🏷️ Complete GuideUpdated September 2025

Student work permits Netherlands 2025: TWV application guide

Complete guide to work rights and permit requirements for international students

This guide explains the work rights and permit requirements for international students in the Netherlands, including TWV permits, hour restrictions, summer work, and pathways to graduate work permits. All information is fully verified and updated for 2025.

Quick Navigation

• Who Can Work and When • TWV Work Permit for Students • Hour Restrictions & Summer Work • Transition to Graduate & Post-Study Work • Employer Responsibilities • Frequently Asked Questions • Essential Resources

Main Work Permits Guide Complete Student Guide Student Housing Guide

Who Can Work and When

Work rights differ based on your 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 online portal to request TWV
• Submits student's personal and study documents
• Provides job contract details
• Pays TWV application fee (€66)

Processing & Validity:

• Processing Time: Up to 2 weeks for decision
• 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

• Overtime Rules: Employers must not exceed 16 hours/week average over a quarter during term
• 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 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)

• Graduates: ≥ €2,989/month (recent graduates)
• Under 30: ≥ €4,171/month (general threshold)
• 30 and Over: ≥ €5,688/month (experienced professionals)
• PhD: No salary threshold required

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.

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.

Essential Resources

Official sources and helpful guides

Official 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

Ready to Work in the Netherlands?

Get the complete picture of working as an international student with our verified guides and trusted service providers.

Complete Work Permits Guide Find Services