This page is mainly intended for students from non-EU/EEA countries. Please note there are strict rules for working in the Netherlands during your studies. You will find more information here.
Insurance
When you have a (part-time) job in the Netherlands, you are obliged to have a Basic Healthcare Insurance – even if you only work for one hour per week next to your study. This insurance needs to start the day you start your job. If you neglect to do this, you will receive a fine which can become very high. A Basic Healthcare Insurance costs around € 100,- a month, so in case you do not work many hours, you might want to reconsider taking the job.
Rules are different when you are doing an internship. If you will earn at least the minimum wage during your internship, you will need to switch to the Basic Healthcare Insurance.
Working in the Netherlands during your studies
- Self-employed work by non-EU/EEA students and knowledge migrants is exempted from the TWV. You can be self-employed in addition to your studies, without needing a TWV work permit from UWV. However, you have to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
- Remember that as a non-EU/EEA student, you need to comply with the conditions for your residence permit.
- It also entails registering at the Dutch Tax office (Belastingdienst) and the Dutch Tax office collects tax 4 times a year on every product or service sold in the Netherlands.
- The work permit obligation does still apply to non-EU/EEA (and Croatian) students wanting to pick up a part-time job or internship alongside their studies. EU students have free access to the Dutch labour market.
Useful links:
- Kamer van Koophandel (Dutch Chamber of Commerce)
- Extending your residence permit
- Students from the non-EU/EEA countries need a work permit.
- This permit is free of charge.
- The number of hours you’re allowed to work in the Netherlands is restricted. Every calendar year, you must choose:
Part time or summer job
- Seasonal (summer) work in June, July and August. Both part-time and full-time are allowed.
or - Part-time work throughout the year, but no more than 16 hours a week.
Please note that you cannot do both.
TEWERKSTELLINGSVERGUNNING (TWV)
- In Dutch, a work permit is called a tewerkstellingsvergunning, often abbreviated to TWV.
- Your employer or employment agency must apply for a work permit for you. They can do so at the UWV, afdeling TWV, T: 088 898 20 70. You cannot do this yourself.
- Your employer or employment agency needs to apply for this work permit (TWV) at least 5 weeks prior to the start of your employment.
- It can take up to 5 weeks to process the application.
- You can give your employer the following links if they are not familiar with the TWV for student jobs.
Procedure
From you, your future employer or employment agency (commonly) needs the following two documents to accompany the application for a work permit:
- A copy of the front and back of your residence permit for study purposes
- Proof of enrolment
Validity
After the application has been processed, your employer will receive your work permit. You can ask your employer for a copy of your TWV for your own administration. Your work permit will be valid for the same time period as your registration at the UT. Therefore, your employer needs to request a new work permit if you renew your registration at the UT.