Unemployment in the Netherlands is low – 3.9% in 2025 (EU: 6.0%) – and 83.4% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%). The minimum wage is €14.99 an hour from 1 July 2026 for workers aged 21+, with lower youth rates. Register with your municipality within 5 days to get your BSN, and take out Dutch health insurance within 4 months.
Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland can work in the Netherlands freely, without any permit.
Students from outside the EU/EEA may work up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August – but only if the employer has a work permit (TWV) for them. An internship that is part of your study programme does not need a TWV.
Thinking of studying there first? See Studying in Netherlands – practical information.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.
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