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Working while studying

Contracts, taxes, BSN and permitted student work.

In short

Whether, and how much, you can work alongside your studies depends mainly on your nationality: EU/EEA/Swiss students can generally work freely, while most non-EU students need a work permit and are capped on hours.

EU/EEA/Swiss students

You can generally work under the same conditions as Dutch nationals, with no separate work permit required.

Non-EU/EEA students

  • Your employer usually needs a work permit (TWV) to hire you during term-time.
  • Hour limits typically apply during term-time, with more flexibility in the summer months, check the current limits.
  • Your residence permit conditions govern what's allowed, so check them before accepting a job.

Practical steps

  • Get your BSN before you start paid work, most employers will ask for it immediately.
  • Make sure payroll tax is registered correctly from your first payslip.
  • Confirm your specific hour limits with your institution or the IND before you accept an offer.

Official sources

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