Wages

In the Netherlands, you are paid wages when you work. Wages are the money you get from your boss every month or every week. 

What are wages? 

Wages are the money you get from your boss every month or every week. This is also called a salary. The level of wages you receive depends on your job and your age. 

Wages according to the CAO 

If there is a CAO (which contains arrangements on work and wages), you will get the wages specified in that CAO. If there is no CAO, you must get at least the national minimum wage. 

Minimum wage 

The minimum wage is the lowest wage you can get if you work. This is fixed by law in the Netherlands. Your employer may pay more, but not less. The Netherlands Labour Authority can check this. If your employer is not paying you enough, it may be fined and it must pay you the wages that you have been underpaid.  

Gross and net wages 

Your contract often states your gross wages. This amount is your wages before tax and contributions are deducted. The amount actually paid into your account is called your net wages. Your net wages are always lower than your gross wages. Your payslip shows you exactly what has been deducted from your gross wages. 

Deductions from your wages 

Your employer might deduct money from your wages. Examples include: 

• up to 25% for housing provided by your employer. This is allowed only if: 
  • you have said in writing that you agree to this (this can also be done by e-mail), and 
  • the housing has been approved by SNF or AKF; 
• for your health insurance, as long as this is your insurance and you receive a policy and card immediately. 

Other deductions such as fines are prohibited. 

Temporary agency worker 

If you are a temporary agency worker, you must be paid the same as people who do the same job but are employed by the company you work for. This is the law. We call this the 'user's remuneration'. You CAO might contain arrangements that mean you are sometimes paid differently. You will then get more holiday days instead of wages, for example. You must not be paid a lower amount.  

If your wages are too low 

Are your wages less than the amount stated in your contract or in the CAO? 

• If you work through an employment agency, report this to SNCU. 
• If you are getting less than the minimum wage, you can report this anonymously to the Netherlands Labour Authority. To do this, call +31 70 333 56 78. You can report the matter in your own language. 
• If you have legal questions and need help, get in touch with Het Jurisch Loket, FairWork or your union. You can also visit one of the Work in NL information points.