Can I work as an international student in the Netherlands?

Yes, but the rules depend on your nationality. EU/EEA and Swiss students can work without restrictions. Non-EU/EEA students can work up to 16 hours per week or full-time during June, July, and August — but the employer must obtain a work permit (TWV) from UWV.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

Non-EU/EEA students can work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time during June, July, and August. You cannot combine both options in the same period.

Do I need a work permit (TWV) as a student?

If you're a non-EU/EEA student, your employer must apply for a TWV (tewerkstellingsvergunning) through UWV before you start working. EU/EEA and Swiss students do not need a TWV.

Do I need Dutch health insurance if I work part-time?

Once you start working in the Netherlands, you may be required to take out Dutch basic health insurance (zorgverzekering). You might receive a letter from CAK about this. Check with your employer and the SVB for your specific situation.

Can I do an internship without a work permit?

For mandatory internships linked to your study programme, your employer still needs a TWV, but the conditions are easier to meet. An internship agreement (stageovereenkomst) between you, your university, and the host company is required.

Do I have to pay taxes on my student job?

Yes. Your employer withholds income tax automatically. You can apply the loonheffingskorting (tax credit) with one employer to reduce withholding. Many students get a refund by filing an annual tax return.

Student Employment Guide

Working on a Student Visa in the Netherlands

Know your rights, your limits, and the paperwork. This guide covers work permits, hour limits, taxes, and health insurance — so you can earn without risking your residence status.

EU/EEA & Swiss Students

If you hold an EU/EEA or Swiss passport, you have full access to the Dutch labour market

You Can Work Freely

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national, you can work in the Netherlands without a work permit (TWV).

No work permit (TWV) required

Non-EU/EEA Students

You can work in the Netherlands, but there are strict rules — follow them carefully

Option A

16 Hours per Week

Work up to 16 hours per week throughout the entire year. Your employer must apply for a TWV (work permit) through UWV before you start.

Up to 16 hours per week
Employer must have a TWV

Option B

Full-Time in Summer

Work full-time (no hour limit) during June, July, and August only. Your employer still needs a TWV from UWV.

Full-time permitted in June, July, and August
Cannot combine with the 16-hour option in the same period
TWV still required — employer applies via UWV

The Employer Applies — Not You

You cannot apply for the TWV yourself. Only the employer applies for the TWV via UWV.

Internships & Volunteering

Different types of work follow different rules — don't assume they're all the same

Internships (Stages)

Many universities state that if the internship is relevant to your studies, a TWV is not required, but the company must be able to show a properly signed internship agreement (student + company + university).

If relevant to your studies, a TWV is generally not required
Must be documented with a properly signed internship agreement
Agreement must be between student, company, and university

Volunteering

Some institutions note that for volunteering, a Volunteer Declaration may be used instead of a TWV (rules and practice can vary by organisation).

A Volunteer Declaration may be used instead of a TWV
Rules and practice can vary by organisation

Breaking the Rules

The consequences are serious — for both you and your employer

It Can Go Wrong Fast

If you work without a TWV (when required) or work more hours than allowed, the employer can be fined and the situation can be reported to the IND, which may affect your residence status.

Employer Can Be Fined

The employer can be fined for employing you without the required TWV or outside allowed hours.

May Affect Residence Status

The situation can be reported to the IND, which may affect your residence status.

Taxes on Student Income

Yes, you pay taxes — but you might get a nice refund

Automatic Withholding

Your employer automatically deducts income tax and social contributions (loonheffing) from your salary each month. You don't need to do anything for this.

Loonheffingskorting

You can ask your employer to apply loonheffingskorting, which usually means more net salary each month. You request this via a standard payroll form. You normally apply loonheffingskorting with only one employer at a time (otherwise you can end up paying back tax later).

Annual Tax Return

If too much tax was withheld (common with part-time jobs), filing an annual tax return can lead to a refund. The Belastingdienst also has student-oriented guidance about working in paid employment and payroll tax credits.

Health Insurance & Working

Working changes your insurance obligations — here's what to know

📚 Studying Only

• If you are in the Netherlands only to study, you are generally not allowed to take out Dutch basic health insurance (basiszorgverzekering)
• You should have sufficient coverage via private or home-country insurance

💼 Studying + Working

• If you have a part-time job, you are generally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance
• Some student information services also warn that an internship (even unpaid) can trigger the same requirement

If You Receive a Letter from CAK

CAK explains that everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands must have health insurance, and if you believe you don't need Dutch insurance you can request a Wlz assessment via SVB.

Checklist for Non-EU Students

Before you start working, make sure all four boxes are ticked

Confirm you'll work ≤16 hours/week or full-time in June–Aug. Pick one.

Make sure your employer applies for a TWV before you start.

Decide whether to apply loonheffingskorting (usually only for one employer).

If you start working, arrange Dutch basic health insurance (or confirm via SVB if unsure).

Need Help Navigating Work Rules?

The rules around working on a student visa can be confusing — especially when your employer isn't familiar with TWV applications. StudyPath helps you understand your rights and stay compliant.

Confirm whether you need a TWV and which option applies (16 hours/week or full-time in summer)
Make sure your employer applies for a TWV before you start
Decide whether to apply loonheffingskorting
Arrange Dutch basic health insurance if you start working

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but the rules depend on your nationality. EU/EEA and Swiss students can work without a work permit (TWV). Non-EU/EEA students may work as an employee only if their employer has a TWV, and must choose between up to 16 hours per week or full-time in June, July, and August.

Non-EU/EEA students must choose one of two options: up to 16 hours per week during the year, or full-time in June, July, and August. Your employer must have a TWV for you.

If you're a non-EU/EEA student, yes — your employer must apply for the TWV via UWV. You cannot apply for the TWV yourself. EU/EEA and Swiss students do not need a TWV.

If you are in the Netherlands only to study, you are generally not allowed to take out Dutch basic health insurance. However, if you have a part-time job, you are generally required to take out Dutch basic health insurance. If you receive a letter from CAK, you can request a Wlz assessment via SVB if you believe you don't need Dutch insurance.

Yes. Your employer usually withholds wage tax (payroll tax) from your salary. You can ask your employer to apply loonheffingskorting, which usually means more net salary each month — but normally only with one employer at a time. If too much tax was withheld, filing an annual tax return can lead to a refund.