Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Germany to Netherlands
The hidden trap: Netherlands' 30% ruling lets qualifying expats pay just 35% total tax for 5 years vs Germany's full rates + church tax + Soli. A €100,000 expat keeps ~€65,000 in Netherlands (with 30% ruling) vs ~€52,000 in Germany. Choose Netherlands if: you're a skilled expat, work in tech, or speak English. Choose Germany if: you're settling long-term, have German skills, or want industry jobs beyond tech.
Top Rate
Progressive brackets
Top Rate
Box system
At $100,000 income:
That is $375/month back in your pocket!
| Income | DE Tax | NL Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,500 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| $75,000 | $4,500 | $2,800 | $1,700 | $17,000 |
| $100,000 | $7,000 | $4,000 | $3,000 | $30,000 |
| $150,000 | $12,000 | $7,000 | $5,000 | $50,000 |
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Hiring Internationally? Deel Handles Compliance →Netherlands wins for first 5-7 years. The 30% ruling lets qualifying expats receive 30% of salary tax-free, bringing effective rates to ~35% total vs Germany's 45%+ (with Soli and church tax). On €100,000: NL expat keeps ~€65,000; German resident keeps ~€52,000. This €13,000/year difference is massive.
The 30% ruling allows employers to pay 30% of salary tax-free as 'extraterritorial costs' reimbursement. Requirements: recruited from abroad, specific expertise, salary €50,436+/year minimum (2026), and not lived within 150km of Dutch border for 16 of 24 months prior. Duration: up to 5 years. From 2027, drops to 27%.
Netherlands taxes savings/investments in 'Box 3' at 36% on a fictional assumed return—even if you actually lost money. Assets above €57,000 per person are affected. Germany has no equivalent: investment gains taxed only when realized. If you have significant savings/investments, Germany may be better long-term.
Germany, surprisingly. Netherlands' top rate is 49.5% from €78,426; Germany's 45% from €277,826. But Germany adds: 5.5% Solidaritätszuschlag (if high earner) and 8-9% church tax (if member). Without those, Germany wins. With both, it's similar. Netherlands' Box 3 makes it worse for wealthy savers.
Both have housing crises, but Netherlands is worse. Amsterdam rent: €2,000-2,500/month for apartments; buying nearly impossible under €400K. Berlin rent: €1,200-1,800/month; Munich €1,500-2,200. Germany has more supply outside major cities. If housing cost matters, Germany offers more options at reasonable prices.