Get ready—starting July 1, several new laws and regulations in the Netherlands will kick in, and many of them directly affect your finances. From rent increases to higher wages, here’s what you need to know to stay ahead.
🧾 Minimum Wage Is Going Up
Good news for workers! The minimum wage for adults aged 21 and older will rise by 2.42%, reaching €14.40 per hour.
If you’re under 21, you’ll also see a small bump:
- 15-year-olds: €4.32/hour
- 20-year-olds: €11.52/hour
You can find the full wage breakdown by age on official government sites.
🧓 Higher AOW & Welfare Benefits
Since the AOW state pension is linked to the minimum wage, it’s also increasing:
- Singles: +2%
- Couples: +2.1%
Other benefits tied to the minimum wage—such as welfare support—will increase too.
🏠 Say Goodbye to the Rent Freeze
The promised rent freeze for social housing tenants was scrapped after the collapse of the Schoof I Cabinet. That means rents are going up from July 1. Here’s what to expect:
- Social housing (base rent €350+): Up to 5% increase
- Mid-range rentals: Up to 7.7% increase
- Private sector: Up to 4.1% increase
So, brace for a higher rent bill next month.
💰 Tax Interest Warning
If the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) hasn’t yet processed your income tax assessment, you’ll start paying 6.5% interest from July 1.
But you’re off the hook if:
- You filed your tax return before May 1, or
- You’ve already requested a provisional assessment
🏖️ Use Your Vacation Days—Or Lose Them
If you’ve got unused vacation days from 2024, use them before July 1—or they’ll expire.
Exception: If you’ve been on long-term sick leave, check with your employer, as the rules may differ.
✉️ PostNL Is Raising Prices
Mailing anything is about to cost more. PostNL is increasing rates across the board:
- Domestic stamp: +10 cents → €1.31
- International letter: +10 cents → €2.00
- Registered letter: +50 cents → €10.80
- Registered parcel: +50 cents → €10.85
PostNL says the price hikes are due to delivery costs exceeding revenues.
📺 Internet & TV Prices Are Rising Too
Several major providers are increasing subscription fees:
- Ziggo: +3.3%
- KPN: +3.3%
- Delta: +€2.50 for 105 Mbps plans (total: €42.50/month)
Now might be a good time to shop around or re-evaluate your plan.
Final Thoughts
While some changes bring a welcome boost (hello, higher wages and benefits!), others—like rent hikes and subscription increases—could put extra pressure on your budget. Now’s the time to review your finances, use up your vacation days, and prepare for the changes ahead.
Got questions or need tips on budgeting through these changes? Drop a comment below or get in touch!