Employing staff in the Netherlands? From July 1, 2025, the gross statutory minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over has increased to €14.40 per hour. This is part of the country's biannual wage adjustment system and reflects broader economic trends.
Dutch Minimum Wage Adjustment: What Changed?
The Dutch minimum wage is reviewed twice a year, on January 1 and July 1, to ensure fair compensation and alignment with the country's evolving economic climate. The latest increase brings the hourly wage from €14.06 (as of January 1, 2025) to €14.40, marking a 2.4% rise.
This adjustment applies to employees aged 21 and older.
Effective Date | Hourly Minimum Wage (21+) |
|---|---|
January 1, 2025 | €14.06 |
July 1, 2025 | €14.40 |
Why Does the Wage Change?
The statutory wage in the Netherlands is governed by the Minimum Wage and Minimum Holiday Allowance Act (Wet minimumloon en minimumvakantiebijslag), under the authority of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.
Adjustments are based on:
Average development of collective labor agreement (CLA) wages
Fluctuations in social security benefits
Broader economic growth
Trends in employment levels
This process ensures the wage keeps pace with both cost of living and labor market dynamics, while preventing wage stagnation.
What This Means for Employers
If you engage staff in the Netherlands either directly or through an Employer of Record (EOR), you are legally required to comply with this new wage threshold. This applies to full-time, part-time, and hourly employees.
Employers should:
Review payroll systems to ensure timely compliance
Adjust employment contracts where necessary
Communicate the change to relevant stakeholders, including HR and finance teams
Stay Compliant with Atlas
Navigating regulatory updates like this can be time-consuming. As your Employer of Record partner, Atlas ensures your business remains fully compliant with Dutch labor laws, wage regulations, and holiday entitlements, without the administrative burden.
Want tailored support for managing your workforce in the Netherlands? Get in touch with Atlas today.