Minimum wage 2026: rates, rules and advice

By Ferhat Sanci

3 mins read April 14, 2026

The statutory minimum wage is the minimum hourly wage you must pay employees. As of 1 January 2026, the hourly rate for ages 21 and over is € 14.71. Younger than 21? Then the youth minimum wage applies. Profinancials helps entrepreneurs, foreign entrepreneurs and expats with payroll processing, compliance checks and clear gross-net explanations. Want support as an employer? See our Services for local entrepreneurs and businesses. Are you an expat or migrant working in the Netherlands? Read more at Services for expats and migrants in the Netherlands.

1Current 2026 minimum hourly wage amounts
2Gross vs net and quick calculation examples
3Frequently asked questions
3.1How much will the minimum wage increase as of 1 January 2026?
3.2Does the minimum wage also apply to employees at AOW pension age?
3.3What if I receive less than the statutory minimum wage?
4Why choose Profinancials for payroll and minimum wage?
Show more...

Current 2026 minimum hourly wage amounts

For ages 21 and over, the minimum wage is € 14.71 per hour. Fixed amounts apply per age for younger employees. Below are the most requested ages. Note: collective labour agreements (cao), such as in hospitality, may prescribe higher wages. For bbl a different minimum may apply.

Age	Gross per hour
21 years and older	€ 14.71
20 years	€ 11.77
18 years	€ 7.36
16 years	€ 5.07
15 years	€ 4.41

The amounts are adjusted semi-annually on 1 January and 1 July. Stay up to date via News and updates on tax and legislation.

Gross vs net and quick calculation examples

Gross pay is the pay before taxes and contributions; net pay is what you receive in your bank account. Net depends on payroll taxes, tax credits, pension, and any deductions. Holiday allowance is on top of the gross pay.

Estimate for 40 hours per week: 14.71 x 40 = € 588.40 gross per week. Monthly estimate approximately € 2,548 gross (based on ~4.33 weeks per month); there are no fixed minimum monthly wages.
Other schedules yield a different monthly estimate. At 36 hours this is lower; at 38 hours slightly lower than 40 hours.

Want to know how your (minimum) wage affects your tax return? See Income tax return (tax form).

Frequently asked questions

How much will the minimum wage increase as of 1 January 2026?

As of 1 January 2026, the minimum hourly wage is set at € 14.71 for ages 21+. The change follows statutory indexation. The statutory minimum wage is indexed twice a year; the new amounts for 1 January and 1 July are announced by the government.

Does the minimum wage also apply to employees at AOW pension age?

Yes. For employees who have reached the AOW age, the minimum hourly wage also applies. Only payroll taxes and contributions may differ, which can change the net pay.

What if I receive less than the statutory minimum wage?

Discuss this first with your employer or payroll administration. If you cannot resolve it, contact the Netherlands Labour Authority. Profinancials can check your payslip and advise on next steps.

Why choose Profinancials for payroll and minimum wage?

Correct application of the minimum wage and collective agreement terms, including youth wage and bbl.
Streamlined payroll processing, timely indexation and clear payslips.
Multilingual support and expat advice.
Free consultation and fast onboarding.

Prefer local support? Our Tax advisor Eindhoven helps with questions about pay, remuneration and laws and regulations.

Want to be sure you comply with the statutory minimum wage and avoid the risk of additional assessments or fines? Contact Profinancials. Or book one of our Consultation sessions on tax and financial matters right away.