Visit Ukraine – The minimum wage in the Netherlands will increase in 2026: how much will workers receive?

The minimum wage in the Netherlands will increase in 2026. Find out which workers can expect it and how much

The minimum wage in the Netherlands will still increase in 2026, but don’t expect a significant jump. After the government updated the tax plan, it became clear that employees with minimum income will receive a small but positive increase in their “net” salary.

According to preliminary calculations by HR platform Youforce, the increase will be between 10 and 20 euros per month, depending on the number of hours worked.

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How exactly will the wage level in the Netherlands increase in 2026?

The amount of the increase will vary depending on the work schedule. In 2026, the estimated amounts will be as follows:

– 20 hours/week – +13.67 €

– 36 hours/week – +12.75 €

– 40 hours/week – +19.16 €

So, a full-time employee can expect to earn approximately €2,311 net per month.

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Changes in pay for workers with modal income

The increase will not only apply to the minimum wage. Workers with modal income (~3,875 €/month) will also see positive dynamics. However, the indexation turned out to be less than previously expected: instead of almost €39, the increase will be €34.67.

For those who earn more – in particular, double modal income – the increase will be almost symbolic: about +47 € per month.

When will the wage changes in the Netherlands take effect?

It is worth noting that the amounts listed are not final. The size of the payments still depends on possible changes in pension contributions and must be approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives, so the exact figures may change closer to the tax plan coming into force.

The increase in the minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2026 is not a revolution, but a step towards increasing the real income of workers. The increases still look insignificant, but even a small increase will help partially compensate for inflationary pressures and the increase in the cost of living. For workers on minimum and modal wages, this still means one thing – there will be a little more “clean” money.

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Recall! Despite all the challenges and the continued concentration of resources on strengthening the state’s defense, Ukraine plans to increase social standards. In October 2025, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the draft State Budget for 2026, which provides for the first increase in the minimum wage since 2023. We have already told you when to expect an increase in payments and how much the salary will increase.

Photo – Freepik

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