TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In a world where the cost of living keeps rising, knowing where workers earn the most from the very start can be a game-changer—especially for expats, digital nomads, and job seekers planning their next move. Take a look at these European countries with the highest minimum wages, where governments are stepping up for low-income earners with monthly paychecks exceeding €1,000.
European Countries with the Highest Minimum Wages
Based on findings by Qery, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Netherlands take the top spots among European countries with the highest minimum wages. Other noteworthy countries on the continent are as follows:
1. Luxembourg - €2,638
At the very top, Luxembourg continues to lead European countries with the highest minimum wage at €2,638 per month for workers aged 18 years and over. For those aged 17 to 18, the monthly gross stands at €2,110, while workers aged 15 to 17 earn €1,978 per month.
2. Ireland - €2,282
With a minimum wage of €2,282 per month, Ireland ensures that workers can better cope with rising living costs. Major cities like Dublin, particularly, strike a balance between soaring wages and a costly living environment, where monthly expenses for a single person can reach €995.7.
Workers aged 18 to 19 are paid €12.25 per hour—around €50 less than the highest rate—while those under 18 earn €9.45 per hour, nearly €700 less.
3. Netherlands - €2,193
Known for its work-life balance and progressive policies, the Netherlands ranks high with a strong monthly minimum wage of €2,193. According to Velocity Global, the hourly wage breakdown by age is as follows:
Age 20: €10.94
Age 19: €8.21
Age 18: €6.84
Age 17: €5.40
Age 16: €4.72
Age 15: €4.10
4. Germany - €2,161
Germany, crowned as Europe’s strongest economy, is renowned for its robust exports in machinery and vehicles. While 15.9% of all jobs fall within the low-wage sector, workers in Germany can still expect to earn a minimum of €2,161 per month—an amount that remains considerably higher than in many other countries around the world.
5. Belgium - €2,070
Belgium might be geographically small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to wages and employee rights. The minimum wage stands at €2,070 per month for employees aged 18 and over. For younger workers, the wage scales up with experience:
- 19-year-olds with at least six months of seniority earn €1,759
- 20-year-olds with at least a year of seniority receive €1,863 per month.
6. France - €1,802
Though often ranked among the most expensive countries to travel in Europe, France also maintains a strong minimum wage. With a standard 35-hour workweek, the minimum monthly wage stands at €1,802. France is also well-known for its generous worker benefits, including a minimum of five weeks of paid annual leave.
7. Spain - €1,381
Standing at €1,381, Spain ranks among top European countries with the highest minimum wage. What makes Spain even more appealing is how this competitive wage pairs with a generally affordable cost of living compared to many other European nations. For a single person, monthly expenses (excluding rent) are estimated at around €717.90.
8. Slovenia - €1,278
Tucked between Italy and Austria, Slovenia is one of Eastern Europe’s rising stars. With a minimum wage approaching €1,300 per month, it surpasses many of its regional neighbors.
9. Poland - €1,091
Poland is not just a worker-friendly country—it is also one of the countries with the highest minimum wage in Eastern Europe. With a minimum wage just over €1,000 per month, workers benefit from the nation’s strong and steadily growing economy.
10. Lithuania - €1,038
Rounding out the list is Lithuania, a Baltic country on the rise. With a minimum wage at €1,038, it offers young professionals and expats a strong value proposition.
While some European countries lead the way with generous minimum wages, the picture is not the same across the entire continent. On the other end of the scale, there are still several countries where the minimum wage falls significantly below €1,000 per month. The list is as follows:
European Countries with the Lowest Minimum Wages
1. Bulgaria - €551
With a worker-friendly environment, Bulgaria boasts a generally low minimum wage in comparison to other European countries, standing at €551 per month. Despite recent economic growth, wages remain modest, making it a less attractive destination for those seeking higher earnings.
2. Hungary - €707
Hungary's minimum wage increased by around 9% in 2025, bringing it to approximately €707. Though relatively lower than other countries with highest minimum wage, the government applies a minimum wage mandate which ensures workers receive no less than this amount.
3. Latvia - €740
As of 2025, Latvia's minimum wage stands at €740 per month. This relatively small amount, however, is somewhat offset by the country’s low cost of living. A single person is estimated to spend around €811 per month, excluding rent.
4. Romania - €814
Expats seeking a welcoming and affordable destination may find Romania appealing. However, those in search of high wages might be less satisfied, as the minimum wage stands at €814 per month. This rate applies to all full-time workers across most sectors within the country.
5. Slovakia - €816
In Slovakia, the standard working hours are 40 hours per week. The minimum wage is set at €816 per month, which breaks down to approximately €4.69 per hour.
6. Czechia - €826
Although Czechia's minimum wage is set at only €826 per month, the nation boasts a dynamic job market and a high quality of life. Czechia also places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, ensuring that workers have the opportunity to thrive both professionally and personally.
7. Estonia - €886
Estonia has a minimum wage of €886 per month, or around €5.31 per hour. Over recent years, Estonia has seen a significant growth in its economic sector.
8. Malta - €961
Malta continues to shine as one of Europe’s most favorable work destinations. With a minimum wage of €961 per month, workers can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle thanks to the country’s relatively affordable cost of living.
To make the most of it, many choose to avoid high-cost areas like Valletta and explore more budget-friendly towns across the island.
9. Greece - €968
Greece is renowned as one of the best countries for digital nomads, offering stunning landscapes and a laid-back lifestyle. However, workers should be prepared for a comparatively lower minimum wage, which stands at €968 per month—less than in many other European nations.
10. Croatia - €970
In 2025, Croatia's minimum wage rose to €970—a 15% increase from the 2024 rate of €840. This amount excludes additional pay for full-time work involving overtime, night shifts, or duties performed on Sundays and public holidays. Even so, Croatia’s relatively low cost of living helps to make this base wage more manageable.
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