Minimum Wage in the Netherlands (2025 Guide)
Stay informed about the Dutch minimum wage for EU workers. Learn your rights, updated rates as of July 1, 2025, and steps to take if underpaid.
What every EU worker needs to know
If you’re working in the Netherlands — even temporarily — you’re entitled to at least the legal minimum wage. Whether you’re cleaning, packing, driving, or working in a warehouse, this guide explains the correct hourly rates from July 1, 2025, and what to do if you’re paid less.
🔹 Who is entitled?
You have the right to the Dutch minimum wage if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Work legally in the Netherlands with a job via an employer or agency
- Are from an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or have a valid work permit
Everyone who works is entitled — regardless of language skills or contract type.
🔹 New minimum wage rates from 1 July 2025
The Dutch government updates rates twice a year. From 1 July 2025, the gross hourly minimum wage is:
| Age | Gross Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 21+ | € 14.40 |
| 20 | € 11.52 |
| 19 | € 8.64 |
| 18 | € 7.20 |
For younger workers:
| Age | Gross Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 17 | € 5.69 |
| 16 | € 4.97 |
| 15 | € 4.32 |
These rates are before tax and include no holiday allowance (an additional 8% you should receive).
🔹 Why the change matters
- The Netherlands now uses a fixed hourly minimum wage, regardless of whether your contract is 36, 38, or 40 hours/week.
- Salaries are automatically adjusted every 1 January and 1 July.
- The July 2025 rates reflect a 2.42% increase, preserving purchasing power.
🔹 Holiday allowance (vakantiegeld)
By law, you also receive 8% holiday pay on top of your gross hourly wage, usually paid out in May. If it’s bundled monthly, it must be clearly stated on your payslip .
🔹 What if you’re paid less?
If your hourly rate is below these numbers, you’re being paid illegally.
What you can do:
- Ask your employer or agency to correct the wage
- Contact a union or workers’ rights organisation
- File a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate (Inspectie SZW)
It’s against the law to fire you for questioning your pay.
🔹 Minimum wage vs. living wage
Legal minimum = required by law.
Living wage = enough to live comfortably.
While minimum pay might cover basics, many struggle in big cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam.
✅ Summary
- 📌 From 1 July 2025: €14.40/hour for 21+, plus youth rates for younger workers
- 🛠️ Includes 8% holiday pay — check your payslip
- ⚠️ Underpayment is illegal — you can act
- 🔄 Rates update every January and July
