Student work permits Netherlands 2026: TWV guide
Work rights, TWV application (no fee, 2-5 weeks), 16-hour limit, summer work, orientation year
Work rights for international students in the Netherlands: EU/EEA students have unlimited work rights, non-EU students require a TWV work permit (applied for by the employer; no government fee) with a 16-hour weekly limit during term and full-time work allowed only in June-August. Violations can lead to loss of your residence permit and substantial fines for employers (thousands of euros per illegally employed worker). As of 2025, standard fines are around €6,000 per worker, and can rise to roughly €11,000 in serious or repeated cases. Orientation year (zoekjaar) provides 12 months full work rights after graduation.
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Who can work and when
Work rights differ based on nationality and student status
EU/EEA/Swiss Students
- • Work Rights: Free to work without permit or hour limits
- • Registration: Must register with municipality and obtain BSN if staying > 4 months
- • Employment: Same rights as Dutch students
- • Flexibility: Can work full-time, part-time, or freelance
Non-EU/EEA Students
- • Work Limit: Up to 16 hours/week during academic year
- • Summer Work: Full-time in June, July, and August only
- • Permit Required: TWV work permit for any paid employment
- • Employer Applies: Employer must request permit on your behalf
Important: Work rights are tied to your student status. You must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution to be eligible for student work permits.
TWV Work Permit for Students
Essential permit for non-EU students to work legally
What Is a TWV?
A TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) is a work permit that authorizes non-EU students to work legally in the Netherlands. It's specific to each employer and job position.
Eligibility Criteria
- • Student Status: Enrolled in a full-time course at a recognized institution
- • Maximum Hours: ≤ 16 hours/week during term; no limit June–August
- • Employment Offer: Written job contract or offer letter required
- • Valid Visa: Must have valid student residence permit
Application Process
Employer applies
- • Uses UWV's online system to request a TWV for you.
- • Submits basic personal and study details plus the job contract.
- • Confirms that you are enrolled full-time and hold a valid residence permit for study.
- • There is no government fee for a TWV; the employer only spends time and any optional advisory costs.
Processing & validity
- • Processing time: allow 2-5 weeks for a decision. Some student TWV applications are processed faster, but UWV and government sources advise counting on several weeks.
- • Validity period: Matches academic year or summer period
- • Renewal: Required each academic year
- • Labour market test: Exempt for student TWVs
Tip: Student TWV applications are exempt from the mandatory labour market test, making them easier to obtain than regular work permits.
Hour Restrictions & Summer Work
Understanding work limits and holiday employment rules
Work Hour Limits
| Period | Maximum Work Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Term | 16 hours per week | During active study periods |
| June, July, August | Unlimited full-time work | Summer holiday period |
| Christmas/Spring Break | 16 hours per week | Still considered academic term |
Important rules
- • Hour limit is strict: you may not work more than 16 paid hours in any week during the academic year (excluding June-August, when full-time is allowed). The limit applies to all jobs combined.
- • Multiple jobs: Total hours across all employers cannot exceed 16/week
- • Monitoring: UWV and immigration authorities monitor compliance
- • Violations: Can result in permit revocation and substantial fines
Employment Benefits
- • Holiday Pay: Students accrue vacation hours paid at 8% of gross wage
- • Minimum Wage: Entitled to Dutch minimum wage based on age
- • Social Security: Partial coverage for workplace injury insurance
- • Tax Treatment: Subject to Dutch income tax and social contributions
Summer Work Opportunity: The three-month full-time work period (June-August) is ideal for gaining experience and earning money to support your studies.
Transition to Graduate & Post-Study Work
Pathways from student work to professional employment
Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit
For non-EU graduates from Dutch universities or top-200 international universities who completed their degree within the past 3 years.
Key Benefits
- • Validity: 12 months full work rights
- • Employment: No hour restrictions or employer limitations
- • Flexibility: Can work for multiple employers
- • Transition: Easy path to Highly Skilled Migrant permit
Application Details
- • Application: Submit within 3 years of graduation via IND
- • Fee: €275 application fee
- • Processing: 2–4 weeks standard processing
- • Extension: Cannot be extended beyond 12 months
Highly Skilled Migrant Permit
After Orientation Year or directly from studies for high-income roles. Ideal for long-term career development in the Netherlands.
Salary thresholds (2025)
Approximate gross monthly salary thresholds in 2025 (excluding 8% holiday allowance):
- • Recent graduates / after Orientation Year: ≥ €2,989 per month.
- • Highly skilled migrant under 30: ≥ €4,171 per month.
- • Highly skilled migrant 30 and over: ≥ €5,688 per month.
Separate rules apply to researchers under EU Directive 2016/801 (including many PhD candidates), where the standard highly skilled migrant salary thresholds may not apply in the same way. Always check the latest IND thresholds and whether your role falls under the researcher or highly skilled migrant route.
Requirements & Benefits
- • Sponsor Requirement: Employer must be IND-recognized
- • 30% Ruling Eligible: Potential tax savings up to 30%
- • Family: Partner and children can join
- • Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable
Seamless Transition: The pathway from student work → Orientation Year → Highly Skilled Migrant permit provides a clear route to permanent employment in the Netherlands.
AcademicTransfer
AcademicTransfer is the job platform for a career in research and academia in the Netherlands. For every researcher - from starter to senior - and in every scientific field.
Employer Responsibilities
Legal obligations for employers hiring international students
TWV Compliance
- • Permit Application: Apply for TWV through UWV's online system
- • Hour Monitoring: Respect hour limits and contract terms
- • Documentation: Keep records of work hours and permit validity
- • Renewal: Apply for new TWV each academic year
- • Violations: Risk fines up to €8,000 for non-compliance
Payroll & Insurance
- • Social Security: Deduct appropriate social security contributions
- • Tax Withholding: Handle income tax deductions correctly
- • Employment Proof: Provide documentation for BSN and insurance registrations
- • Minimum Wage: Ensure compliance with Dutch minimum wage laws
- • Holiday Pay: Provide statutory 8% vacation allowance
Employer Tip: Register as a recognized sponsor with IND if you regularly hire international talent. This streamlines the permit process and demonstrates compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to do an internship?
Mandatory unpaid internships that are part of your curriculum do not require a TWV permit. However, paid internships require a TWV permit for non-EU students, regardless of whether they are part of your studies.
Can I start work before receiving my TWV permit?
No, you cannot work without a valid TWV permit. Working without the proper permit can result in fines up to €8,000 for both the student and employer. Always wait for permit approval before starting work.
Can I switch from student work to a graduate permit seamlessly?
Yes, you can apply for the Orientation Year (zoekjaar) permit up to 3 years after graduation, then transition to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit. The transition is designed to be smooth for qualified graduates.
What happens if I exceed the 16-hour work limit?
Exceeding the work limit can result in TWV permit revocation, fines, and potential impact on your student visa status. Employers are also subject to penalties for allowing students to work beyond permitted hours.
Can I work for multiple employers with one TWV permit?
Each TWV permit is employer-specific. If you want to work for multiple employers, each employer must apply for a separate TWV permit on your behalf.
How early should I apply for a TWV permit?
Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended start date. Processing typically takes up to 2 weeks, but allow extra time for potential delays or additional documentation requests.
Can I work remotely for a foreign employer or freelance as a student?
In most cases, no – not without the same permits and limitations. Your Dutch residence permit for study limits how much you may work while living in the Netherlands, regardless of whether your employer is Dutch or foreign. If you are a non-EU student and you live in the Netherlands, any paid work (including remote work) generally counts as work in the Netherlands. You must obey the 16-hour limit during the academic year and have a TWV if you are in an employment relationship. Freelancing or invoicing clients as a self-employed person requires a separate residence permit for self-employment; a standard student permit does not allow you to run a business full-time. Because the rules are complex and enforcement can have immigration consequences, students who want to do remote work or freelance should get individual advice from an immigration lawyer or their university's legal desk before accepting such work.
How hard is it to find a student job if I need a TWV?
Many employers and temp agencies prefer EU students because they can hire them without extra paperwork. For non-EU students, you will usually have better chances in sectors that already employ many internationals, such as hospitality, logistics/warehousing, cleaning, some call centres and on-campus jobs. When you apply, mention clearly that you are a non-EU student with a residence permit for study and that the company must apply for a TWV as a werkstudent. This category has a simpler procedure than regular work permits. Be prepared for a longer job search than EU classmates and avoid relying on a student job as your only source of funding.
Essential Resources
Official sources and helpful guides
Complete Work Permits Guide
Comprehensive guide to all work permit types in Netherlands
Read guideComplete Student Guide
Everything international students need to know about Netherlands
Read guideBSN Registration Guide
Essential for all work permits and employment
Read guideHealth Insurance for Students
Mandatory health insurance requirements and options
Read guide30% Ruling Guide
Tax benefits for highly skilled workers and graduates
Read guideAll Verified Services
Browse legal, immigration, and employment services
Browse servicesOfficial Government Sources
UWV (Work Permits)
Official source for TWV student work permits and applications
→ uwv.nl/werkgevers/tewerkstellingsvergunning
IND (Immigration)
Orientation Year permits and residence permit information
→ ind.nl/orientation-year
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