
International students in the Netherlands are allowed to work, but there are several rules and regulations to be aware of. These include the type of work, the number of hours, and the type of residence permit and work permit required. For example, students with a residence permit for study can work as self-employed professionals without needing a work permit, but they must meet the conditions for entrepreneurship. Students from the EU/EEA or Switzerland do not need a work permit and can work without restrictions, but it is advisable to register with the Dutch Immigration Service. Non-EU/EEA students are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week or full-time during the summer months, and their employer must apply for a work permit for them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work as an international student in the Netherlands | Yes |
| Work permit required for international students | Depends on nationality and type of work |
| Work permit required for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens | No |
| Work permit required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens | Yes |
| Work permit application process time | About 5 weeks |
| Work permit application made by | Employer or employment agency |
| Work permit application accompanying documents | Copy of residence permit for study purposes and a statement from the institution confirming enrolment |
| Maximum weekly work hours for non-EU/EEA citizens | 16 hours |
| Full-time work allowed for non-EU/EEA citizens | During summer months (June, July, and August) |
| Dutch public health insurance requirement | Yes, once employed |
| Self-employed work permit requirement for international students | No |
| Internship work permit requirement for international students | No |
| Orientation year work permit requirement for non-EU/EEA graduates | No |
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What You'll Learn
- Work permit requirements for international students in the Netherlands
- Health insurance for international students working in the Netherlands
- Internship requirements for international students in the Netherlands
- Work hours restrictions for international students in the Netherlands
- Types of employment for international students in the Netherlands

Work permit requirements for international students in the Netherlands
International students in the Netherlands are allowed to work alongside their studies. However, there are specific rules and requirements that must be followed.
Firstly, it is important to note that international students with a residence permit for study are not automatically granted the right to work for an employer in the Netherlands. A separate work permit is required, and this must be arranged by the employer through the UWV. There are restrictions on the number of hours that can be worked with this type of permit. International students with a residence permit for study who wish to work part-time can do so, but they must not exceed 16 hours per week. During the summer months of June, July, and August, students may work full-time.
If you are an international student from a country within the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you are exempt from needing a work permit. You are free to work for an employer or as a self-employed person (known as a ZZP'er in Dutch) without any restrictions on the number of hours worked.
It is important to be aware of the potential consequences of working without meeting the conditions for entrepreneurship. The Dutch government has the DBA Act in place, which sets out the criteria for entrepreneurship and salaried and temporary employment. False self-employment, where an individual works as a self-employed professional without meeting the necessary conditions, can result in serious financial implications.
Additionally, as soon as an international student obtains a job, they are required to register for Dutch public health insurance, regardless of their tax-paying status, number of working hours, or possession of an EU healthcare card.
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Health insurance for international students working in the Netherlands
International students in the Netherlands are normally not required to take out Dutch health insurance. However, if you are an international student with plans to work in the Netherlands, you are legally required to have Dutch public health insurance. This applies to part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and full-time employment after graduation. If you are working on a self-employed basis, you must contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) and request an assessment of your Wlz position to determine whether you need to take out public health insurance.
There are some exceptions to the rule. If you are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you are eligible to receive a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that covers your necessary medical costs during your stay. In this case, you do not need to take out Dutch public health insurance. Additionally, if you are in the Netherlands solely for study purposes and have no plans to work, you cannot apply for Dutch health insurance.
The cost of standard health insurance in the Netherlands is approximately €1,500 per year. It covers essential healthcare services such as visits to a general practitioner (GP), maternity care, and hospital care. However, it does not include dental costs for individuals over 18 years old. If you require dental coverage, you may need to take out supplemental health insurance.
To receive financial aid from the Dutch government to compensate for the costs of health insurance, you must meet specific criteria. You can find more information on the Dutch tax administration website. Additionally, to apply for a healthcare benefit, you must be eligible for Dutch public health insurance via the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst).
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Internship requirements for international students in the Netherlands
International students in the Netherlands are required to obtain a single permit, also known as a "gecombineerde vergunning verblijf en arbeid" or GVVA, which combines a residence and work permit, to be able to take up internships or apprenticeships in the country. The requirements and guidelines for internships in the Netherlands vary depending on the student's nationality and the duration of their stay.
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you are not required to obtain a work permit to intern in the Netherlands. However, it is advisable to register with the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) and the local municipality in which you will reside, as this will make the process of finding an internship easier.
For non-EU/EEA citizens, the requirements may include obtaining an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) and a residence permit, in addition to the work permit. The need for an MVV and residence permit depends on the length of your internship and your nationality. It is important to check the specific requirements with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Additionally, your employer or the employment agency will need to apply for your work permit from the UWV, and you must provide a copy of your residence permit and a statement from your institution confirming your enrolment.
It is important to note that Dutch law requires employers to pay interns a reasonable allowance, which can vary depending on the industry and company. As an intern, you will also be required to obtain Dutch public health insurance and provide your employer with your social security number (BSN).
In terms of the type of internships available, the Netherlands offers a unique "walk-along internship", which provides students with an immersive experience within a specific job role or industry. These internships are usually undertaken in the final year of a Bachelor's or Master's degree and involve shadowing professionals in various roles within a company.
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Work hours restrictions for international students in the Netherlands
International students in the Netherlands are subject to work restrictions based on their residency and student status. Here is some information regarding work hour restrictions for international students in the Netherlands:
Work Permit Requirements:
If you are an international student with a residence permit for study, you are allowed to engage in self-employed work without any restrictions on work hours. You do not need a separate work permit for self-employed work and can work freely without any hourly limitations. However, it is important to ensure that you meet the criteria for entrepreneurship as defined by the Employment Relationships Deregulation Act (DBA Act).
On the other hand, if you wish to work for an employer, your situation is different. Your residence permit for study does not automatically grant you the right to work for an employer. You will need an additional work permit, which your prospective employer must apply for on your behalf through the organization UWV. This work permit comes with specific restrictions on the number of hours you can work.
Work Hour Restrictions:
As an international student with a work permit, you have two options for working during your studies, but you cannot do both simultaneously:
- Part-time work throughout the year: You are allowed to work a maximum of 16 hours per week.
- Seasonal full-time work: You can work full-time during the summer months of June, July, and August.
These work hour restrictions apply to international students with work permits, ensuring they can balance their studies and part-time employment effectively.
Health Insurance:
It is important to note that as an international student in the Netherlands, your health insurance requirements may change when you take on a job. Regardless of your nationality, tax status, or hours worked, you will be required to obtain Dutch public health insurance once you become employed.
Additionally, as a rule of thumb, you should budget approximately €1200 per month to live comfortably as a student in the Netherlands, including rent but excluding tuition fees.
In summary, international students in the Netherlands have the option to work part-time or seasonally with specific work hour restrictions, depending on their work permit status. Self-employed students without a work permit can work freely without hourly limitations, but they must meet entrepreneurship criteria.
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Types of employment for international students in the Netherlands
International students in the Netherlands have a few options when it comes to employment. The type of employment an international student can take on will depend on their nationality, residence status, and area of study. Here are the main types of employment available to international students in the Netherlands:
- Part-time employment: International students can work part-time jobs while studying in the Netherlands. The Dutch immigration law restricts the number of hours to a maximum of 16 hours per week throughout the year. However, during the summer months of June, July, and August, international students are allowed to work full-time. It is important to note that students from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland do not need a work permit, while non-EU/EEA citizens will need a work permit arranged by their employer.
- Self-employed work: International students with a residence permit for study are allowed to work as self-employed professionals (known as "zzp'ers" in Dutch) without needing a separate work permit. There are no restrictions on the number of hours they can work. However, it is important to meet the conditions for entrepreneurship set out by the Employment Relationships Deregulation Act (DBA Act) to avoid any financial consequences.
- Internships: Non-EU/EEA international students can take on internships during their studies without needing a work permit. However, the internship provider must have an internship agreement, signed by the student, the internship provider, and the university internship coordinator. After completing their studies, international students can also do internships on an Orientation Year residence permit.
- Voluntary work: Non-EU/EEA international students who wish to engage in voluntary work no longer need a work permit (TWV). Instead, they can apply for a Volunteer Declaration (Vrijwilligersverklaring), which is a simpler process.
- Orientation Year employment: Non-EU/EEA students who graduate from a Dutch university are eligible for an Orientation Year, during which they can work freely in the Netherlands without their employer needing to apply for a work permit.
It is important to note that working as an international student in the Netherlands comes with certain requirements, such as the need to obtain Dutch public health insurance once employed. Additionally, students should be aware of the rules and regulations regarding their studies, as they are expected to be available for all educational activities, which may include evenings and weekends.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the Netherlands, but there are rules and regulations that must be followed.
The rules and regulations for international students wanting to work in the Netherlands include:
- If you are studying full-time, you are expected to be available for all educational activities, which include classes, group activities, and excursions, from 9:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
- You need a residence permit for study, and an additional work permit for employment.
- You must obtain at least 50% of the required credits for each academic year to maintain your residence permit.
- If you are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a work permit, but it is highly advisable to register with the Dutch Immigration Service (IND).
- If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you are allowed to work up to a maximum of 16 hours per week throughout the year, or full-time during the summer months (June to August).
- You are required to have Dutch public health insurance when you get a job.
International students can work in the Netherlands without a work permit by:
- Doing self-employed work.
- Doing voluntary work with a Volunteer Declaration (Vrijwilligersverklaring).
- Doing an internship relevant to their studies, with an internship agreement.
International students should be aware that:
- Only their employer can apply for their work permit before hiring them.
- They cannot start working before the work permit has been issued, or their employer will be fined, and they will lose their residence permit.
- They need to provide their employer with their social security number, the BSN.





































