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Finding a part-time job for a student in the Netherlands


Did you happen to catch yourself thinking of how great it would be to have a part-time job next to the study that would allow you to travel the world or buy something you were always dreaming about? Then, in this blog-post, especially for you, I will review the ways in which you could find this additional source of income, places where you could apply, and tips that would help you with it. So, let’s start!

First of all, let’s review what do you need before applying for the job at all. 

  • Are you from the EU/EEA or Switzerland?

  • If YES, then you are free to work without the restrictions.

  • If NOT, there are certain restrictions:

  • You need a work permit, and your employer can help you with requesting the one for you. It is free of charge to apply for one, but it may take up to 5 weeks to process the application. If the employer is willing to have you in his/her team, they will make an effort to request the work permit for you.


  • Do you have insurance?

  • Before applying for a part-time job, you have to have Dutch public health insurance. The health insurance issued in your country of origin is usually not accepted.

  • Do you have a BSN number?

  • BSN number is a social security number that you can obtain when registering with your local council.

  • You also need it to apply for the insurance!

When you think that you have everything ready, it is time to look for the options that will match the best with the full-time study occupation. Options to consider are based on the criteria of flexibility and ability to get the job in a short period. Let’s take a look at the possibilities!

Platforms for finding the job

If you already happened to enter Google ‘Finding the job in the Netherlands’, then most likely you have seen that there are many platforms as well as employment agencies with a bunch of different vacancies for all tastes and preferences. A couple of examples include:


These platforms are great for finding the internship or job after graduation but I would recommend not focusing on them when looking for a part-time job to combine with the study. Many of the vacancies, despite that they are oriented on the students, require either an obtained Bachelor/Master degree, proficiency in Dutch or full-time availability. 

Finding the job directly through the website of the company

Applying for the job directly through the website of the company, in my opinion, is the best option. There are many places where you could apply.

  • Starbucks - https://starbucks.easycruit.com/intranet/netherlands/index.html?iso=gb - you don’t need any previous experience, but the availability of Dutch work permit is pre. Check the link for available vacancies in Den Haag and Rotterdam.

  • Salary: 9,96 euro per hour

  • Advantages: Dutch is not required to be accepted, flexible schedule.

  • McDonald's - https://werkenbijmcdonalds.nl/vacatures - perhaps one of the most popular jobs among the students. The chances to be taken are high. Work is very dynamic with a flexible schedule.

  • Salary: 12 euro per hour if you are 21+ (salary varies per age)

  • Advantages: Dutch is recommended, but not required. Availability of working contract: This means, your boss cannot kick you out whenever he/she wants and you will have your job as long as the contract allows you. 

  • Exki - https://www.exki.nl/nl/job/join-us - a network of beautiful organic restaurants where you do not need to speak Dutch to be accepted. Often looking for people to join their team. 

  • Lebkov and sons - https://lebkov.nl/kom-erbij/ - another cafe with departments all around the Netherlands where they often look for new people to join the team. 

  • Work at the supermarket

  • Albert Heijn - https://werk.ah.nl

  • Jumbo - https://jumbowerkt.nl/bijbaan