The statutory minimum wage as of 1 January 2026
The statutory minimum wage is adjusted twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July. As of 1 January 2026, the statutory minimum hourly wage amounts to €14.06 gross per hour for employees aged 21 and older. This is an increase compared to the previous half-year and is intended to protect the purchasing power of employees against inflation.
The minimum wage applies to all employees in the Netherlands, regardless of nationality or origin. This means that labour migrants must receive exactly the same minimum wage as Dutch employees. An employer who pays less than the minimum wage acts unlawfully and may be imposed with substantial fines by the Labour Inspectorate.
The minimum hourly wage: an important change
Since 2024, a statutory minimum hourly wage has applied in the Netherlands instead of a minimum wage per month, week or day. This means that it no longer matters whether you work 36, 38 or 40 hours per week; the minimum amount per hour is the same for everyone. This is an important improvement, especially for employees who work more than 36 hours per week.
The minimum hourly wage also makes it easier to check whether you are being paid correctly. You can simply divide your net pay by the number of hours worked and compare this with the gross minimum hourly wage, taking into account tax and premium deductions.
Holiday allowance (vakantiegeld): 8% on top of your salary
In addition to the statutory minimum wage, you are entitled to holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) of at least 8% of your gross annual salary. This holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) is normally paid out in May, but it can also be settled monthly. In the case of the statutory minimum wage, the holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) amounts to approximately €1.12 extra per hour.
Some employers try to incorporate the holiday allowance into the hourly wage, so that it appears as if you earn more than the minimum wage. However, this is only permitted if it has been agreed in writing and is clearly stated on the payslip. Your total remuneration must always amount to at least the minimum wage plus 8% holiday allowance.
Minimum wage for young people
For employees younger than 21 years, lower minimum hourly wages apply. The minimum youth wage is a percentage of the adult minimum wage and increases as the employee gets older. A 20-year-old receives 80% of the adult minimum wage, a 19-year-old 60%, an 18-year-old 50%, a 17-year-old 39.5% and a 16-year-old 34.5%. From the age of 21, the full minimum wage applies.
Deductions from the minimum wage
Your employer may deduct certain amounts from your wages, but strict rules apply. For housing, a maximum of 25% of the minimum wage may be deducted, provided this is agreed in writing. For the health insurance premium, the standard premium may be deducted. Other deductions are only permitted with your written consent.
Important: your employer must always pay you at least half of the statutory minimum wage in cash. Therefore, deductions may not be made to such an extent that you receive less than 50% of the statutory minimum wage in your account. This is a strict statutory limit.
Enforcement and Reporting of Underpayment
The Netherlands Labour Inspectorate supervises compliance with the minimum wage. If you suspect that you are receiving less than the minimum wage, you can report this to the Labour Inspectorate. This can be done anonymously. The Labour Inspectorate can then conduct an investigation and impose a fine on your employer of up to €10,000 per employee.
Furthermore, as an employee, you can claim the arrears of pay from the sub-district court, including the statutory increase of up to 50%. At Arslan Advocaten, we help labour migrants who receive too little pay. We are familiar with the specific problems in sectors where many labour migrants work and can effectively assist you.