Working Rights in the Netherlands

Student Jobs

Student Employee Work Permit

Students in the Netherlands are allowed to work for a maximum of 16 hours per week and full-time during June, July, and August.

To be permitted to work, your employer must apply on your behalf for a work permit (TWV) at least 5 weeks before the start of your employment. (Netherlands Labour Authority)

Wages

Students can typically expect to earn €6 - 15/hour as a part-time employee in a student job role.

Self-Employed Students

Students in the Netherlands are permitted to be self-employed during their studies. There are no limits to the number of hours you may work as long as you continue to meet the requirements for your student residence permit, and you do not need to apply for a separate work permit. (The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK)

After Graduating

Orientation Year

After graduation, you can apply for a one-year permit to seek employment or start a business.

This residence permit is open to students who have graduated from a Dutch university, an Erasmus Mundus master’s course, or a designated foreign institution within the past 3 years.

Start-Up

If you have an idea for a startup in the Netherlands, you can apply for a residence permit to build your company.

To qualify, you must have a mentor in the Netherlands and your startup must meet the designated requirements.

You must also be able to prove that you have the means to support yourself for one year while building your startup or be sponsored by your mentor.

Self-Employment (DAFT)

If you would like to start your own business, freelance, or work as a self-employed artist, you may apply for a self-employment residence permit. To qualify, you must prove that your activity is of essential interest to the Dutch economy or culture.

Key Industries in the Netherlands

  • A rural landscape featuring a windmill in the background, a grassy field with sheep grazing, and a blue sky with some clouds.

    Agriculture & Food

    The Netherlands is the second-largest exporter of food in the world.

  • Several test tubes filled with colorful liquids are arranged on a transparent rack, with some test tubes lying on their sides in the foreground.

    Chemistry

    The chemical industry is one of the country's leading economic sectors aiming to tackle challenges in climate, food production, circularity, mobility, and health.

  • People viewing and photographing a large painting in an art gallery, with ornate architectural details and gold accents.

    Creative Industries & Tourism

    The Netherlands has a rich history of art and creativity dating back to the Dutch Masters, contributing to the draw of about 20 million international tourists annually.

  • A field of red flowers with two large white wind turbines in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Energy

    The Netherlands is currently prioritizing working towards a decentralized energy supply based on renewable resources.

  • A close-up of a colorful electronic circuit board with various chips, resistors, capacitors, and connectors.

    High Tech Systems & Materials

    The microscope, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi are all the result of Dutch innovation.

  • A digital illustration of a cluster of abstract purple and pink textured flowers against a light pink background.

    Life Science & Health

    The scientific innovations of the Dutch expanded into the health industry, including developing the first artificial kidney and the discovery of immunotherapy.

  • Stack of colorful shipping containers on a dock by a body of water under a partly cloudy sky.

    Logistics

    The Netherlands is located in a strategic position within Europe to serve as a crossroads to facilitate the flow of goods throughout the continent by land, sea, and air.

  • A large building with many windows and a series of national flags outside, with trees and a clear sky above.

    Peace, Justice & Security

    The Hague is the legal capital of the world and the home of the International Court of Justice, the Inter­national Criminal Court, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

  • Three traditional Dutch windmills beside a body of water with wooden dock posts, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Water

    The Netherlands translates to the “low lands” named for its low elevation close to sea level. This drives innovation in protection against rising sea levels, clean water solutions, and water management.

Discover more about studying in the Netherlands

Return to the Netherlands Country Profile