🎓 How many hours can I work as a student in Belgium?

With conditions

Quick answer

650 hours per calendar year — at a mini-contribution, and since 2026 that cap is permanent. As a student worker you don't pay ordinary social contributions but a solidarity contribution of 2.71 percent (employer: 5.43), as long as you stay within the 650-hour quota — the once-temporary increase was structurally anchored from 1 January 2026. Work more and from hour 651 you switch to full social security (13.07 percent) — working stays allowed, it just nets less. Your live counter sits in the Student@work app; hand employers the certificate, they plan around it. Two traps beyond the hours: child benefit (Groeipakket) — regionally tied to those 650 hours — and the tax threshold for staying dependent on your parents, generous since the reform (±€22,400 gross in 2026) but still real.

📋 The rules

Quota: 650 hours per calendar year at 2.71 % contribution
Since 1/1/2026 structural — no more yearly uncertainty
From hour 651: full social security (13.07 %) — working stays allowed
Counter and certificate: Student@work app / studentatwork.be
Beyond 650 h: child benefit may be at risk (regional rules)

🔓 Exceptions

Staying a tax dependant: own income ceiling (±€22,400 gross in 2026) — separate from the hour counter
A student employment contract is mandatory; night and hazardous work stay restricted for minors

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Over 650 hours: no fine, but full contributions from hour 651 and possible loss of child benefit for that period. Working without a student contract: the employer risks social-security requalification and sanctions.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

What happens if I exceed 650 hours?

From hour 651 you (13.07 %) and your employer pay full social security — your net drops, and depending on your region child benefit may be at risk.

How do I check my remaining hours?

Via the Student@work app or studentatwork.be: see your counter and download the certificate employers ask for.

Will working cost me child benefit?

Within 650 hours you're safe; beyond it depends on your region — Flanders ties the Groeipakket to the same hour cap.

Do I stay a tax dependant of my parents?

Yes while you stay under the own-income ceiling (generous since the reform: ±€22,400 gross in 2026) — independent of the hour counter.

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