17 July 2023
Minimum Wage in the Netherlands
The minimum wage in the Netherlands depends on the age of the employee. Contact our Dutch accountants for more details.
A minimum wage represents the lowest salary an employee is legally paid by the employer. The minimum wage in the Netherlands for 2026 depends on the age of the worker (the full rate applies from age 21).
The minimum wage in the Netherlands is ruled by the local legislation. The gross minimum wage rates are mentioned in the Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act. The salaries of youth employees are regulated by the Decree on minimum wages for youth employees of 20 June 1983, as amended to 20 July 2012. Our accountants in the Netherlands can offer the appropriate assistance and guidance on the minimum wage in the Netherlands and the related wage taxations, according to the Dutch legislation.
What is the minimum wage in the Netherlands?
The absolute minimum wage in the Netherlands is as stated below:
• For employees aged 21 and older: EUR 14.99 per hour (from 1 July 2026);
• Since 2024 the minimum wage is set per hour, so monthly pay depends on the hours worked;
• Youth minimum wages per hour (from 1 July 2026) are:
• For employees aged 20: EUR 11.99 per hour;
• For employees aged 19: EUR 8.99 per hour;
• For employees aged 18: EUR 7.50 per hour;
• For employees aged 17: EUR 5.92 per hour;
• For employees aged 16: EUR 5.17 per hour;
• For employees aged 15: EUR 4.50 per hour.
What is the taxation on salaries in the Netherlands?
When an employee is remunerated a salary, the employer pays taxes on this salary in advance. Each worker receives a payslip monthly where the gross salary that is paid to the tax office is stated. At the end of each year, the worker will receive a yearly overview of his or her salary and the paid taxes.
The income from house and work in the Netherlands qualifies as Box 1 income and its rate is of between 35.75% and 49.50% (2026). Our accountants in the Netherlands can offer more information on this matter.
When an employee in the Netherlands receives a salary, the social security contributions are automatically paid to the Tax Office through the tax payment withdrawn from his or her salary by the employer on a monthly basis.
We invite you to get in touch with our Dutch accountants if you need further information on the minimum wage in the Netherlands.