What Is the Minimum Wage in the Netherlands?

The statutory minimum wage (minimumloon) is the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay you. It is set by the Dutch government and adjusted twice per year (January 1 and July 1) based on average wage developments in the collective labor agreements (CAOs).

As of January 1, 2026, the gross minimum wage for employees aged 21 and older is:

EUR 14.71 per hour

(2.15% increase from EUR 14.40 in July 2025)

PeriodRateHourly (21+)EUR 14.71Monthly (40h/week)EUR 2,549.73Annual grossEUR 30,596.80Annual + 8% holidayEUR 33,044.54

Important: The minimum wage applies regardless of your nationality, contract type (fixed-term, permanent, temp agency), or whether you work full-time or part-time. Part-time workers receive the same hourly rate.

Youth Minimum Wage (Under 21)

The Netherlands has a separate, lower minimum wage for workers aged 15 to 20. It is expressed as a percentage of the adult rate:

Age% of adultHourly rate21+100%EUR 14.712080%EUR 11.771960%EUR 8.831850%EUR 7.361739.5%EUR 5.811634.5%EUR 5.071530%EUR 4.41

Many collective labor agreements (CAOs) set higher wages than the legal minimum. Always check your applicable CAO.

Holiday Allowance (Vakantiegeld)

Every employee in the Netherlands is entitled to at least 8% holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) on top of their gross salary. This is a legal right, not a bonus.

  • Usually paid as a lump sum in May or June
  • Calculated over the previous 12 months of gross wages
  • At minimum wage: 8% of EUR 30,596.80 = EUR 2,447.74 per year

If your employer says your salary "includes holiday allowance," this is only legal if explicitly agreed in writing AND your total compensation exceeds the minimum wage + 8%. Always verify on your payslip.

True minimum hourly cost for employers: EUR 15.89/h (EUR 14.71 + 8%).

How Is Your Net Salary Calculated? (Brutto-Netto)

The Netherlands uses a progressive tax system. Your gross salary is reduced by income tax (inkomstenbelasting) and social insurance contributions (volksverzekeringen).

2026 Tax Brackets:

Taxable incomeRateUp to EUR 38,88335.75%EUR 38,883 to EUR 78,42637.56%Above EUR 78,42649.50%

Key tax credits that reduce your tax bill:

  • General tax credit (algemene heffingskorting): up to EUR 3,115/year
  • Employment tax credit (arbeidskorting): up to EUR 5,685/year

A full-time minimum wage worker (40h/week, EUR 30,597 gross/year) can expect an estimated net monthly salary of approximately EUR 2,326.