Checking your payslip: here's how it works

Working in a new country can be exciting, but it also comes with new rules and systems. One of the most important documents you'll receive regularly is your payslip (loonstrook). It's more than just a piece of paper; it's proof of your hard work and your financial security. At Dujob, we believe in fair work and transparency, and we're here to help you understand everything.

Especially for international talent, understanding a Dutch payslip can be a challenge. What do all those terms and abbreviations mean? And how do you know if everything is correct? Don't worry, we're happy to guide you through it. Because we don't just build careers; we build a home where you feel valued and secure.

Why is it important to check your payslip?

Your payslip is a crucial document. It shows exactly how much you've earned, what taxes and contributions have been deducted, and what your net salary is. By checking it regularly, you ensure that:

• You receive the correct salary: mistakes can happen, and by checking your payslip, you can quickly identify and correct any discrepancies.
• You understand your income: this helps you manage your finances and plan for the future.
• You are aware of your rights: your payslip reflects your employment conditions, such as your hourly wage, holiday pay accrual, and pension contributions.
• You have proof of income: this is often required for things like renting a house, applying for a loan, or even extending your stay in the Netherlands.

At Dujob, we stand for a fair labor market. That's why we encourage you to always check your payslip carefully.

The basics: what's on your payslip?

A Dutch payslip contains a lot of information. Let's break down the most important parts:

1. Your Personal Details: check if your name, address, and BSN (Burger Service Nummer – Citizen Service Number) are correct.
2. Employer Details: our company name (Dujob), address, and Chamber of Commerce number.
3. Pay Period: this indicates for which period you are being paid (e.g., a specific month or four-week period).
4. Gross Salary (Brutoloon): this is your total salary before any deductions. It includes your hourly wage multiplied by the number of hours worked, plus any allowances (e.g., for irregular hours or overtime).
5. Deductions (Inhoudingen):
   • Wage Tax / National Insurance Contributions (Loonheffing / Premies volksverzekeringen): This is the tax you pay on your income, which also includes contributions for national insurance schemes like AOW (state pension) and WW (unemployment benefits).
   • Pension Contribution (Pensioenpremie): If applicable, this is your contribution to your pension scheme.
   • Other Deductions: This could include contributions for collective health insurance or other agreed-upon deductions.
6. Net Salary (Nettoloon): this is the amount that is actually deposited into your bank account after all deductions.
7. Holiday Pay (Vakantiegeld): this shows how much holiday pay you have accrued. In the Netherlands, you are entitled to at least 8% of your gross annual salary as holiday pay, usually paid out in May or June.
8. Holiday Hours (Vakantie-uren): this indicates how many holiday hours you have accrued and how many you have used.
9. Year-to-Date Totals (Cumulatief): often, your payslip will show cumulative totals for your gross salary, taxes, and other items for the current year. This gives you an overview of your earnings and deductions so far.

Common abbreviations and terms

To make it a bit easier, here are some common terms you might encounter:

• BSN: Burger Service Nummer (Citizen Service Number), your unique identification number.
• Brutoloon: gross salary, your salary before deductions.
• Nettoloon: Net salary, the amount you receive in your bank account.
• Loonheffing: Wage tax and national insurance contributions.
• Premies volksverzekeringen: National insurance contributions.
• Pensioenpremie: Pension contribution.
• Vakantiegeld: Holiday pay.
• Vakantie-uren: Holiday hours.
• CAO: Collectieve Arbeidsovereenkomst (Collective Labor Agreement), a collective agreement on employment conditions.
• WW: Werkloosheidswet (Unemployment Insurance Act), benefits in case of unemployment.
• WIA: Wet werk en inkomen naar arbeidsvermogen (Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act), benefits in case of long-term illness or disability.

What If Something Isn't Right?

Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. If you notice something on your payslip that doesn't seem right, don't hesitate to act on it.

1. Check your contract: first, compare the information on your payslip with your employment contract and any agreements you've made.
2. Contact your fixed Dujob contact person: every Dujob employee has a dedicated contact person. They are your first point of contact for all questions, including those about your payslip. They know your situation and can help you quickly.
3. Our back office team: if necessary, your contact person will involve our specialized back office team. They are experts in payroll and contract-related questions and will ensure that any issues are resolved correctly and promptly.

Dujob is happy to help you!

At Dujob, we want you to feel at home in the Netherlands and in your job. That's why we offer personal guidance and care, not just for finding a job, but for everything that comes with it. From housing and administrative support to a fixed contact person and regular workplace visits – we're always there for you.

Your payslip is an important part of your journey in the Netherlands. If you have any questions after reading this blog, or if you want to discuss your payslip, please contact your Dujob contact person. We are ready to help you!