Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

Netherlands

Minimum wage: from 1 July 2026 the statutory minimum wage is €14.99 gross an hour for workers aged 21 and over (€14.71 from 1 January 2026). Since 2024 there is only an hourly minimum – no fixed monthly amount. It is adjusted twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July; younger workers have lower youth rates.
Holiday allowance: at least 8% of your gross annual salary, usually paid in May or June.
Holidays: at least 4 times the number of days you work per week – 20 days a year in a five-day week. Statutory days must be taken by 1 July of the following year.
Working time (age 18+): at most 12 hours a day and 60 hours a week, on average no more than 55 hours a week over 4 weeks and 48 hours over 16 weeks. After 5.5 hours of work you get a 30-minute break; you need at least 11 hours of rest after a working day and 36 hours of uninterrupted rest a week.
Overtime is allowed within these limits and is generally paid at a higher rate – check your contract and collective labour agreement (cao).
Written information: within one month of starting, your employer must give you the main terms in writing – job, workplace, hours, salary, trial and notice period, pension scheme and the cao that applies.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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