Compare salaries, taxes, work conditions, and quality of life between Italy and Netherlands
Thinking about relocating to Italy or Netherlands? This comprehensive Italy vs Netherlands 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
-41.1%
Netherlands pays more
Italy
33.000 €
avg. salary
Netherlands
€ 56.000
avg. salary
Italy vs Netherlands Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
33.000 €€ 56.000Median Salary
28.000 €€ 42.000Minimum Wage
0 €€ 25.272Top 10%
65.000 €€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: Italy vs Netherlands
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours
36-40 hours
Annual Leave
20-26 days (varies by contract)
20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours)
Public Holidays
12 days
8 days
Sick Leave
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
2 years at 70-100% salary
Maternity Leave
5 months at 80% salary
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
10 days at 100% salary
6 weeks at 70% salary
Italy vs Netherlands for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
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.
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.
Tax Rates Italy vs Netherlands
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
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)
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
Best Cities to Work in Italy and Netherlands
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Italy
Netherlands
How to Find Jobs in Italy vs Netherlands
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Italy
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.
Work Visa Options: Italy vs Netherlands
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
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).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Italy vs Netherlands
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Italy vs Netherlands?
The average salary in Italy is 33.000 € per year, while in Netherlands it is € 56.000 per year. This represents a 41.1% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Italy or Netherlands?
Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours work week. Netherlands offers 20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours) annual leave and 8 public holidays with a 36-40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Italy and Netherlands?
In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 days at 100% salary. In Netherlands, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 6 weeks at 70% salary.
Is it better to work in Italy or Netherlands as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Italy offers: Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Netherlands offers: High English Proficiency, 30% Ruling Tax Benefit. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Italy and Netherlands?
Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. Netherlands: Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Italy or Netherlands
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
