July is officially here, and it’s bringing with it a host of new laws and changes. From lower energy taxes to higher rents - here are 11 things changing in the Netherlands from July 1. 

1. Higher minimum wage

As of July 1, the Dutch minimum wage is increasing to (gross, in euros):

As a result of the changes to the minimum wage, a number of benefits and allowances will be increased:

• Participatiewet (social assistance benefit, income supplement)
• IOAW and IOAZ (benefits for the unemployed elderly)
• WIA, WAO, Wajong, and ZW (disability and sickness benefits)
• WW (unemployment benefits)
• Toeslagenwet (covers WW, WIA, WAO, Wajong and ZW allowances)
• AOW (state pension)
• Anw (survivor’s benefits)

2. Child benefit increased by 20 euros per quarter

The slight increase in the national minimum wage also means that families in the Netherlands who receive the child benefit (kinderbijslag) will be able to look forward to a little extra cash coming into their bank accounts. From July 1, parents will receive an additional 20 euros per quarter, with the benefit rates increased according to inflation in order to keep up with rising prices:

3. Smoke detectors mandatory on all floors of residential buildings

This is a pretty big one that will likely affect a number of properties in the Netherlands, as recent research shows that 17 percent of houses and apartments are yet to instal a smoke detector. As of July 1, all new-build and existing residential buildings are required to have at least one smoke detector on each floor. Homeowners are responsible for ensuring their building meets the legal requirements. Landlords are responsible for their rental properties.

4. Rent increases for housing in the social sector

Rents for social housing in the Netherlands have been frozen by the Dutch government, but as of today, tenants could see their rental prices increase by a maximum of 2,3 percent, or 25 euros, if their rent is less than 300 euros a month.

5. Cap on energy taxes comes into effect

As was announced back in the spring, the Dutch government has decided to introduce a cap on taxes on energy in the Netherlands in order to boost the purchasing power of citizens and residents. From July 1 until at least the end of 2022, the VAT on gas and electricity will be reduced from 21 percent to 9 percent.

6. Pensions for workers in certain sectors to increase

For the first time in years, workers across a number of industries and sectors will see their pensions go up in July. While the increases are fairly minimal, certain pension funds - such as ABP and PME - have announced that those no longer in work will receive more benefits from this month.

7. Tougher advertisement rules for social media influencers

Stricter rules are coming into effect for social media influencers active on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram: content creators with audiences of at least 500.000 followers now have to ensure any paid content or advertisements are clearly labelled as such. Anyone who fails to do so risks a hefty fine.

8. Businesses required to pay entrepreneurs within 30 days

Small companies and entrepreneurs who carry out work for larger companies in the Netherlands can now look forward to receiving payment for their services within just 30 days instead of 60 days.

9. Tougher rules for naming types of bread

This might sound a bit ridiculous, but as of this month, bakeries and supermarkets in the Netherlands are going to have to abide by stricter rules when it comes to naming their bread, so as to avoid confusion amongst shoppers. In essence, bread is now no longer allowed to have “misleading” names, and it should instead be clear to consumers whether the loaf they’re buying is white, brown, or whole wheat. Under the new Flour and Bread Commodities Act, labels are required to state which grains were used to bake the loaf. 

10. Say goodbye to "Sorry we missed you"

We've all been there: you order a package online but on the day that you're long-awaited delivery finally arrives, you were in the shower or out with friends. Instead of getting to rip into your delivery, you're stuck staring at a little piece of paper that was popped through your letterbox by PostNL, explaining where and when you'll be able to pick up your package. 

In an attempt to go paperless, from July 1 PostNL will no longer drop off these so-called "Sorry we missed you" notes. Instead, you'll be notified via email or on the PostNL app.

11. New safety rules for cars and drivers in Europe 

These changes aren't just coming into effect in the Netherlands - as of July 6, new EU laws will enforce stricter safety rules for cars and drivers across the continent. From next week, all newly developed vehicles must be equipped with various safety systems, such as the Intelligent Speed Assistant (ISA) and the Event Data Recorder (EDR), as well as upgraded seat belts, a rear-view camera, an emergency braking system, parking sensors, and lane assist.