Minimum wage

The national minimum wage is the minimum wage you must receive by law if you work in the Netherlands. 

Who is entitled to the minimum wage? 

If you work in the Netherlands and are aged 21 or over, you are entitled to the national minimum wage. This applies to everyone in paid employment. You are entitled to the minimum wage even if you have only have instructions that are recorded in writing or another paid agreement. If you continue working after your retirement age, the minimum wage still applies to you. 

Minimum wage in 2026

Starting from 1 January 2026, the gross minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over is €14.71 per hour. If you are between 15 and 21 years old a lower amount applies. We call this the young person’s minimum wage. For example, the minimum wage for someone aged 18 is €7.36 an hour. The government adjusts these amounts twice a year.  

Deductions from your wages 

Your gross wage is what you earn before tax and contributions are deducted. For example, your employer deducts payroll tax and money for your pension from your salary. The amount left over - your net wage - is paid into your bank account. Your payslip shows you exactly what you earn every hour, how many hours you have worked, and what amounts have been deducted. It is important to check your payslip carefully and keep it somewhere safe. 

Minimum wage and your rights 

The minimum wage is set by law. Your employer must not pay you less than this wage. Also, your employer is only allowed to make certain deductions from your minimum wage, such as deductions for housing or health insurance. Your employer must first obtain your consent for this. If you doubt that you are receiving the correct wages, ask a union or Het Juridisch Loket for help.