Belgium offers great opportunities for students who want to work while studying, but there are specific rules regarding working hours. The number of hours a student can work depends on their nationality, residency status, and whether they are working during the academic year or holidays.
To ensure compliance and avoid any legal or financial issues, it is essential to understand these rules thoroughly. This guide will provide a detailed overview of how many hours can a student work in Belgium and the important factors to keep in mind.
Table of contents
- How Many Hours Can a Student Work in Belgium?
- What is the 475-hour rule for students working in Belgium?
- Eligibility Criteria for Student Work in Belgium
- Types of Part-Time Jobs in Belgium
- What Happens If You Work More Than the Limit?
- Challenges Faced by Students Working in Belgium
- Tips to Balance Work and Studies as a Student in Belgium
- FAQs
How Many Hours Can a Student Work in Belgium?
The Belgian government allows students to work under special rules. If you’re wondering, “How many hours can a student work in Belgium?”, the answer depends on nationality and the time of year. Students can work part-time during their studies and have more flexibility during holidays. Non-EU students may need a work permit. Understanding these rules helps balance work and studies effectively.
For EU/EEA/Swiss Students
- During the academic year: Up to 20 hours per week (part-time) while maintaining studies as the primary focus.
- During holidays (summer, winter, Easter): No restriction; students can work full-time.
For Non-EU/EEA Students
- With a student visa:
- During the academic year: Up to 20 hours per week with a student work permit (Type C permit).
- During official school holidays: Full-time work is allowed.
Student Work Permit
- For EU/EEA/Swiss students: No work permit is required.
- For non-EU students: A Type C work permit is required for part-time work during the academic year.
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What is the 475-hour rule for students working in Belgium?
Belgium allows students to work up to 475 hours per year with reduced social security contributions. This means that students pay lower deductions from their salary. If they exceed this limit, they and their employer will have to pay higher contributions, reducing the take-home salary.
Eligibility Criteria for Student Work in Belgium
To work as a student in Belgium, you must fulfil certain eligibility requirements set by the government. These criteria ensure that students can work legally while maintaining their academic commitments. Below are the key conditions you need to meet before taking up a job in Belgium:
- Enrollment in an Educational Institution – You must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Belgium.
- Minimum Age Requirement – You must be at least 15 years old and have completed the first two years of secondary education. Otherwise, the minimum working age is 16 years.
- Valid Residency Status – If you are a non-EU student, you must have a valid residence permit allowing you to work.
- Employment Contract – A formal student employment contract is required, specifying working conditions, wages, and hob
Types of Part-Time Jobs in Belgium
Now that you know “How Many Hours Can a Student Work in Belgium?”, you can start exploring part-time job opportunities. You can directly contact employers or apply through a temp agency, which helps students find temporary work suited to their skills and availability. There are various types of jobs that students take up in Belgium to support their financial needs. Some of the most popular student job options are listed below:
| Job | Description | Average Salary (Per Hour) |
| Babysitting | Requires no special skills, just time and responsibility. | EUR 8 – EUR 12 |
| Restaurant Staff | Work as a waiter/waitress or bar attendant in food chains and franchises. | EUR 10 – EUR 14 |
| Tutor | Provide private tuition in subjects of your choice. | EUR 15 – EUR 25 |
| Cleaner | Clean houses and offices through a cleaning agency. | EUR 10 – EUR 13 |
| Social Media Assistant | Manage a company’s social media presence. | EUR 12 – EUR 18 |
| Library Assistant | Keep libraries organized and assist readers in finding books. | EUR 9 – EUR 12 |
| Event Planner | Coordinate meetings, social gatherings, and client requirements. | EUR 12 – EUR 20 |
| Pet Sitter/Dog Walker | Take care of pets by walking and feeding them. | EUR 10 – EUR 15 |
What Happens If You Work More Than the Limit?
If you exceed the allowed work limit as a student worker in Belgium, it can impact your tax benefits, social security contributions, and overall earnings. Here’s what you need to know about the consequences of working beyond the limit:
- You and your employer will pay more social security contributions.
- You may have to pay more taxes.
- Your parents might lose child allowance benefits if you earn too much.
Challenges Faced by Students Working in Belgium
While working as a student in Belgium can be a great way to gain experience and support yourself financially, it also comes with certain challenges. Here are some common difficulties that students may face:
- Balancing Work and Studies – Managing work hours alongside coursework and exams can be stressful, often affecting academic performance.
- Language Barrier – Many jobs require proficiency in Dutch, French, or German, which can be a challenge for international students.
- Limited Working Hours – The 20 hours per week limit restricts earning potential, making it difficult to cover all expenses.
- Tax and Social Security Rules – Exceeding the work-hour limit can lead to higher social security contributions and taxation, reducing take-home pay.
- Job Availability – Finding flexible and student-friendly jobs can be difficult, especially during exam periods when most students need time off.
- Work Permit Restrictions – Non-EU students may face additional paperwork and restrictions, making the process more complex.
- Work-Life Balance – Juggling work, studies, and personal life can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
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Tips to Balance Work and Studies as a Student in Belgium
Balancing work and studies as a student in Belgium can be challenging but manageable with the right approach. Here are some useful tips to help you stay on track:
1. Understand Work Regulations for Students
One of the most common questions students ask is: “How Many Hours Can a Student Work in Belgium?” In Belgium, students can work up to 600 hours per year under a student employment contract while benefiting from reduced social security contributions. Exceeding this limit may result in higher contributions and loss of student benefits, so it’s important to plan your work schedule accordingly.
2. Prioritize and Plan
- Use a planner or digital calendar to track class schedules, work shifts, and deadlines.
- Set daily or weekly goals to stay on top of assignments.
3. Choose a Flexible Job
- Look for part-time jobs that offer flexible hours, such as working in cafés, retail, or tutoring.
- Universities often have student jobs available on campus, which can be more accommodating.
4. Maintain a Work-Study Balance
- Avoid overloading yourself with work hours that may affect your studies.
- If necessary, discuss flexible work arrangements with your employer.
5. Develop Effective Study Habits
- Use time-blocking techniques to dedicate specific hours to studying.
- Study in a quiet environment, such as libraries or co-working spaces.
6. Take Advantage of Student Discounts and Benefits
- Many places offer student discounts on transport, food, and entertainment.
- Consider using student-friendly housing and meal plans to reduce expenses.
7. Take Care of Your Health
- Ensure you get enough rest, exercise, and a balanced diet.
- Don’t hesitate to seek mental health support from student counselling services if needed.
8. Use Online Resources & Support Networks
- Make use of online study materials and recorded lectures to catch up on missed lessons.
- Connect with fellow students who work and study for tips and motivation.
Ultimately, understand how many hours can a student work in Belgium. is crucial for those looking to work while studying. By following the work limit, students can gain valuable work experience, support their expenses, and maintain their academic focus. Staying informed about work regulations, tax implications, and job opportunities will help students make the most of their time in Belgium.
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FAQs
Students in Belgium can work under specific conditions depending on their nationality. EU/EEA/Swiss students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. Non-EU students with a valid student visa can also work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year but are allowed to work full-time during official school holidays.
Yes, non-EU students must obtain a Type C work permit to work during the academic year. However, they do not need a permit to work full-time during school holidays.
Yes, students can work full-time only during official school holidays, such as summer, winter, and Easter breaks. During the academic year, students are restricted to a maximum of 20 hours per week to ensure studies remain the primary focus.
No, student workers are generally not allowed to work between 11 PM and 6 AM, except in specific industries like hospitality, where exceptions may apply.
Yes, but job opportunities are limited. English-speaking jobs are available in international companies, tourism, or online work (like tutoring or social media jobs). Learning basic Dutch, French, or German can significantly increase job opportunities.
Yes, all students must sign a student employment contract, which outlines their working hours, wages, and rights. It protects both the employer and the student worker.
Students can check their remaining work hours by logging into the Student@Work portal using their electronic ID or social security number.
Yes, international students can work remotely for a company outside Belgium, but they must check the tax regulations of both Belgium and the employer’s country. Some restrictions may apply depending on visa conditions.
Yes, students can stay and work in Belgium after graduation by applying for a job-seeker visa (valid for 12 months). Once they find a job, they can apply for a work permit or single permit to continue working in Belgium.
Yes, students can work full-time during official school holidays (summer, winter, and Easter breaks) without any restrictions. This allows them to earn more while staying compliant with Belgian work regulations.
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