Disclaimer

We do not guarantee you will get a job through this resource.

Suggestions of places to work on the map are based on gossip and experience — it's possible that suggestions on the map are wrong. Reach out to correct a suggestion (or suggest a new place!) through our contact form!



What's a work permit?

As non-EU students in the Netherlands, businesses are required to apply for a tewerkstellingsvergunning (also known as a “TWV” or a “work permit”) on our behalf so we may legally be able to work for them part-time.

You do not apply. The place you're working for does.

Read more here:


How long does it take to process?

Officialy, it can take up to five weeks for the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (the UWV, or Employee Insurance Agency) to process an application.


🗣️ Rumor says...

Based on experience, it can take a minimum of two weeks for the UWV to process applications. We’ve heard from a few students that their applications took up to half a year. In the summer, especially, this process may take longer as case workers could go on vacation, stalling your application.

You are allowed to inform your employer to cancel your application at any point!


Does my employer or I have to pay for my permit?

No! Absolutely not. For non-EU students who are registered residents of the Netherlands, you do not need to pay to apply for a TWV because non-EU students can be hired under “eased requirements.”

To learn more about application requirements, read here:


‼️ But I’ve Been Told I Have To Pay!

If you're rejected from a job because it is “expensive” to apply for a TWV, it may be worth telling the hiring agent that employers do not need to pay for your permit. Redirect them to the Nuffic link above.


Can I work two jobs?

You’re not allowed to have more than one contract or work permit at a time — so, you cannot work more than one formal job.


❓ Between Jobs?

Non-EU students have less flexibility when it comes to moving between jobs because of the above rule. Your old employer has to notify the UWV to cancel your work permit before you can get a new one. Otherwise, your new work permit application may be stalled or rejected until the old one gets sorted out.

If ever you leave a job, immediately ask your employer to cancel your permit.


How many hours can I work?

The amount of hours you can work can be found at the back of your BRP card.

For most full-time students, you have two options:

  • Working up to 16 hours a week throughout the year.
  • Working full-time during the summer break.
However, you cannot do both with one permit. You will have to apply for separate permits per option, and you cannot have more than one permit at a time.


🫠 Fun Fact!

Most European countries allow non-EU students to work up to 20 hours per week. The Netherlands allows the lowest number of hours after Luxembourg, which allows non-EU students to work only 15 hours per week.


What if I freelance?

Freelancing allows you to work unlimited hours, but you need to do your own taxes and register with the Kamer van Koophandel (the KVK).

Read more here:


✏️ Please Note…

Some businesses prefer to hire students on a freelance basis instead of hiring students regularly, subjecting them to the freelancing rules above. Be aware of your rights and responsibilities based on the type of worker you're employed as!


Where can I find informal (e.g. petsitting, babysitting) or gig work?

We have a page here. Remember to read up on your rights and responsibilities as an informal worker!


Does my student health insurance cover work?

You need to upgrade your insurance to a Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) to work. Check whether you can upgrade with your current insurance provider or look for an affordable insurance plan through websites like Independer.nl.

Once you start working, you have three months to upgrade. If you don't, you may be fined by the government — it's illegal to work without basic health insurance.


💸 Get the government to pay for it!

You can avail several allowances as a non-EU student. If you qualify, these are paid to your Dutch bank account monthly. What allowances are you eligible for?

✅ Health Insurance Allowance (zorgtoeslag). The moment you have Dutch basic health insurance and a job, you qualify for this allowance.
✅ Rent Allowance (huurtoeslag). Depending on your age, income, and housing situation, this allowance pays off a portion of your rent.
❌ DUO Student Allowance. Only applicable to Dutch, EU, Swiss, and British students and/or their partners/family members.
❌ Free/Discounted Student Travel Product. Only applicable to Dutch, EU, Swiss, and British students and/or their partners/family members.


I’m not a student. Do these regulations still apply to me?

Let Us Werk! is intended for non-EU international students with a study visa. Please look at guides intended for the kind of situation you have!