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

  1. Valid permit
  2. TWV (if non-EU)
  3. Contract
  4. Payslip
  5. Tax return
  6. 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

GroupWork during studiesAuthorisation
EU/EEA/SwitzerlandFree access to labour market (with BSN)No TWV; respect contract and taxes
Non-EU (term time)Max 16 h/weekTWV for employer (UWV)
Non-EU (June–August)Full-time allowedTWV for summer period
On-campus university workOften exempt from TWV for non-EUConfirm 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)

  1. Written offer with hours, location, pay.
  2. Employer applies for TWV at UWV (if non-EU) with copy of permit and study contract.
  3. Wait for approval — Do not start before TWV date.
  4. Dutch contract — Part-time with sector CAO if applicable (minimum rights).
  5. 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)

ItemIndicative value
Legal minimum wage (21+)Updated semi-annually — check Government.nl minimum wage
Part-time 16 h/weekProportional 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

  1. Zoekjaar — Orientation year permit to seek work/entrepreneurship (IND requirements: recognised diploma, etc.).
  2. Highly Skilled Migrant — Employer sponsors permit with dedicated IND minimum salary (2026 thresholds published on IND).
  3. 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.
Channels

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.

  • 112: emergency
  • 0900-8844: non-urgent police
  • High grade bike lock
  • Soft drugs in coffee shops: not on the street

Day-to-day safety

Newspaper

  • Double station bike lock
  • Attention trams in Amsterdam
  • Do not walk on the bike tracks

Common scams

Fake landlords, phishing Marktplaats, “international agency” without office.

  • Visit or live video
  • Registration contract

Emergencies

  • 112
  • ANWB pech bike optional
  • Consulate documents

If something goes wrong

Rights

National rule

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)

TypeNote
Fixed-term / permanent employmentStatutory rights plus sector CAO (collective labour agreement)
Internship / student part-timeHours 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.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Trusted sources we used for this content

Dutch and EU sources: Eurostat, the Dutch government, the Tax Administration, IND immigration, and Study in Holland. Always confirm on the official site.