As of January 2025, Luxembourg continues to hold the highest gross monthly minimum wage among European Union member states, at €2,638. Following Luxembourg are Ireland (€2,282) and the Netherlands (€2,193), both maintaining their positions from the previous year.
Other countries with minimum wages exceeding €1,500 per month include Germany (€2,222), Belgium (€2,070), and France (€1,802). These figures represent gross earnings before deductions for income tax and social security contributions.
In contrast, several EU countries have minimum wages below €1,000 per month. Bulgaria has the lowest at €551, followed by Hungary (€707), Latvia (€740), Romania (€814), Slovakia (€816), Czechia (€826), Estonia (€886), Malta (€961), Greece (€968), and Croatia (€970).
When adjusted for purchasing power standards (PPS), which account for cost of living differences, Germany ranks highest with a PPS-adjusted minimum wage of 1,992. Estonia has the lowest at 878.
It’s important to note that five EU countries—Denmark, Italy, Austria, Finland, and Sweden—do not have a national minimum wage. Instead, wages are determined through collective bargaining agreements.
