At a glance
- On 1 July 2025, the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands increased by 2.42%, raising the gross minimum hourly wage for employees aged 21 and older to over EUR14.40 per hour.
- As from 1 July 2025, the minimum hourly wages for employees under 21 were also increased.
- The threshold for employees earning three times the minimum wage has subsequently increased. Employers may deviate from certain legal obligations for these employees.
On 1 July 2025, the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands increased by 2.42%, raising the gross minimum hourly wage for employees aged 21 and older to over EUR14.40 per hour. This adjustment follows the government’s regular biannual indexation
The Minimum Youth Wage Decree also sets minimum hourly wages for employees under 21, aligned with the statutory minimum hourly wage. The rates are as follows:
- EUR14.40 for those aged 21 and older.
- EUR11.52 for 20-year-olds.
- EUR8.64 for 19-year-olds.
- EUR7.20 for 18-year-olds.
- EUR5.69 for 17-year-olds.
- EUR4.97 for 16-year-olds.
- EUR4.32 for 15-year-olds.
The statutory minimum wage is also relevant for specific employment related obligations that are dependent on whether an employee earns more than three times the statutory minimum wage.
For employees who meet or exceed the threshold of three times the statutory minimum wage and are 18 years or older, employers may, by written agreement, deviate from the statutory obligation to pay the standard 8% holiday allowance. This means they may opt to pay a reduced amount or no holiday allowance at all.
Additionally, the rules governing maximum working hours, breaks, rest periods, and working hours registration under the Dutch Working Hours Act (Arbeidstijdenwet) do not apply to these employees. Exceptions remain in place for roles involving hazardous work or night shifts. The increase of the statutory minimum wage as of 1 July 2025 therefore also raises this threshold for employees earning three times the minimum wage (which is EUR80,848.80 per year).
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