Part-Time Jobs in the Netherlands for International Students
Non-EU students can work 16 hours/week during term (lower than most other countries) or full-time during June, July, and August. Your employer, not you, must apply for a free TWV work permit. Minimum wage is €14.99/hour for ages 21+ (from July 2026, roughly NPR 2,625/hour).
Legal Work Hours and the TWV Permit — Different from Most Countries
As a non-EU/EEA student, your Dutch work rights are lower than most other study destinations: 16 hours per week during the academic year, or full-time work with no hour limit during June, July, and August. This is genuinely different from the 20-hour cap common elsewhere — don't assume Dutch rules match what you've read about the UK, Ireland, or Denmark.
You also cannot start working without your employer first obtaining a TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning, work permit) from the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) — there's no fee, but you cannot apply for it yourself; your employer must initiate and manage the entire process, which typically takes 2-5 weeks. The TWV is tied to that specific employer and role — if you change jobs, a new TWV is required. One exception: a course-relevant internship with a signed agreement between you, your institution, and the company doesn't need a TWV.
Minimum Wage and Realistic Earnings
The Dutch statutory minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over is €14.99/hour gross, effective from 1 July 2026 (reviewed every 1 January and 1 July). Younger workers receive a lower age-banded rate. Employers must also add 8% holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) on top of gross pay, paid out separately (usually in May).
At the 16-hour weekly cap during term, that's roughly €959/month gross (before the 8% holiday allowance) — approximately NPR 1,67,800/month at the current rate of €1 ≈ NPR 175. During full-time summer work, monthly earnings can roughly double or more depending on hours worked.
Job Types Nepali Students Actually Get
| Job type | Typical pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket (Albert Heijn, Jumbo) | €14.99–16/hr | Common and TWV-experienced employers — they know the process |
| Warehouse/logistics | €15–18/hr | Common around Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven; often full shifts during summer |
| Campus roles (student assistant) | €15–19/hr | Apply through your university's student job board — your institution is already familiar with TWV paperwork for its own students |
| Hospitality (café, restaurant) | €14.99–17/hr + occasional tips | Amsterdam has the most openings but also the most competition |
| Course-relevant internship | Varies, often €300–600/month stipend | No TWV needed if it's a required or credit-bearing part of your programme |
Common Mistakes That Get Students in Trouble
Applying for jobs and expecting to start immediately — because the employer must obtain your TWV first, factor in 2-5 weeks before you can legally begin work, and apply early. Working more than 16 hours/week by combining two part-time jobs, thinking the cap is per employer — it's a combined weekly total across all jobs, and UWV can check payroll (loonaangifte) records across employers. Assuming an internship automatically doesn't need a TWV — it only qualifies if it's a required or credit-bearing part of your study programme with a signed tripartite agreement; a casual or self-arranged internship still needs one.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Dutch work-hour limit lower than other countries?
The Netherlands sets non-EU student work rights at 16 hours/week during term specifically, compared to the 20-hour cap common in the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and others. There's no single official explanation, but it reflects the Netherlands' broader approach of using employer-managed work permits (TWV) rather than blanket visa-condition work rights.
Do I apply for the TWV work permit myself?
No. You cannot apply for a TWV yourself — your employer must initiate and manage the entire application with the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency). There's no cost to apply, but budget 2-5 weeks of processing time before you can legally start, so don't quit or turn down other options assuming an immediate start date.
Can I combine two part-time jobs in the Netherlands?
Yes, but the 16-hour weekly cap applies to your combined hours across all employers, not per job. Each employer would also need to secure a separate TWV for you, which roughly doubles the administrative lead time before you can start both.
Does an internship need a TWV work permit?
Only if it's not part of your study programme. A required or credit-bearing internship with a signed tripartite agreement (you, your institution, and the host company) is exempt from the TWV requirement. A self-arranged or casual internship outside your curriculum still needs one, just like a normal job.
How much can I realistically earn from a part-time job in the Netherlands?
At the 16-hour cap and minimum wage, expect around €959/month gross during term, rising with the 8% holiday allowance paid separately in May. This is lower than the 20-hour-cap countries in absolute terms, since the Netherlands caps your hours lower — factor this into your budget rather than assuming part-time work will cover as much as it might in Ireland or New Zealand.
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