Working and studying

Whether or not you need a permit to work in the Netherlands depends on your nationality. If you are a citizen of an EU-EEA country, you are allowed to work in the Netherlands and a work permit is not necessary.

As of 1 July 2018 Croats have the same rights as other EU citizens and no longer need a work permit.

Citizens of other countries do need a work permit (the permit is free of charge) and you are restricted in the number of hours you may work in the Netherlands.

In order to work, you need a:

• Work permit (in Dutch: Tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV). Once you have a job your employer will have to apply for one.

• Dutch social security number (in Dutch: Burgerservicenummer/BSN), which you will receive automatically when you register at the city of Groningen. You can also apply for one at the Tax & Customs Administration

• Dutch health insurance is required if you wish to work in the Netherlands, even part time. It is extremely important you take care of this, as you run the risk of receiving a high fine.

• If you have a residence permit for the purpose of study, the number of hours you are allowed to work is restricted. You may either work full-time in June, July and August only, or work part-time (at most 16 hours a week) throughout the rest of the year. You are not allowed to do both. Furthermore, your employer or employment agency has to give you a competitive salary and terms of employment.

If you are studying at a Dutch host institution and you need to do an internship as part of your study programme, you do not need a work permit. Your host institution and your employer will need to sign an internship agreement.

While there are jobs available to students all over the city of Groningen, it may take time to find a position. Be aware that speaking Dutch will be of great help and most jobs will even require it. However, as an international degree student, you are entitled to 50 hours of Dutch classes, free of charge.

• University: this is probably the best place for you to start your search.
  • Let your fellow students, friends and even staff know you’re searching. Your network is often the best chance for success!
  • Notice boards in faculty buildings
  • Career Services
  • University Newspaper (UK)
  • Positions within the University are often put on Nestor

• Job Agencies: Most Dutch job agencies are focused on Dutch students but some do have jobs for international students. Examples of job agencies in Groningen:
  • Randstad
  • Tempo-team
  • Undutchables
• Facebook: There are several Facebook Groups around where jobs are posted.

• Want to work in a bar or restaurant? Just take a tour through the city and visit as many bars, restaurants or cafes as you can. Have a talk with the owner and just ask if they have a job for you. This approach will take some courage but will show how motivated you are!

• Language Centre UG: Dutch courses for students and staff
• Study in Holland: Working while studying
• Tax & Customs administration
• Facebook Groningen Student Job Offers

NOTE: If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen and you work a sufficient amount of hours per month, you might become eligible for Dutch Study Finance.

If you wish to continue to live in the Netherlands and find employment here after graduation, you can make use of the so-called ‘one-year search period’'for recent graduates. This residence permit for the purpose of seeking work after graduation allows you a period of 12 months to find employment in the Netherlands. More information about procedures and applications: www.ind.nl.