The statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands will increase from 1 January 2026, following a legal amendment confirmed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
This change affects all employers with staff aged 15 and above and applies to the hourly statutory minimum wage, which has been in place since 2024.
What Is Changing?
From 1 January 2026, the gross statutory minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over will increase to:
€14.71 per hour
This represents a 2.15% increase compared to the current minimum wage of €14.40 per hour.
The amendment formally took effect on 22 December 2025, with the new wage rate becoming applicable at the start of 2026.
Hourly Minimum Wage Structure
Since 2024, the Netherlands has applied a statutory hourly minimum wage instead of monthly, weekly, or daily minimum amounts.
In addition:
- An hourly minimum youth wage applies to employees aged 15 to 20
- Youth wage levels vary by age and are calculated as a percentage of the adult minimum wage
Regular Adjustments
The statutory minimum wage and youth minimum wage are adjusted twice a year:
- 1 January
- 1 July
Employers should therefore expect ongoing changes and ensure regular reviews of payroll and employment contracts.
Important Note on Collective Labour Agreements (CAOs)
Employers should be aware that:
- The minimum wage set in a Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) may be higher than the statutory minimum
- Businesses must comply with the highest applicable wage, whether statutory or CAO-based
It is essential to review the relevant CAO for your sector carefully.
Who Is Affected?
This change applies to:
- All employers in the Netherlands
- Employees aged 15 years and older
- Permanent, temporary, part-time, and hourly workers
What Employers Should Do Now
To remain compliant, employers should:
- Update payroll systems to reflect the new hourly rate from 1 January 2026
- Review employment contracts and wage structures
- Check applicable CAOs for higher sector-specific wage requirements
- Plan ahead for future semi-annual wage adjustments
Staying Compliant
Keeping up with statutory wage changes is essential to avoid compliance risks, penalties, and payroll errors. With minimum wage updates taking place every six months, proactive wage monitoring and accurate payroll management remain key responsibilities for employers operating in the Netherlands.
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Disclaimer:
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, payroll, or employment advice. Employers, HR professionals, and other readers should consult relevant authorities or qualified advisors for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Source: https://business.gov.nl/amendments/minimum-wage-up-january-2026/?utm
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