1. Child benefits

Child benefit rated will go down by about 3%. The government says the lower rates are a result of significantly lower prices for energy.

2. Rent regulations

Rents for social housing in the Netherlands have increased. Tenants might have seen their rental prices increase by a maximum of 3,1%. On the other side, low-income earners living in housing association properties are granted a rent reduction. Since July, housing association reduced rents to €575 a month for tenants earning less than 120% of the national minimum income.

3. Pension regulations

The Future Pension Act has officially come into effect, but note that a year-long transition period is expected for unions, employers, and pension providers to finalize their new contracts and schemes. The law is intended to future-proof the Dutch pension system and bring significant changes affecting pension outcome, premium, recruitment, and total reward package.

4. Minimum wage increase

On 1 July 2023, the minimum wage for those over 21 rose from €1934.40 to €1995 per month for a full-time work week. The minimum wage for those between 15 and 21 years of age is lower. The exact amount depends on the age of the employee.

5. Petrol cost increase

The cap on excise duties that was introduced last year to limit the consequences of the energy crisis is officially lifted. This means that the cost of fuel has increased again. The excise duty on petrol is now €0,789, diesel €0,516, and the LPG €0,186. 

6. Parking rules

Hourly parking rates have risen by between 0,20 and 0,50 euros per hour. Long-term parking tickets are no longer available to buy and the P+R rates in Amsterdam have also risen for the first time in over 10 years.

7. Higher interest rates on loans

The maximum interest rate for loans in the Netherlands has increased from 12 to 14 percent. This means that loaning money, buying in installments, or having a bank account in overdraft can be (significantly) more expensive.

8. TV and internet providers raise rates

The two main internet and TV providers in the Netherlands, KPN and Ziggo, increased their rates in July. According to NOS, KPN’s prices are rising by over 6 percent, while over at Ziggo they’re rising by an average of 8,5 percent.

9. Protection of tenants against landlord

A new law that aims to protect tenants against extortion of renters has come into effect. Among other things, the maximum amount for a security deposit has been reduced from three months’ rent to two months’ rent. The new rules also state that a rental contract must be drawn up setting out all agreements made and that renters are fully informed of their rights and duties.

10. Debit Mastercard to replace Maestro

Those with Maestro debit cards will be able to apply to receive a new Debit Mastercard. Alternatively, you can wait until your current card expires – the replacement card sent by your bank will be a Debit Mastercard.

Questions? Reach out to our Relocation team at relo@expatmanagementgroup.com for more information.