Legal Ages in the Netherlands

The age you become an adult in the Netherlands, and the legal ages for voting, driving, drinking alcohol and marriage, with the exceptions that matter.

Age of majority 18 Voting age 18 Driving age 17 Drinking age 18 Marriage age 18

Age of majority in the Netherlands

You are an adult at 18.

Voting age in the Netherlands

You can vote at 18.

Driving age in the Netherlands

You can pass the car test at 17 and drive with a coach until you turn 18 (2toDrive). You can drive alone at 18.

Drinking age in the Netherlands

You must be 18 to buy alcohol, and under-18s may not have alcohol in public.

Marriage age in the Netherlands

The minimum age is 18 with no exceptions since 2015.

Checked 22 October 2026 against national laws and government sites. Laws change and this is a summary, not legal advice; check with the authority that applies to you.

Age calculator

Your exact age today, and the date you turn 16, 18 or 21.

Emergency numbers in the Netherlands

Police, ambulance and fire numbers, plus helplines.

Dutch public holidays 2026

Every holiday with its date and long weekends.