. Is this is decent amount to live in NL?
    2) Holiday Bonus is Taxable?
    3) I had ask them for the Permanent Indefinite Contract, so in this case after an year is it Mandatory to learn Dutch language to get the permanent contact?
    4) Do you have any idea “Oosterhout” location having the Indian restaurants/Grocery Items?

    Thank You!

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      1. Cant comment
      2. Yes
      3. No
      4. No idea about Oosterhout but Breda/Tilburg should. Eindhoven which is not far has a huge Indian crowd.

      Reply
  35. Jose

    Hello Madhu,

    Appreciate your efforts in building this fantastic knowledge database for future expats!

    I would be moving to NL through my company under knowledge migrant visa in about a month. My wife is currently a graphic design freelancer in India and she has a running service contract with a US company that pays her in USD to her HDFC india account. My question is, can she continue this arrangement once we move to NL without applying as ZPP’er? We dont intend to switch her salary account from Indian bank to NL banks.

    Please let me know if you have any insights on this.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      As far as I know, you pay income tax in the country you live. Beyond that, it is a question for a tax consultant. Once you arrive may be you can check with the local tax consultant.

      Reply
  36. Venkat

    Hi Madhu, Such a nice blog with loads of info!! Thank you much for this. I have a query on 30%ruling. I have come on ICT Visa. My spouse reached here and a day before she registered in IND , she signed a Job offer in Netherlands. Her joining date is on July. Is she eligible for 30%ruling?

    Reply
    1. Madhu

      Often people get when they get a job within 90days of arrival here.

      Reply

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