Student Jobs in Groningen, Everything about Permits, Pay & Taxes
Step-by-step from CV to first paycheck: where to find roles, contract basics, minimum wage, BSN and permit rules, Dutch health insurance, and how payroll, tax credits, and refunds work.
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First Things First: Can You Work?
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: free to work in the Netherlands, no work permit needed.
Non-EU/EEA students: your employer must apply for a TWV work permit. You can work either up to 16 hours/week during the academic year or full-time in June–August. (This limitation is standard practice set by IND/UWV for student work.)
Volunteering (non-EU/EEA): no TWV if the organisation gets a Vrijwilligersverklaring (Volunteer Declaration) from UWV.
Self-employment (ZZP) during studies (non-EU/EEA): allowed without TWV, if you remain a student and meet IND conditions (register with KvK, pay taxes, etc.).
Health insurance check: if you work (even part-time) you must take out Dutch basic health insurance. Most working students can get a zorgtoeslag (healthcare benefit) to offset the premium.
Documents You’ll Need
BSN (citizen service number): required to be on payroll. Get it by registering at the municipality (BRP) or, for a stay <4 months, at an RNI desk.
DigiD: handy for tax/benefit portals once you have a BSN.
ID for onboarding: employers must verify and keep a copy of your valid ID.
Find a Student Job in Groningen
Campus & regional hubs: University of Groningen job channels (RUG/RUGconnect), IWCN (International Welcome Center North), and Make-it-in-the-North’s student job guides.
Temp & student agencies (bijbanen): ASA Talent, Recruit a Student, Actief Werkt!, YoungCapital—lots of English-friendly roles in hospitality (horeca), logistics, retail, and events.
General boards: Indeed/LinkedIn local searches for “bijbaan Groningen” or “English” filter.
Tip: Groningen’s horeca near Grote Markt often hires walk-ins. Bring a 1-page CV and ask for the manager.
Minimum Wage (and What Should be on your Payslip)
The Netherlands uses a statutory hourly minimum (since 2024). Current figures for adults (21+) are:
€13.78/hour from 1 July 2025 (was €13.68 from 1 Jan 2025). Youth rates (15–20) are a percentage of the adult rate. Check the official tables if you’re under 21.
Your pay usually includes:
Holiday allowance: at least 8% of your gross pay (often paid in May or monthly).
Vacation days: at least 4× your weekly hours per year (e.g., 12 days if you work 12 hrs/week).
Breaks: after >5.5 hours work you’re entitled to at least 30 minutes break (can be split). Different rules apply for longer shifts/minors.
Contracts & Your Basic Rights
On-call / zero-hour / min-max (oproep):
Employer must call you ≥4 days in advance (some CAOs allow 1 day). If they cancel late, you’re entitled to pay.
After 12 months, they must offer you fixed hours equal to your average over the last year. If they don’t, you can claim those hours’ pay.
Probation (trial) period:
No probation in contracts ≤6 months.
1 month max for >6 months and <2 years.
Up to 2 months for ≥2 years or permanent. Must be in writing.
Working hours cap: General Working Hours Act limits - employers must respect daily/weekly maximums and give breaks.
Taxes & Benefits
Annual tax return: Dutch tax year = calendar year. Filing opens 1 March; standard deadline 1 May (extensions possible). If you moved to/from NL that year, you’ll file the M-form. Log in with DigiD.
Healthcare benefit (zorgtoeslag): if you have Dutch basic insurance and low income, you can apply via Mijn Toeslagen; maximums change yearly (2025 singles roughly around €130/month).
Common Scenarios (and what to do)
“My agency keeps calling me last-minute.” You can decline calls made with <4 days’ notice (unless a CAO says 1 day) and still be entitled to payment if they cancel late. After 12 months, demand fixed hours based on your average.
“I’m non-EU and want to volunteer.” Ask the organisation to request a Volunteer Declaration from UWV; no TWV required.
“I’m starting a café job and study here.” If you’re working, take Dutch basic health insurance and apply for zorgtoeslag if eligible.