The wettelijk minimumloon (WML), or statutory minimum wage, is the lowest gross wage a Dutch employer may pay to an employee aged 21 or over. It is set by the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment and adjusts twice yearly (1 January / 1 July) in line with collective-labour-agreement wage developments.
Since 1 January 2024 the statutory minimum exists only as an hourly rate; weekly, monthly, and daily totals depend on hours worked. Separate reduced rates apply to young workers aged 15 to 20 as a percentage of the adult rate.
As of 1 January 2026 the adult (age 21+) hourly minimum stands at EUR 14.71, up from EUR 14.06 in 1H 2025. Figures adjust twice yearly (1 January / 1 July) and should be verified on rijksoverheid.nl before any payroll run. Holiday allowance of at least 8% is payable on top.