Yes, you can work on a student residence permit, but with limits. If you are a citizen of the EU you can work without a permit. This post is about students from outside the EU/EEA.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The IND decides on residence permits and your institution decides on admission.

The rule

According to the IND, as an employee you may work up to 16 hours a week, or full time in June, July and August. A work permit (TWV) is required. Self-employment is permitted without the same restriction, provided you still meet the conditions of your residence permit.

The IND's background article for international students puts it the same way: no more than 16 hours a week, or only in the summer months.

What to sort out first

  • A BSN. Your employer needs your citizen service number. You get it when you register with your municipality.
  • Health insurance. Study in NL that as soon as you have a (part-time) job you must have Dutch public health insurance. See our insurance guide.
  • If you work for yourself. Study in NL says to contact the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) for an assessment of your position.

Where to look

Study in NL suggests your institution's career centre, online job portals, local job boards, and networking events and career fairs. Many institutions also run career counselling and have contacts with employers who offer internships.

Internships

Paid internships raise their own insurance questions. Study in NL’s insurance page explains that for students from outside the EU/EEA, you are insured under the Wlz scheme if you are paid at least the Dutch minimum wage, and that expenses and room and board can count as pay. If in doubt, start the Wlz assessment with the SVB.

Think about your credits too

Your permit depends on progress. The IND requires you to earn at least 50% of the credits each study year, so a job that eats your study time can put your permit at risk.

Sources

Opened and checked on 5 October 2026. Figures that change from year to year are marked "as of October 2026"; check the source before you rely on them.