Why We Built These Free Expat Tools
Moving to the Netherlands involves dozens of financial and administrative decisions, often under time pressure and in an unfamiliar system. Should you negotiate for a higher salary to meet the HSM threshold? How much will the 30% ruling actually save you? Which health insurance plan makes sense for your situation?
I found myself Googling these questions endlessly when I first moved, juggling spreadsheets and outdated forum posts. These tools exist because I wished someone had built them for me. Each calculator uses the latest 2026 Dutch rules, thresholds, and tax brackets, so you can make informed decisions without hiring an adviser for every question.
What Each Tool Does
30% Ruling Calculator
The 30% ruling calculator computes your exact tax benefit under the 2026 step-down schedule. Since January 2024, new ruling holders receive 30% tax-free for months 1-20, 20% for months 21-40, and 10% for months 41-60. The calculator handles both new and grandfathered (pre-2024) rulings, applies the Balkenendenorm salary cap at €233,000, and generates a 5-year breakdown with net income comparisons.
Net Salary Calculator
The Net Salary Calculator instantly verifies whether your salary meets the IND kennismigrant threshold. It covers all five categories (30+, under 30, orientation year, EU Blue Card, scientific researcher), adjusts for holiday allowance inclusion, and shows what happens with the 30% ruling threshold reduction. If you fail, it tells you exactly how much more you need.
Housing, Integration & Diploma Tools
The Rent Affordability Calculator calculates what you can afford to rent or buy in any Dutch city. The Inburgering Exam Guide determines which civic integration route applies to you, with exam timelines and school recommendations. The Diploma Recognition Guide tells you whether you need Nuffic credential evaluation and walks you through the full process. All tools are free, require no registration, and use 2026 data.
| Tool | Category | Status | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30% Ruling Calculator | Finance | Live | P0 |
| Net Salary Calculator | Finance | Live | P0 |
| Health Insurance Comparison | Insurance | Live | P0 |
| Bank Account Comparison | Finance | Live | P0 |
| Visa Check | Legal | Live | P1 |
| BSN Registration Guide | Legal | Live | P1 |
| Expat Insurance Comparison | Insurance | Live | P1 |
| Rent Affordability Calculator | Finance | Planned | P2 |
| Inburgering Exam Guide | Integration | Planned | P2 |
| Diploma Recognition Guide | Legal | Planned | P2 |
How the Tools Work
All tools run entirely in your browser. Your salary, personal details, and calculation inputs are never sent to a server, stored in a database, or shared with third parties. The JavaScript processes everything locally and displays the results instantly.
We update the underlying data (tax brackets, IND thresholds, insurance rates) at the start of each year when official Dutch figures are published. The current data reflects the 2026 tax year. If you notice any discrepancy with official sources, please let us know.
Recommended Next Steps
After using the tools, dive deeper with our comprehensive guides:
- Complete 30% Ruling Guide — eligibility, application process, and common pitfalls
- HSM Visa Guide — step-by-step application walkthrough
- Dutch Tax System for Expats — box 1/2/3, deductions, and filing
- Health Insurance Guide — mandatory coverage explained
- Opening a Bank Account — requirements and best options
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these expat tools really free?
Yes, all tools are completely free with no registration required. We fund the site through affiliate partnerships with trusted services like Wise and Independer. Using our tools costs you nothing.
How accurate are the tax and salary calculators?
Our calculators use the latest 2026 Dutch tax brackets (36.97% and 49.50%), heffingskorting, arbeidskorting, and official IND salary thresholds. They provide reliable estimates for planning purposes. For binding tax advice, consult a belastingadviseur.
Which tool should I use first?
Start with the Net Salary Calculator to confirm you meet the visa threshold. Then use the 30% Ruling Calculator to estimate your tax benefit. These two answer the most critical questions for expats considering a move.
Do I need to create an account?
No. All tools work instantly in your browser. No sign-up, no login, no personal data storage. Your inputs are processed locally and are not saved or shared.
When will the remaining tools be available?
We release new tools regularly. The Health Insurance Comparison and Bank Account Comparison are next in line (Q2 2026), followed by the Visa Check and BSN Registration Guide. Subscribe to our newsletter on the homepage to be notified when new tools launch.