Holiday pay in the Netherlands: what is vakantiegeld?

Sources checked on 18 October 2026 · 4 min read

In the Netherlands, on top of your wages, you build up holiday pay every month: vakantiegeld. It is not a gift from your employer but a legal right, calculated on the gross pay you earned.

Dutch terms in this guide: vakantiegeld, vakantiebijslag, reservering vakantiegeld, brutoloon, cao, eindafrekening, uitzendbureau, nulurencontract, loonstrook

Who this is for

Anyone employed in the Netherlands, on a direct contract, through an agency or on a zero-hours contract (nulurencontract).

How much it is and what it is based on

According to Rijksoverheid, you are entitled to at least 8% of your gross salary over the past year (for example, May to May). Overtime counts at its full value; profit shares and end-of-year bonuses do not. If you are off sick, you keep building it up.

A collective agreement (cao) can say there is no holiday pay, but only if you earn at least 108% of the minimum wage. On the minimum wage you always get 8%.
If you earn more than three times the minimum wage, your employer can agree in writing to pay you less or none.

When it is paid

Your employer pays it at least once a year; most people get it in May or June (Rijksoverheid). It can be paid more often (monthly, for example) if that was agreed: check your contract and cao.

Starting or ending a contract

If you start mid-year, you only build it up on the pay you have earned since then. If your contract ends (for example, you resign or it is not renewed), your employer must pay the holiday pay you have built up with your last salary or final settlement (eindafrekening), according to Juridisch Loket.

Employment agencies and direct contracts

Agency workers (uitzendbureau) are also entitled to holiday pay (Juridisch Loket). The agency's collective agreement applies and says when it is paid. Check what you have built up on every payslip and ask in writing when it will be paid.

How to find it on your payslip

Look for lines such as vakantiegeld, vakantiebijslag or reservering vakantiegeld (reserve). According to WorkinNL, your payslip shows how much you have built up. When it is paid, tax and contributions are deducted too: you receive less than the gross 8%, and the percentage withheld can differ from your regular payslip.

Illustrative example (made-up figures): on €2,400 gross a month for 12 months (€28,800 a year), the minimum holiday pay is 8% × €28,800 = €2,304 gross. If you only worked 6 months at that salary, it would be €1,152 gross. Your net amount depends on your deductions.

To understand each line, use Understanding your Dutch payslip.

If it seems to be missing

Check what you have built up on your payslips and the payment date in your contract or cao.
Ask your employer or agency first, in writing.
If they do not pay, send a letter claiming your wages; Juridisch Loket has free template letters. If that does not work, send a registered letter.
If they still do not pay, you can go to court. Do not wait too long: Juridisch Loket warns about deadlines.
For free advice: Juridisch Loket or the WorkinNL information point.

Steps

Check in your contract or cao when holiday pay is paid.
Look at the holiday pay line on every payslip.
Work out the minimum: 8% of the gross pay you earned in the period.
If your contract ends, check that it is in your final settlement.
If it is missing, claim it in writing from your employer or agency.

Common mistakes

Thinking you are not entitled because you work through an agency or on a zero-hours contract.
Comparing the 8% with your net pay: the 8% is on gross pay, and the payment is also taxed.
Signing your final settlement without checking the holiday pay.
Waiting months before claiming.

General information, checked on 18 October 2026. Your contract or cao may offer better terms; the legal exceptions are explained above.

Official sources

Deadlines, amounts and requirements change. Always check them with the source.

Frequently asked questions

Is holiday pay compulsory?

Yes, the minimum is 8% of gross pay, except where a cao provides otherwise (108% of the minimum wage) or for salaries above three times the minimum (Rijksoverheid).

When do I get it?

At least once a year; most people in May or June. The exact date is in your contract or cao.

What if I leave before May?

It is paid with your last salary or final settlement (Juridisch Loket).

Does overtime count?

Yes, at its full value (Rijksoverheid).

Why do I receive less than 8%?

Because tax and contributions are deducted from it. The 8% is the gross amount.