What is the minimum wage in the Netherlands?
The legal minimum wage in the Netherlands (2026) is:
- €14.71 per hour for employees aged 21 and over
- €11.77 per hour for 20-year-olds (80%)
- €8.83 per hour for 19-year-olds (60%)
- €7.36 per hour for 18-year-olds (50%)
Warning!
If your employer pays you LESS than the minimum wage, that is illegal. You are entitled to back payment for ALL missed hours + possibly a fine for your employer.
How to calculate the minimum wage per month?
With a full-time job (40 hours per week) you earn at least:
- €14.71 × 40 hours = €588.40 per week
- €588.40 × 4.33 weeks = €2,547.82 per month
Working part-time? Multiply your hours by €14.71 to calculate your minimum wage.
What to do if you are underpaid?
- Collect evidence: Note all your worked hours and received wages
- Confront your employer: Request back payment (preferably in writing)
- Get help if your employer refuses:
- Call Labor Inspectorate SZW: 0800-5151 (free)
- Legal Aid: 0900-8020
- FNV Union: fnv.nl
Frequently asked questions about minimum wage
Can my employer deduct for housing?
Yes, BUT maximum 25% of your minimum wage. If you earn €14.71/hour and work 40 hours, your employer can deduct a maximum of €637 per month for rent. Paying more? That is illegal.
Does the minimum wage also apply to self-employed?
No, the minimum wage only applies to employees with an employment contract. But if you work as "self-employed" while you are actually an employee (false self-employment), you ARE entitled to minimum wage.
Must my employer pay holiday allowance on top of minimum wage?
Yes! You are entitled to at least 8% holiday allowance on top of your salary. This is usually paid once a year (often in May).
What if I don't receive a payslip?
Your employer is required to provide a payslip. Not receiving one? Then you cannot verify if you are receiving the correct wage. This is a sign of possible exploitation. Report this to Labor Inspectorate SZW.
Additional Rights
In addition to minimum wage, you are also entitled to:
- At least 4× your work week in vacation days per year (20 days for full-time)
- Continued payment during illness (at least 70% of your wage, for 2 years)
- Written employment contract (mandatory!)
- Safe working conditions
Need more information?
Chat directly with our AI assistant or check our other guides:
- Rent Calculator - Check if your rent is too high
- No Contract - What are your rights?
- Dismissal during illness - Is this allowed?
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