Minimum wage increases from 1 January 2027: what does this mean for you? 

From 1 January 2027, the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands will increase from €14.99 to €15.29 gross per hour. This represents an increase of approximately 2%. Young workers will see even bigger changes, as adjustments to the youth minimum wage rates will result in significantly higher hourly wages. 

What are the new rates, and what do these changes mean for employees and employers? We've outlined the most important updates below. 

 

What is the new minimum wage in 2027? 

From 1 January 2027, the statutory minimum wage for employees aged 21 and over will be €15.29 gross per hour. 

Since 2024, the Netherlands has had a statutory minimum hourly wage. This means there is no longer a fixed minimum monthly or weekly wage. How much you earn depends on the number of hours you work. 

For a 40-hour working week, this means: 

Per hour: €15.29 gross 

Per week: €611.60 gross 

Per month: approximately €2,650 gross 

For employees working 40 hours per week, this represents an increase of approximately €52 gross per month compared to the previous rate. 

The statutory minimum wage is adjusted twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July. The next regular adjustment is scheduled for 1 July 2027.

 

Young workers will benefit the most 

For employees under the age of 21, the changes will be even more significant. In addition to the general increase, the percentages used to calculate the youth minimum wage will also be adjusted. 

For example, the minimum wage for a 19-year-old will increase from 60% to 75% of the full statutory minimum wage. As a result, workers aged 16 to 20 will see a proportionally larger increase in their hourly wages. 

Minimum wage overview from 1 January 2027

All amounts are gross per hour. 

Changes will also apply to young employees following a work-based vocational training programme (BBL – beroepsbegeleidende leerweg). The separate, lower minimum wage scale for BBL students will be abolished. From 1 January 2027, they will be entitled to the same youth minimum wage rates as other young workers.

 

What does this mean for you as an employee? 

Are you working through OPUS Recruitment and earning the statutory minimum wage? Your hourly wage will automatically be adjusted to the new legal minimum from 1 January 2027. 

You don't need to take any action yourself. 

Are you under 21? If so, the increase may be particularly noticeable on your payslip. Due to the adjusted youth wage scale, your minimum hourly wage will increase more significantly. 

If you already earn more than the new minimum wage, any potential salary increase will depend on the collective labour agreement (CAO) and employment conditions that apply to you. 

 

What does this mean for our clients? 

The increase in the minimum wage also affects employers and companies that work with temporary agency workers. 

From 1 January 2027, employment costs will increase for workers earning the minimum wage or an amount close to it. Organisations employing a large number of young workers may experience a particularly noticeable increase. 

This is especially relevant in sectors such as logistics, production and agriculture, where young employees are regularly employed. 

Our advice? Make sure to include the new minimum wage rates in your workforce planning and budget for 2027 well in advance. This will help you avoid unexpected costs and maintain control over your staffing expenses.

 

Get ready for 2027 with OPUS Recruitment 

At OPUS Recruitment, we closely monitor changes in employment laws and regulations. This allows us to ensure that our employees are paid correctly and that our clients know what to expect.