New rule changes raise wages, add costs for households from July 1

Dutch households will see several financial changes beginning July 1. While workers and benefit recipients will receive more income, many households will also face higher costs.

The statutory minimum wage will increase to 14.99 euros per hour for workers aged 21 and older. Because social benefits are tied to the minimum wage, payments including the state pension (AOW), social assistance, WIA, and Wajong will also rise.

Housing costs are also increasing. Social housing rents can rise by as much as 4.1 percent. Housing associations expect the average increase to be about 3.6 percent. Some higher-income tenants may pay an additional 50 or 100 euros per month.

Online shopping from outside the European Union will become more expensive. A new 3-euro import fee will apply to each product category in an order. Consumers buying multiple types of items could pay several fees on a single purchase.

Some homeowners may also face delays if they need more electricity capacity. In areas where the power grid is full, requests for larger connections may be placed on waiting lists. That could delay renovations, home upgrades, or the installation of high-power equipment.

Banks will also gain the authority to temporarily block certain transactions. If requested by the Financial Intelligence Unit, a transaction can be frozen for up to five days while authorities investigate possible financial crime.

Some businesses will face new transportation costs under a distance-based truck toll. Although the rate has been temporarily reduced through the end of 2026, higher operating costs could eventually be reflected in the prices consumers pay.