In the Netherlands, employers must pay all employees aged 21 and over at least the statutory minimum wage and the statutory minimum holiday allowance. For employees aged 15 to 20, the youth minimum wage (link in Dutch) applies. Until you reach age 21, the older you are, the higher your minimum wage will be.
If you get a part-time job as a student in the Netherlands, you’ll probably receive statutory minimum wage. We’ll break down the components of the minimum wage, as well as the amounts for the different age groups.
Components of the minimum wage
The statutory minimum wage is based on the gross wage payable for a normal working week, i.e. before overtime payments. Gross wage can consist of:
- The basic wage agreed in your contract
- Performance-related payments and allowances for shift work, irregular hours, etc.
- Weekly or monthly fixed payments for the turnover you generate, and
- Work-related payments by third parties, e.g. tips or payments agreed between you and your employer
The total of these amounts may not be lower than the minimum wage (for your age group).
Amount of the minimum wage
The government adjusts the amount of the minimum wage twice a year: on 1st January and 1st July. You can find the current minimum wage amounts here.
Minimum wage requirement for employees subject to an employment permit
Employees from outside the EEA+Switzerland no longer require a work permit to work in the Netherlands. Employees who come from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland are required to have a work permit. However, there are some groups who do not require a work permit. You can read more about that here.
Payment method and payslips
Dutch law requires that the statutory minimum wage always be paid by bank transfer; for this, you’ll need a SEPA account and an IBAN. However, if you’re paid more than the statutory minimum wage, a bank transfer is not mandatory for the extra amount. This also applies to your holiday allowance, which may be paid in cash or with vouchers.
Lastly, your employer must specify what minimum wage is applicable to you on your payslip. In addition to this, your payslip must also specify:
- The gross wage amount
- A breakdown of the salary into components, e.g. basic salary and performance-related bonus
- The holiday allowance
- Any other allowances
- Any deductions (such as national insurance contributions)
- Your name and your employer’s name
- The period to which the payment relates
- The number of working hours agreed to in the employment contract
- Whether you (the employee) have a written permanent contract or an on-call contract
More information on the requirements relating to minimum wage can be found on the Dutch government website.
