Netherlands Student Work Rights 2026
International students in the Netherlands can work while studying, with rules that depend on nationality and the time of year. After graduation, there is a one-year orientation visa to look for work.
International students in the Netherlands are allowed to work while they study, but the rules are specific. Students from outside the EU/EEA can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during summer vacations.
A work permit is needed unless the student is exempt based on nationality. During the academic year, work hours are limited, and they can increase during holidays.
After finishing a degree, international students can apply for a one-year orientation visa called Zoekjaar. This lets graduates stay in the Netherlands for up to a year while looking for a job related to their field of study.
If a graduate gets a job during that period, they may switch to a regular work permit. The main student visa is the Dutch Student Visa (MVV and VVR).
Questions about working & jobs in Netherlands
Can international students work while studying in the Netherlands?
Yes. International students are allowed to work while studying, with specific rules depending on nationality and the time of year.
What happens to work rights after graduation in the Netherlands?
Graduates can apply for a one-year orientation visa called Zoekjaar to look for a job related to their field of study. If they get a job, they may switch to a regular work permit.
Do students in the Netherlands need a work permit?
Yes, a work permit is needed unless the student is exempt based on nationality.
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