What minimum wage am I entitled to?
As a full-time worker aged 18 or over, you are entitled to at least the guaranteed average minimum monthly income (GMMI): since 1 April 2026 that is €2,189.81 gross a month. This amount is set by collective agreement no. 43 of the National Labour Council and applies where there is no higher sector minimum. Since 2022 there is a single amount from age 18 — the old lower youth rates are abolished. Many sectors (joint committees) set a higher minimum; your pay may never be below the applicable minimum, but may be above it. If you work part-time, the minimum applies pro rata to your hours. For students aged 18–20 (agreement no. 50) and 16-17-year-olds, separate, lower amounts apply. The GMMI is a yearly average: certain bonuses (like a year-end bonus) count toward it.
📋 The rules
- GMMI (agreement no. 43): since 1 April 2026 at least €2,189.81 gross/month full-time
- A single amount from age 18 — the lower youth rates are abolished since 2022
- A sector agreement can set a higher minimum; never below the applicable minimum
- Part-time: the minimum applies pro rata to your hours
- Students 18–20 (agreement no. 50) and 16-17-year-olds: separate, lower amounts
- The GMMI is a yearly average: some bonuses count toward it
🔓 Exceptions
- Student workers and youth in work-study schemes fall under a separate (lower) minimum
- The self-employed have no minimum wage — this applies only to employees
- The guaranteed minimum is an annual average: certain bonuses count towards the test, so one lean month is not automatically a breach
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Paying below the applicable minimum wage is unlawful, and the bill stays open: you can claim the difference as back pay, if needed before the labour court. The employer also risks sanctions from the social inspectorate. The trap lies in which minimum applies: many joint committees impose a sector minimum higher than the national guaranteed minimum of agreement 43, and that sector amount is then your floor. Your union or the FPS Employment will check which joint committee you fall under — usually the first thing a judge does too.
📎 Official sources
- CNT-NAR · minimum wage (GMMI) →
- Besox · GMMI adjustment 1 April 2026 →
- CGSLB/ACLVB · minimum wage increase April 2026 →
❓ Frequently asked
How much is the minimum wage in 2026?
Since 1 April 2026 the guaranteed average minimum monthly income is €2,189.81 gross a month for a full-time worker aged 18 or over, where no higher sector minimum applies.
Is there a lower wage for young people?
No longer from age 18: since 2022 there is a single amount for everyone aged 18 or over. For student workers aged 18–20 (agreement 50) and for 16- and 17-year-olds, separate lower minimums do exist.
Can my sector set a higher minimum?
Yes. Many joint committees set a higher sector minimum. Your pay may never be below the applicable minimum — the agreement-43 amount is the absolute floor where there is no higher sector amount.
What if I am paid less than the minimum?
You can claim the difference as back pay, if needed before the labour court, and your employer risks sanctions from the social inspectorate. Your union or the FPS Employment first checks which sector minimum applies.
And if I work part-time?
You are entitled to the minimum pro rata to your working time. A half-time job gives a right to half the full-time minimum — working part-time does not lower your hourly rate.
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