Published 19 September 2025

How to Get a Work Permit in the Netherlands as an International Student

Starting your studies in Amsterdam is an exciting adventure. Beyond the classroom, many international students want to gain valuable professional experience, earn some extra income, and dive into Dutch culture through part-time work.

However, navigating the rules and regulations for a student work permit in the Netherlands can be complex. This comprehensive guide will demystify the process, explaining everything you need to know about securing a work permit in the Netherlands as a non-EU student in 2025.

Understanding Work Rights for International Students in the Netherlands

Your right to work in the Netherlands as an international student depends mainly on your nationality. The system separates students from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland from those outside these regions.

• EU/EEA/Swiss Students: You can live and work in the Netherlands without any restrictions. You don’t need a work visa for the Netherlands or a work permit.
• Non-EU/EEA Students: If you have a residence permit for study purposes, you can work, but with specific conditions. You’re allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time during summer months (June, July, and August).

Your employer must get a work permit in the Netherlands for you. This is a key requirement enforced by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Why Work Permission Matters for International Students in the Netherlands

Securing a valid work permit for students in the Netherlands is not just a legal formality; it is important for several reasons:

• Legal Compliance: Working without the required permit violates Dutch immigration law. This can lead to serious consequences, including fines for both you and your employer, losing your residence permit, and problems getting future visas for the Schengen area.

• Employment Rights: With a valid TWV (more information below) you get the same labor rights and protections as Dutch workers, including minimum wage, safe working conditions, and mandatory vacation allowances.

• Career Development: Getting work experience in the Dutch market is invaluable. It strengthens your CV, improves your language skills, and helps you build a professional network that can boost your career after graduation.

What Is a TWV (Work Permit) and When Is It Required?

A TWV (tewerkstellingsvergunning) is a document that grants an employer permission to employ a foreign national from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. It is employer-specific and job-specific.

When is a TWV Required?

A TWV is mandatory for all non-EU/EEA students who wish to work alongside their studies, with the exception of certain internships (covered later). This applies to both part-time and full-time (summer) employment.

When is a TWV NOT Required?

• If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
• If the work is part of a mandatory internship that is an integral part of your curriculum at your institution — for example, our Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program here at the University of Applied Sciences Europe (UE Amsterdam) includes a 20-week internship with a leading business — anything from cutting-edge startups to global powerhouses like KPMG, Tesla, or ABN AMRO.
• If you’re doing a voluntary internship, a TWV is generally still required, as it’s considered employment.

How Employers Apply for Your TWV? Step-by-Step Guide

As a student, you cannot apply for the TWV yourself. The process is initiated and managed entirely by your prospective employer in the Netherlands.

1. Job Offer: You receive a formal job offer from a Dutch employer.
2. Employer Applies: The employer applies for your TWV at the UWV (Netherlands Employee Insurance Agency). They must demonstrate they could not find a suitable candidate from the EU/EEA for the position.
3. UWV Assessment: The UWV processes the application, which typically takes up to 5 weeks.
4. Decision: If approved, the UWV issues the TWV to your employer.
5. You Can Start Work: Once the employer receives the TWV, you can legally begin working. The employer must keep the original TWV at the workplace.

Alternative Work Options Without a TWV

While most employment requires a TWV, there are a few ways you can work without your employer needing to get one:

• Mandatory Internships: If your internship is a required part of your study program, such as our Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), it’s often exempt from the TWV requirement. Your university must sign an agreement with the host organization.

• Self-Employment (ZZP): You can register as a self-employed person (Zelfstandige zonder personeel or ZZP’er). This is a complex route with significant administrative and tax responsibilities. You must prove you’re running a genuine business and can support yourself financially through it. It doesn’t fall under the TWV system but requires careful adherence to Dutch business law.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in the Netherlands as a Student?

To be clear, you don’t personally apply for the Netherlands work permit process. Your role is to provide your employer with the necessary documentation so they can apply for you. The key requirements you need to meet are:

• A valid passport.
• A valid residence permit for study purposes in the Netherlands.
• A BSN number (Burgerservicenummer), which is your citizen service number.
• A signed employment contract or formal job offer letter from your employer.

Work Permit Requirements for Students in the Netherlands

The main requirements for your employer to get your work permit are:

• The Position: The employer must prove the vacancy was open to EU/EEA citizens for a sufficient period with no success.
• The Conditions: The employment offer must comply with Dutch labor laws, including minimum wage and collective labor agreements (CAO).
• Your Status: You must be registered as a student at a recognized higher education institution like UE Amsterdam and hold a valid residence permit for study.

Internships & Traineeships — Permit Exemptions

As mentioned, mandatory internships are a key exemption. For the Netherlands work permit for international students to be waived for an internship, the following must be true:

• The internship is a mandatory requirement for you to get your degree.
• A tripartite internship agreement is signed between you, your institution, and the host company.
• The internship is primarily focused on learning, not performing work that a Dutch/EU citizen would normally be paid for.

Always confirm the status of your internship with your institution’s career services or international office before starting.

Working Hour Limitations in the Netherlands for International Students

Strict limits are in place to ensure your main focus stays on your studies. Breaking these limits puts your residence permit at risk.

• During Academic Year: Maximum of 16 hours per week. 
• Summer Break (June, July, August): You can work full-time.

It’s both your and your employer’s responsibility to stick to these limits. The IND can request timesheets and payroll records for verification.

Conclusion

Understanding the Netherlands work permit process is crucial for any non-EU international student planning to work in Amsterdam. Remember, getting the TWV work permit is your employer’s responsibility, but making sure you’re working legally is yours.

Always seek the most current advice from the official IND website or your institution’s student support team, as immigration policies can change.

By following the rules — getting the right permit and sticking to the weekly hour limits — you can have a rewarding and legal work experience that compliments your studies.

Here at UE Amsterdam, we’ve been committed to giving students exactly that. We’ve been specializing in tailored Business Administration training since 1979, giving students like you the chance to connect with top business minds globally while gaining real-world experience.

Join us in the heart of Amsterdam’s vibrant landscape and become a part of a global community of forward-thinkers.