Statutory minimum wage will increase to €14.99 from July 1, 2026 — here’s what you need to know 

Do you pay employees around the minimum wage? Then you’ll need to take action within the next 6 weeks. 

Starting July 1, 2026, the statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands will increase to €14.99 gross per hour. For employment agencies and employers working with flexible staff, this means salaries must be adjusted — otherwise, you will be in violation of the law.

What is changing? 

The minimum wage will increase from €14.71 to €14.99 per hour. That is an increase of approximately 1.9%. Do you employ temporary workers or flexible staff who currently earn at or just above the minimum wage? Then their hourly wages must be increased from July 1 onward. 

Good to know: Are you working with Opus Recruitment? Then you don’t have to do anything yourself. The wages of all employees working through Opus will be automatically increased in our system. Neither clients nor temporary workers need to submit any manual adjustments for this. 

What does this mean for you as an employer? 

For sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, retail, and cleaning — where many flexible workers are employed — the impact will be noticeable immediately. More working hours mean higher wage costs. It is wise to already include this in your workforce planning and budget for the second half of 2026. 

Also check the collective labour agreement (CLA) that applies to your sector. In some cases, the agreed wages are already higher than the statutory minimum wage, but the legal minimum threshold always moves up as well. 

What about younger employees? 

For employees aged 15 to 20, the youth minimum wage applies, which is a percentage of the adult minimum wage. Please note: from January 1, 2027, these percentages will increase significantly. Are you active in a sector with many young employees? Then it is smart to prepare for this now. 

When is the next increase? 

After July 1, 2026, the next adjustment will take place on January 1, 2027. The minimum wage is revised every six months based on the average wage development in the Netherlands. 

Want to stay informed about changes like these? 

At Opus Recruitment, we keep track of developments in legislation and regulations for you. Whether you are looking for flexible staff or are a candidate wanting to know where you stand — we are here to help.