This information is for guidance only. Working without TWV (if required) or beyond permitted hours can lead to permit revocation and penalties. Always verify with the international office, IND and employer before starting.
Student work pathway
- Valid permit
- TWV (if non-EU)
- Contract
- Payslip
- Tax return
- After graduation
Student checklist — before accepting a job
- Valid VVR with active study condition.
- Non-EU: employer has obtained TWV (tewerkstellingsvergunning) from UWV for your position.
- Hours: max 16 hours/week outside summer period (June–August) — not 20 as in the USA.
- Written contract (part-time with Dutch protections).
- BSN given to employer; request loonheffingskorting on one job only.
- Red flag: cash only, no payslip, «no permit needed».
Rules by nationality
| Group | Work during studies | Authorisation |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Switzerland | Free access to labour market (with BSN) | No TWV; respect contract and taxes |
| Non-EU (term time) | Max 16 h/week | TWV for employer (UWV) |
| Non-EU (June–August) | Full-time allowed | TWV for summer period |
| On-campus university work | Often exempt from TWV for non-EU | Confirm with international office |
Last updated: May 2026 — IND — Work while studying; UWV
University vs off-campus work
Work at the university (library, tutoring, events)
- Often excluded from TWV limit for non-EU students (check text on your VVR and with international office).
- Pay via university payroll; hours count toward IND limits if applicable.
Off-campus work (hospitality, retail, logistics)
- Written offer with hours, location, pay.
- Employer applies for TWV at UWV (if non-EU) with copy of permit and study contract.
- Wait for approval — Do not start before TWV date.
- Dutch contract — Part-time with sector CAO if applicable (minimum rights).
- Monthly payslip — Check withholdings and loonheffingskorting.
Internship (stage)
- Curricular internship: university–company agreement; may be paid or with minimum allowance.
- Check TWV/IND: some internships require same authorisation as part-time work.
- Insurance: workplace accidents — ask company about coverage.
Tax and payslip
- Loonbelasting withheld by employer each month.
- Loonheffingskorting: tax credit for low incomes — apply on one job only to avoid year-end debt.
- Jaaropgave — Annual employer certificate; keep for any return.
- Foreign income: if you have assets/income outside the Netherlands, check obligations with Belastingdienst.
Indicative minimum wage (2026)
| Item | Indicative value |
|---|---|
| Legal minimum wage (21+) | Updated semi-annually — check Government.nl minimum wage |
| Part-time 16 h/week | Proportional gross; net depends on loonheffingskorting |
Toeslagen (subsidies) and work income
- Zorgtoeslag (health insurance allowance) and huurtoeslag (rent) depend on income and assets — part-time work can change eligibility.
- Report income changes on MijnBelastingdienst with DigiD.
After graduation
- Zoekjaar — Orientation year permit to seek work/entrepreneurship (IND requirements: recognised diploma, etc.).
- Highly Skilled Migrant — Employer sponsors permit with dedicated IND minimum salary (2026 thresholds published on IND).
- Study VVR expiry — Do not stay beyond without new permit; deregister BRP if leaving the country.
What NOT to do
- Work over 16 h/week (non-EU) outside summer without valid TWV.
- «Black» freelance without KVK/VAT and adequate permit.
- Apply loonheffingskorting on two jobs at once.
- Ignore Belastingdienst letters for missing tax return.
Official links
Sources
After an evening in the centre, avoid water edges without guardrails.
Quick reference
Good urban safety; risks: stolen bikes, scooters, rental scams, and accidents in canals after evenings. 112 emergency.
Day-to-day safety
Newspaper
Common scams
Fake landlords, phishing Marktplaats, “international agency” without office.
Emergencies
If something goes wrong
Rights
Hourcommissie for rent disputes. Heavily sanctioned illegal work.
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Main contract types (summary)
| Type | Note |
|---|---|
| Fixed-term / permanent employment | Statutory rights plus sector CAO (collective labour agreement) |
| Internship / student part-time | Hours and pay per CAO/contract; non-EU: check IND conditions |
| Self-employed (ZZP) | KvK, VAT, and social/tax rules differ from payroll jobs |
Minimum wage & payslips
Statutory minimum
Government-set hourly/monthly minima; many CAOs pay above the floor.
Payslip (loonstrook)
Wage tax and social contributions are shown each pay period—keep PDF copies.
UWV & unemployment (WW)
Unemployment benefits depend on contribution history, dismissal reason, and lawful residence—verify eligibility on UWV.
Labour inspections
Workplace safety and wage compliance fall under the Netherlands Labour Authority (Inspectorate SZW).
Non-EU students working
Paid hours must match your residence permit; confirm each academic year with IND letters.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.