Wondering about the rules pertaining to part time work options while studying in Netherlands? Read on to understand the rules, eligibility and options available to Indian students on Study Visas. 

Netherlands has long been a hub of excellent study abroad opportunities. Some of the Top Universities in Netherlands rank amongst the oldest and best universities of the world and definitely in Europe. The country has had a long tradition of brilliant engineers and researchers and is home to some of the top multi-nationals of the world. Aerospace and Energy sector have long attracted best minds from across the globe to its universities, making Study in Netherlands a unique unexplored opportunity.

While the admission process and eligibility criteria determine the selection of Netherlands as a study abroad destination, one question that every student asks is – Can I work while studying in Netherlands? Well, the answer is yes, you can. However, like any country, there are some rules which governs the eligibility and conditions of employment of international students. This article attempts to answer the same while listing what all you need to know.

Part time work permits for Netherlands

Unlike some European countries (like Germany), students from India cannot work part time in Netherlands on their Student Visas. They would require a Work Permit to work while studying in a Dutch University. The work permits allow Indian Students to work for up to 10 hours a week (during term) or full time (during term break – June till August). It is important to note that you cannot do both.

Furthermore, the work permits are requested by an employer and not by the students. In case you are planning to take up a job in Netherlands during your education, your employer would have to apply for and get a work permit for you from UWV WERKbedrijf. Also, this does not stop at just the work permit. There are other conditions a student must know about. While students might find jobs that side step the regulations, they must know that it is considered illegal and if caught not only would the employer face a heavy fine, you also stand the possibility of losing your residence permit. We list them down for you.

Public Healthcare Insurance

As a student, you can apply for and study while on a private insurance. However, if you choose to work while you study in Netherlands, then the rules require you to have a Public Healthcare Insurance. Irrespective of when you decide to work, if you are changing your primary occupation from a student to an employee, you need to be a part of the public healthcare insurance. This might be more expensive than a private insurance and does not cover repatriation expenses and accidental liabilities.

A student, however, would be eligible for a Healthcare Allowance if covered under public healthcare insurance.

Social Security Contributions & Taxability of Income

If you are working in Netherlands, your employer is bound by law to deduct social security contributions from your wages before giving them to you. Furthermore, you are also liable to pay income tax. Remember, scholarships might also be considered as income and fall under tax liabilities. If you take up part time job and have scholarships, then you might end up paying more taxes and receiving less money than only from your scholarships! A student must, hence, think well before taking up part time work options while studying in Netherlands.

Dutch Language requirement

Needless to say, while many people are fluent in English and there are a lot of English taught programs, knowing the language would add to the many possibilities of finding relevant part time jobs. Also, most of the statutory forms and legal requirements are in Dutch Language. While translations are available, knowledge of the language would ensure that you know the kind of employment contract you are getting into.

Summing up, working while studying in Netherlands does not seem like an easy task. From finding a job to the many legal requirements make it a daunting task. On the contrary, the processes are streamlined and part time jobs are excellent ways of pruning your language skills, gaining relevant work experience and also starting your career in the country. You should look into the options available but before you do, you must remember the many rules that dictate international students’ conduct as part time workers. Also, post study work permits for Netherlands are simpler and add to the many advantages. So remember, you can at best gain a small pocket money and not your living expenses for Netherlands. 

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