Why is there such a difference between my gross and net salary?

Citizens living and working in the Netherlands pay income tax varying between 33.5 and 52% (percentage in the year 2004) depending on their gross annual income. The Netherlands is in the top 3 of countries paying the highest taxes, which affects both employers and employees. However, the Netherlands also have an outstanding social security system. Expatriates (inter company transfers) can apply for a so-called 30 % tax ruling. This does not apply to non-Dutch speakers being recruited in the Netherlands.

Once working through an agency, can I switch employers without penalty?
Depending on the employment contract, you can switch employers without any penalty, but mostly you have to give due notice as stated in your contract.

Do I get paid when I should become disabled while working through an agency?
There are several possibilities and again, this depends on the employment contract you have.

Do I get paid when on holiday while working through an agency?
You get 25 free days per year by ‘saving' two days per full-time working month (a 40-hour week). If you take the day off, of course in mutual agreement with your employer, it is deducted from this number of free days. If you leave your job before using up these days, you can either still claim them at the end of your contract or have them paid out to you. But note that, holidays paid out are highly taxed. On top of your annual salary you will receive an 8 % holiday allowance.

Can I build a career while working for an agency?
Yes you can! Agencies can offer all kinds of training and courses during your work with one of them. Training costs will be partly or in full on their budget. Language and computer application courses are very popular. Unique Multilingual is located in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Utrecht and will offer you training after you have worked for them for six months nearby one of their offices.

Will I have different fringe benefits from those my colleague-fixed workers have?
Not necessarily. This depends on the contract you have and therefore it cannot be compared to any contracts of co-workers. However, job agencies can offer a wide range of outstanding fringe benefits.

Can I buy a house while working through an agency?
Yes you can! Your employer agency can provide you with a letter of intent.
whilst working on a fixed term or temporary contract. The mortgage provider will take this letter into consideration when processing your mortgage request. In case of working under a permanent contract, it should do the job with your mortgage provider.