Working in the Netherlands as an international student? This is what you must know!

04-11-2024
IMG 6202

Gabriel

Pexels Fauxels 3184416 (1)

Working in the Netherlands as an international student? This is what you must know!

Welcome to the Netherlands, where the tulips are bright, the bikes are plenty, and the paperwork for working can be… well, a bit of a maze. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the labyrinth of work permits, insurance, and taxes with a dash of useful information. Ready? Let’s dive in!

 

Do you need a work permit? (TWV)

Before you start dreaming about earning euros, you need to figure out if you need a work permit, or as the Dutch say, a ‘TWV’ (Tewerkstellingsvergunning). Not sure? We’ve got an infographic that makes it as easy as pie to see if you need one. Spoiler: if you’re from the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland, you can skip the permit!

 

 

How to apply for a work permit?

Okay, so you need a work permit. No worries! Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Full-time work: Allowed in June, July, and August.
  2. Part-time work: Allowed all year, but no more than 16 hours per week.

Remember, as an international student, you can’t apply for a work permit yourself. Only your future employer can do that, and they need to start before you sign any employment contract. The process takes about 5-6 weeks, so patience is key. But if you get a part-time job through International Students Work, we’ll handle all the permit stuff for you. Consider it your first Dutch life hack!

 

 

Get Dutch healthcare insurance

Now that you’ve got a job lined up, you’ll need Dutch health insurance. Whether you’re working 2 hours or 40 hours a week, it’s mandatory. This insurance costs between €100 and €175 per month, depending on the provider and coverage. Don’t let the numbers scare you—there’s help available.

Tip: Apply for health insurance as soon as you sign your employment contract. Miss the three-month deadline, and you’ll get a love letter from the government. Spoiler: it’s a fine.

For student discounts and more info, click here. Need a human to talk to? Call the Dutch Ministry of Health’s free English helpline: 0800 6464644

 

engineer data scientist electrical engineer

Get healthcare allowance

Good news for your wallet! The Dutch government offers a healthcare allowance for low-income folks, including most students. This allowance can cover up to €111 per month of your health insurance. So if your insurance is €115 per month, you’re only paying €4. Sweet deal, right? Even if you earn over €22,000 a year, you can still get some help.

Questions about the healthcare allowance? The Dutch tax authorities are just a phone call away: +31555385385.

 

 

Pay your income taxes

Yes, even students have to pay taxes. Once a year, you’ll need to file a tax return. Think of it as spring cleaning for your finances. For example, file in March 2023 for the year 2022. Always file your tax return; you might get a refund if you overpaid. 

For tax-related questions, use the same helpline as for the healthcare allowance: +31555385385.

 

 

What Brave Ones can do for you

Brave Ones is your new best friend in the Netherlands. We provide job opportunities for international students and ensure you have all the necessary paperwork to work legally. From work permits to insurance and taxes, we’ve got your back. Follow us on Instagram for job updates or visit our website for more info.

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Happy job hunting, and welkom in Nederland!

Would you like to get any help with getting a part-time job in the Netherlands? Register here and schedule a free online intake!