Compare salaries, taxes, work conditions, and quality of life between Netherlands and Italy
Thinking about relocating to Netherlands or Italy? This comprehensive Netherlands vs Italy comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional considering a move to Europe, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
+69.7%
Netherlands pays more
Netherlands
€ 56.000
avg. salary
Italy
33.000 €
avg. salary
Netherlands vs Italy Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 56.00033.000 €Median Salary
€ 42.00028.000 €Minimum Wage
€ 25.2720 €Top 10%
€ 85.00065.000 €Work-Life Balance: Netherlands vs Italy
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
36-40 hours
40 hours
Annual Leave
20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours)
20-26 days (varies by contract)
Public Holidays
8 days
12 days
Sick Leave
2 years at 70-100% salary
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
5 months at 80% salary
Paternity Leave
6 weeks at 70% salary
10 days at 100% salary
Netherlands vs Italy for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Netherlands
Why Work in Netherlands
High English Proficiency
Over 90% of Dutch people speak English fluently, making it easy to work and live without knowing Dutch.
30% Ruling Tax Benefit
Skilled migrants may qualify for 5 years of 30% tax-free income, significantly boosting take-home pay.
Excellent Work-Life Balance
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the best countries for work-life balance with flexible working arrangements.
Strong Social Security
Comprehensive healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension systems provide excellent safety nets.
Central European Location
Easy access to other European countries for both business and leisure travel.
Challenges of Living in Netherlands
High Cost of Living
Housing costs, especially in Amsterdam and other major cities, are among the highest in Europe.
Housing Shortage
Finding accommodation can be challenging and competitive, particularly in urban areas.
High Income Tax Rates
Without the 30% ruling, top marginal tax rates can reach 49.5% on higher incomes.
Weather
The climate is often grey and rainy, which can be challenging for those from sunnier regions.
Complex Bureaucracy
Setting up banking, housing, and official registrations can be time-consuming for newcomers.
Italy
Why Work in Italy
Quality of Life
Excellent food, culture, climate, and work-life balance with emphasis on enjoying life.
Lower Cost of Living
Outside Milan, living costs are significantly lower than Northern Europe.
Strong Worker Protections
Robust labor laws, generous leave, and mandatory severance fund (TFR).
Cultural Experience
World-class art, history, cuisine, and lifestyle opportunities.
Healthcare
Universal healthcare system ranked among the best in the world.
Challenges of Living in Italy
Lower Salaries
Wages are generally lower than Northern Europe, especially in tech.
Bureaucracy
Complex administrative processes and paperwork can be frustrating.
Language Barrier
English proficiency in workplaces varies; Italian is often necessary.
Economic Uncertainty
Higher unemployment rates, especially for youth, and slower economic growth.
Regional Disparities
Significant economic gap between North and South Italy.
Tax Rates Netherlands vs Italy
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Netherlands
- Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%
- 30% ruling available for skilled migrants
- Generous tax credits (arbeidskorting, algemene heffingskorting)
- Social security contributions included in tax rates
- Pension contributions are tax-deductible
Italy
- Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%
- Regional tax (1.23%-3.33%) and municipal tax (0%-0.9%) on top of national tax
- Social security contribution around 9.19% for employees
- Mandatory 13th month salary (Tredicesima)
- TFR severance fund accrual of ~6.91% per year
- Flat tax regime available for new residents (Impatriati regime)
Best Cities to Work in Netherlands and Italy
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Netherlands
Italy
How to Find Jobs in Netherlands vs Italy
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Netherlands
Most popular platforms for professional roles. Many Dutch companies post English-language positions.
Specialized job board for internationals in the Netherlands with English-speaking positions.
Dutch Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Randstad, Hays, and Michael Page specialize in placing international candidates.
Company Career Pages
Large Dutch companies (Philips, ASML, ING, Shell) actively recruit internationals directly.
Italy
Work Visa Options: Netherlands vs Italy
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Netherlands Work Visas
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Most common for tech and professional roles.
EU Blue Card
EU-wide work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers with higher salary requirements.
Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar)
For recent graduates from Dutch or top-200 universities to find work in the Netherlands.
Intra-Company Transfer
For employees transferred within a multinational company to a Dutch branch.
Italy Work Visas
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree or equivalent experience.
Work Visa (Nulla Osta)
Standard work permit for non-EU nationals with a job offer.
Self-Employment Visa
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals.
Digital Nomad Visa
New visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies (from 2024).
Frequently Asked Questions: Netherlands vs Italy
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Netherlands vs Italy?
The average salary in Netherlands is € 56.000 per year, while in Italy it is 33.000 € per year. This represents a 69.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Netherlands or Italy?
Netherlands offers 20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours) annual leave and 8 public holidays with a 36-40 hours work week. Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Netherlands and Italy?
In Netherlands, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 6 weeks at 70% salary. In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 days at 100% salary.
Is it better to work in Netherlands or Italy as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Netherlands offers: High English Proficiency, 30% Ruling Tax Benefit. Italy offers: Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Netherlands and Italy?
Netherlands: Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%. Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Netherlands or Italy
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
