Working in the Netherlands as a non-Dutch student
As a non-Dutch student, you have the opportunity to work in the Netherlands during your studies. However, there are important rules regarding health insurance, work permits, income taxes and social security premiums that you must follow.
Do you need a work permit?
Whether you need a work permit or not depends on your nationality.
- No work permit required: residents of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland
- Work permit required (transitional regulation): residents of all other countries
Know your rights and obligations
If you want to learn more about your rights and obligations as a non-Dutch student, please contact:
The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
+31 88 043 0430
Requesting a work permit
If you need a work permit, your employer must request it on your behalf from the UWV. They will need your residence permit and proof of student registration. This process takes about five weeks.
Limitation when working with a work permit
If you require a work permit, you must choose between the following options for work hours:
- Seasonal work: full-time in June, July and August
- Other work: Part-time throughout the year, up to 16 hours per week.
Residents of the European Union, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland can work full-time without these limitations.
Mandatory basic health insurance
If you are over 18 and living or working in the Netherlands, you must have basic healthcare insurance. This insurance covers standard costs such as GP visits, hospital stays and prescriptions. Ensure you are well-insured at all times. For more information, visit MyMaastricht.
Income tax and social security
You are required to pay taxes on your total income, including any scholarships. In the Netherlands, you must file your income taxes annually. For more information on income tax, you can:
- visit your employer's personnel department
- call the Dutch Tax Administration for individuals at 0800 0543 (this number is not available from abroad)
Your employer will deduct social security contributions from your gross salary. This deduction is mandatory and provides insurance against workplace accidents.
Avoid working illegally (‘undeclared work’)
Undeclared work, where no taxes or social security premiums are paid, is illegal. While it might seem advantageous due to higher earnings, it leaves you without employee rights or insurance coverage. Additionally, working without a valid work permit is illegal and can result in severe penalties for your employer.