Contracting in Amsterdam – Payroll rates validation

[samuk]

Hi ContractorUK Forum,

I am in the process of taking a contract in Amsterdam (6 months) for the first time. Having to put a lot of trust in the agency and payroll company.

Please can someone validate that I am not being ripped off.

Payroll company monthly fee (includes 30% application) euro300 a month
Health insurance monthly fee approx euro200 a month

Thanks in advance

[kingcook]

Hi ContractorUK Forum,

I am in the process of taking a contract in Amsterdam (6 months) for the first time. Having to put a lot of trust in the agency and payroll company.

Please can someone validate that I am not being ripped off.

Payroll company monthly fee (includes 30% application) euro300 a month
Health insurance monthly fee approx euro200 a month

Thanks in advance

My business in the UK used to pay £75+VAT per month for an accountant, NO setup fees.

I recently changed to an online kinda DIY accountancy for £25+VAT per month.

Health insurance? This is something seperate to your contract, so can't say as i'm not sure if this is required by Dutch law.

€300/mth -- YES you are almost certainly getting ripped off

[SizeZero]

Health insurance? This is something seperate to your contract, so can't say as i'm not sure if this is required by Dutch law.

It is required by Dutch Law, but 200 is too high unless you want extensive coverage (including maternity and full dental). kiesBeter.nl - Algemeen is your health insurance site - use google toolbar to translate; you should be looking around 100-120 per month for regular/basic coverage.

Go for a natura policy and it works like the NHS - the doctors/pharmacies deal direct with your insurer. The other option (restitutie) means you pay upfront for all healthcare and claim it back from the insurer.

As a rule, dutch payroll companies are very expensive compared to UK ones, but unless you're here for a long time, it's better to stick to them - you'll still take home more if they manage to get you the 30% ruling.