What's Changing in the Netherlands on July 1? Wages, Rent, and New Rules
From higher wages and rent increases to stamp price hikes and updated dental guidelines — here’s what you need to know about the changes starting July 1, 2025.
1. Minimum Wage and Benefits Going Up
The minimum wage rises by 2.42% to €14.40 per hour for everyone aged 21 and up.
Younger workers will also earn more, starting at €4.32 per hour for 15-year-olds.
State pensions (AOW), social assistance (bijstand), and disability benefits (WIA) will also increase as they are linked to the minimum wage.
AOW for singles: €1,527.63/month
AOW for couples (per person): €1,045.01/month
Social assistance for singles: €1,369.06/month
Social assistance for couples: €1,955.80/month
2. Rent Increases and Tenant Rights
Social housing rent may increase by up to 5%. Higher-income tenants may see extra increases of €50–100.
Mid-range rental homes: Rent can increase by 7.7%.
Private sector homes: Rent increase capped at 4.1%.
New in Amsterdam: tenants looking to rent mid-range housing (between €900–€1,180) must apply for a permit, only granted to singles earning under €81,600 or couples under €89,800.
Private sector tenants can now request a rent reduction if they feel their rent is too high — regardless of when the lease was signed.
3. Internet, TV, and Mail Get More Expensive
Ziggo and KPN are increasing internet and TV prices by 3.3%, in line with inflation.
Delta is raising prices by €2.50/month for some plans.
PostNL will increase the cost of:
Domestic stamps: €1.31 (+10 cents)
International letters: €2.00 (+10 cents)
Registered letters: €10.80 (+50 cents)
Registered parcels: €10.85 (+50 cents)
4. Changes for People in Debt or with Traffic Fines
The attachment-free income threshold (the amount debt collectors can't touch) will increase, leaving people with more money.
Since June 1, if you miss a CJIB traffic fine payment, the extra charges can be waived in special cases — you’ll only pay the base fine.
If you can’t pay a fine, you’re encouraged to request a payment plan from CJIB.
5. Expiring Vacation Days
Unused statutory vacation days from 2024 will expire on July 1, unless your employer failed to notify you in writing or you were unable to take them (e.g., due to illness).
Employers are required to inform employees about this in advance.
6. Interest on Overdue Taxes
If your income tax hasn’t been settled by July 1, you’ll start paying 6.5% interest on the unpaid amount.
7. New Rules in Dental Care
The experiment with registered dental hygienists ends. Their extra powers will expire, returning to pre-experiment rules. Dentists can still delegate tasks.
Internal supervision now only applies to healthcare practices with 50+ employees, instead of 25.
Updated dental guidelines:
Extended rules for antithrombotics and root caries in the elderly.
New guidelines for referrals between dentists, orthodontists, and surgeons.
Antibiotic prescription guidelines expected to be adopted on June 30.
If you rent, work, or use public services in the Netherlands, it’s worth reviewing these changes and how they may affect your finances and rights.