From what age can you do a student job in Belgium?

Do you dream of earning your own money with a student job, but wonder: "Am I actually old enough yet?"

In Belgium there are clear rules that determine from what age you may officially work as a student worker.

Want to know whether now is your moment to gain that first work experience and top up your bank account a bit?

Then read on quickly, we have the answer for you.

What is the minimum age for a student job?

The general rule is that in Belgium you may do a student job from the age of 15.

But, and this is important, there are a few conditions attached.

At that point you must have completed the first two years of secondary education, even if you have not yet fully finished them. Only then may you officially start a student job at the age of fifteen.

Are you already 16 or older? Then you are allowed to work as a student worker regardless of where you are in your school career.

Also don't forget: you must remain enrolled as a student to qualify for the favourable conditions of a student job. Otherwise you fall under the rules of a regular job, and that is just a little less advantageous for you and the employer.

The important conditions (the details that make the difference)

Doing a student job is not allowed just like that. Here are the conditions:

1. No longer subject to full-time compulsory education

   You must be at least 15 years old and have completed the second year of secondary school. Only then are you no longer subject to full-time compulsory education and may you officially do student work.

2. Exception: 16 years old without a completed second year of secondary school

   Are you already 16, but have you not yet finished the second year of secondary school? Then you may still do a student job.

   This is an exception and applies only from the age of 16.

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What are the conditions for being allowed to work as a student?

Besides your age, you must also meet these rules:

• Be enrolled as a student at a recognised educational institution (secondary, higher education or university).
• Have a valid student agreement (your contract).
• Stay within 650 hours per year to benefit from reduced RSZ contributions.

Do you work more than 650 hours per year? Then you pay regular contributions, just like permanent employees.

You can check your hours via Student@work.be.

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How much can you earn as a student?

There is no official limit, but earning too much can have consequences:

• Your parents may lose you as a dependant for tax purposes.
• You may have to pay taxes yourself.
• You may lose your right to the Growth Package (child benefit).

For 2025 the limit to remain a dependant for tax purposes is around €8,430 gross per year.

Check this yearly via official sources such as studentatwork.be.

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Can you work during the school year and the holidays?

Yes! You may work during the school year, weekends and holidays, as long as you stay within 650 hours per year.

Many students work occasionally during the year and more intensively in the summer.

Use your Student@work account to track your remaining hours.

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What can you do as a student worker?

As a student you can easily get started in sectors such as:

• Hospitality (serving, dishwashing, kitchen help)
• Retail (supermarkets, shops)
• Logistics (warehouse work, packing)
• Events (festivals, sports matches)

With the AnyShift app you decide for yourself when, where and how much you work. Ideal for students who want flexibility and want to get paid quickly.

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Important things to know for every student worker

1. 650 hours per year with favourable contributions

   Within those hours you pay less RSZ and keep more net pay.

2. A student agreement is mandatory

   You must always have an official student contract. This protects your rights.

3. You have rights as an employee

   Even as a student you are entitled to correct pay, rest breaks and a safe workplace.