Know Your Rights: A Complete Guide for International Students in the Netherlands

Studying in the Netherlands? Know what’s yours!

Moving abroad for studies comes with loads of excitement, and let’s be honest, a few surprises. From opening your first Dutch bank account to getting your BSN number, it’s a lot. But here’s something many international students don’t realize right away: you have more rights than you might think.

Whether you’re from the EU or outside it, the Netherlands offers a clear legal framework to protect international students, from fair pay to safe housing, access to healthcare, and more. Let’s unpack the essentials so you can confidently navigate student life like a true Dutchie (minus the stroopwafel addiction… or not).

Financial Rights

1. Minimum wage & fair pay

If you work alongside your studies, you’re entitled to the Dutch minimum wage, even as a student. Your wage depends on your age, and your employer must pay you fairly for every hour worked, plus holiday allowance (vakantiegeld), which is an extra 8% of your annual salary, usually paid in May or June.

Check the current minimum wage on the official government site: Rijksoverheid – Minimum Wage.

2. Tax refunds

If you’ve worked part-time, there’s a good chance you’ve overpaid tax, and you can claim it back! Use the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Office) website to file your return:

🔗 Belastingdienst – Tax Return (Income Tax).

Many international students get a nice refund each year, especially if they only worked a few months.

3. Government benefits

Depending on your situation, you might qualify for some financial support:

• Healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag): for students with Dutch health insurance (Apply here).

• Housing allowance (huurtoeslag): if you rent a self-contained apartment (Check eligibility).

• Student finance (DUO): mainly for EU/EEA students who work at least 56 hours a month (DUO – Student Finance).

Tip: Always check your eligibility before applying. Submitting false claims can get you into trouble with the tax office.

Housing Rights

1. Fair rent & deposit return

You have the right to fair rental prices. If your rent feels too high, you can check it using the Huurcommissie (Rent Tribunal)’s rent point system.

🔗 Huurcommissie – Check Your Rent.

When moving out, your deposit must be returned unless there’s actual damage to the property. Normal wear and tear doesn’t count!

2. Safe and legal housing

Your landlord must provide a habitable home, working smoke detectors, heating, proper locks, and no mold. Unsafe conditions? Contact your municipality (gemeente) or the Woonbond for tenant advice:

🔗 Woonbond – Tenant Rights.

3. Registration rights

You must be able to register at your address to get your BSN number and official documents. If your landlord refuses registration, that’s illegal. You can report it to your municipality or check more info at:

🔗 Rijksoverheid – Registering at an Address.

Study & Work Rights

1. Student travel product

If you’re an EU student who works at least 56 hours per month and qualifies for DUO student finance, you can apply for the student travel product, free or discounted travel on Dutch public transport.

🔗 DUO – Student Travel Product.

2. Work hour limits

If you’re from outside the EU/EEA, you can work:

• Up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or

• Full-time in June, July, and August,

but your employer must apply for a work permit (TWV) for you. Learn more at:
🔗 IND – Working While Studying.

EU/EEA students can work freely without a permit.

3. Fair contracts

You’re entitled to a written employment contract, including your wage, hours, and conditions. Dutch labour law protects you from unpaid “trial” shifts or unsafe working conditions.

For help reviewing a contract, you can reach out to:
🔗 FNV Young & United or FairWork Netherlands.

Healthcare Rights

1. Basic health insurance

Every resident in the Netherlands must have basic health insurance if they work or stay long-term. EU students with an EHIC card can use it temporarily, while non-EU students without jobs usually need private student insurance.

🔗 Zorgverzekeringslijn – Student Health Insurance Info.

2. Freedom to choose your doctor

You can choose your own GP (huisarts) and switch if you’re not satisfied. Search for one in your area via:
🔗 Zorgkaart Nederland – Find a GP.

3. Medical rights

You have the right to:

• Access care without discrimination

• Confidentiality of medical records

• Second opinions on treatment

• Emergency care even if uninsured

🔗 Rijksoverheid – Patient Rights.

Extra Rights You Should Know

1. Right to privacy

Under GDPR laws, your university and employer must protect your personal data. You can always request access or deletion.
🔗 Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens – Your Privacy Rights.

2. Right to equal treatment

Discrimination in any form is illegal. Report it to:
🔗 Netherlands Institute for Human Rights or RADAR Discrimination Helpdesk.

3. Right to join a union

Even students can join trade unions for advice and protection:
🔗 FNV Young & United.

Final Thoughts

Being an international student in the Netherlands means more than just studying, you’re part of a diverse, vibrant community that values fairness and equality. Understanding your rights helps you protect yourself, speak up, and make the most of your time here.

At Brave Ones, we believe every student deserves to thrive, informed, empowered, and ready to take on Dutch life (rain and all).