Work & Career
From funding your Friday drinks to launching your career in the North. Navigate the Dutch labor market with confidence.
The Job Market at a Glance
English is OK. In Groningen, you can easily find dishwashing, delivery, or cleaning jobs without Dutch.
BSN Required. You cannot legally work or get paid without a Citizen Service Number.
Permits. EU students can work freely. Non-EU need a work permit (TWV) and are limited to 16hrs/week.
Student Jobs & Wages
Popular Student Roles
- Food Delivery: Thuisbezorgd, Uber Eats. Flexible hours, good pay, keeps you fit.
- Hospitality (Horeca): Dishwashing is the easiest entry. Bartending usually requires basic Dutch.
- Market Sellar: The Vismarkt on Tue/Fri/Sat often hires students to help set up or sell.
Know Your Worth
Gross Hourly Minimum Wage (2025 approx.)
Tax Tip: You can often get tax money back! Fill in a tax return (Aangifte Inkomstenbelasting) next year. Students often get €200-€500 back.
Your Rights (Don't Get Exploited)
💰 Holiday Allowance
On top of your wage, you legally accumulate 8% Vakantiegeld. This is usually paid out in May or when you quit. Don't forget to claim it!
🤒 Sick Pay
If you are sick and have a contract (not freelance), you generally still get paid (at least 70%). You don't need to find a replacement yourself.
🚫 Zero-Hour Contracts
Flexible, but risky. If they stop scheduling you, you stop getting paid. After 12 months, you can demand a fixed-hour contract based on your average hours.
After Graduation
Want to stay in the Netherlands? If you are Non-EU, you have a golden ticket option.
The “Zoekjaar“ Visa
The Orientation Year Visa allows you to stay for 12 months after graduation to find a job. During this year, you have full labor market freedom (no work permit needed).
Check IND RulesLanguage & Networking
- Do I need Dutch?
For IT/Science jobs: No. For Marketing/HR/Management: Yes, B1/B2 level is usually expected.
- University Career Services
Both RUG and Hanze offer free CV checks and interview training. Use them before you pay for a coach!
The Dutch CV Style
- Photo:Yes, a professional headshot is standard here.
- Directness:Skip the fluff words (“passionate“, “synergy“). List skills and results concretely.
- Hobbies:Dutch employers like rounded people. Mention sports or volunteering (shows team spirit).
Volunteering
Can't find a paid job yet? Volunteering is the fastest way to build a network and learn Dutch.
Where to look:
- Link050: The volunteer vacancy board for Groningen.
- ESN/KEI: Always looking for committee members (looks great on CV).
- Animal Shelter (Dierenasiel): Popular but competitive!
Keep Exploring
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