How wealth tax works in Netherlands
Box 3 is the Dutch answer to investment wealth taxation. Instead of taxing every actual dividend or portfolio gain in the year it arises, the system generally looks at your asset mix and taxes a deemed return above the exemption.
For 2026, the Box 3 tax rate on the calculated deemed income is 36%, and the tax-free allowance is about EUR 59,357 per person. Different assumed returns can apply to bank deposits versus other investments, and actual-return discussions continue to evolve after court and policy pressure.
Your primary residence is generally not a Box 3 asset. Substantial business shareholdings usually sit in Box 2 instead. That is why two households with the same net worth can face very different Dutch wealth-side tax.
Tax rates at a glance
- Box 3 tax rate
- 36%2026
- Box 3 tax-free allowance
- About EUR 59,357
- Classic all-assets wealth tax
- Not used
- Primary residence
- Generally outside Box 3
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
InvestorsExpatsHigh earnersRetireesFamily offices
Watch out for
- Box 3 can create tax even in a bad investment year if asset values keep you above the exemption.
- Classification errors are common. A 5% company stake, business assets or the family home may not belong in Box 3.
- Policy and case-law around actual versus deemed returns have been moving, so current-year computation details should be checked carefully.
- Non-residents may still face Dutch tax on certain Dutch-situs assets.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Netherlands have a wealth tax?
Not as one flat tax on all net worth. Box 3 taxes a deemed return on many savings and investments above an exemption.
What is the Box 3 rate in 2026?
The tax rate on the Box 3 deemed return is 36%, after the tax-free allowance.
Are bank savings and shares both in Box 3?
Many are, but the deemed-return assumptions and exemptions differ, and substantial shareholdings usually go to Box 2 instead.