International students can work in the Netherlands subject to certain conditions. You can find more information about working while studying on this page.
Working while studying
As an EU/EEA-student in the Netherlands, you are free to take a part-time job to help cover your costs. Your position is somewhat different to that of Dutch students and you will have to take several practical matters into account:
- Insurance
- Income tax
Please note! If you work in the Netherlands for a minimum of 56 hours per month (employment condition), you may be eligible for a student grant for EU/EEA students.
As a non-EU/EEA student in the Netherlands, you need a work permit to have a part-time job. With a work permit, you will be allowed to work either 16 hours per week or full time during the summer months. Your position is somewhat different to that of Dutch students and you will have to take several practical matters into account:
- Work permit
- Insurance
- Income tax
Please note! It can be difficult to find a job and work permit procedures take a substantial amount of time. For more information, please also consult the Nuffic website.
Work permit
International students who do not have EU/EEA or Swiss nationality need a work permit if they wish to work in the Netherlands. Student interns do not need a work permit if they submit their internship agreement. Click here for more information aboutinternships.
You cannot apply for a work permit yourself. An employer must apply for the work permit. This means you must first find an employer or employment agency that is willing to do this for you. A work permit is always issued for a specific employer.
- You need a residence permit before your employer can apply for a work permit. Please note that the application for a residence permit usually takes around two months. After this, it takes around six weeks to process your work permit.
- You must have a BSN number, for which you need to register with the municipality. ThePathfinder toolprovides more information about practical matters.
- You are permitted to work either full-time in June, July and August or no more than 16 hours per week throughout the academic year.
- The work permit is valid for the same period as your residence permit. When you extend your residence permit, you must also extend your work permit.
Insurance
If you are employed, you are required by law to take out the Dutch basisverzekering (basic health insurance). The cost of this insurance policy is higher than a private student insurance policy. You can visit theNuffic website for more information. To apply, you can contact an insurance company or apply for the collective UU insurance policy from Ohra (tel. 020-4004040).Due to these higher costs, it may be more cost effective to work full time during the summer months rather than a few hours per week during the academic year. In this case, you can limit the cost of the higher insurance premium to the three summer months (June, July, August) and take out the cheaper student insurance for the remainder of the academic year.
Important
If you have a job and do not apply for a basisverzekering, you will be fined. The fine is €402.24, and you will also be charged the monthly fee for the basisverzekering from the date you started working. Needless to say this can cost you a lot of money, so please make sure that you apply for the basisverzekering if you get a job!
Income tax
Your employer must deduct income tax and social premiums, which provide disability pay and unemployment benefits, from your gross wages. In principle, your employer will deduct these social premiums from your pay before you get it. As an employee, you will also be insured against the consequences of an accident on the job. In some cases you may be required to file a tax return. Please refer to the website of theBelastingdienst(Tax and Customs Administration).
Citizen Service Number
The Citizen Service Number (Burger Service Number, BSN) is a unique identification number. You will receive this number automatically when you register with the municipality. You need this number when contacting various government agencies, including the tax and customs administration. Your employer also needs this number to be able to pay your wages.
Finding a job
Finding a job as an international in Utrecht can sometimes be challenging.TaskHeroprovides various jobs for non-Dutch speaking students in partnership with BuddyGoDutch.
Part-time employment and additional income
A few suggestions for finding part-time employment:
- Many students find a part-time job in a restaurant, bar or shop. This kind of job can be found by contacting employment agencies (including those specially aimed at students) or by reading advertisem*nts, newspapers and noticeboards.
- Job vacancies at the Utrecht Science Park.
- Important: if your income exceeds the extra earnings threshold, this will affect your entitlement to claim a student loan or grant. For more information about additional earnings, please see theDUO website.
