🧒 Can I work at 15?

With conditions

Quick answer

Since 4 May 2026 you can work as a student at 15 — even while still in full-time compulsory education — but only for light, non-industrial work. Child labour is in principle forbidden under 15 (Labour Act, art. 7). Student work is possible since 4 May 2026 from 15, but then only for light, non-industrial work (Royal Decree of 19 April 2026); previously it was possible only from 16, or from 15 after the first two years of secondary. For young workers (15–18), protective limits apply: at most 8 hours a day and 38 hours a week, a break after 4.5 hours, at least 12 hours' rest between two shifts, no night work and in principle no Sunday work. As a student worker you work at a favourable rate within a quota of 650 hours a year (since 1 January 2025). For children who perform or model (theatre, film, advertising exceptions) an individual exemption from the labour-inspection service is needed.

📋 The rules

Child labour is in principle forbidden under 15 (Labour Act, art. 7)
Student work: since 4 May 2026 from 15 (even still in school), but only light, non-industrial work
Young workers (15–18): max 8 h/day and 38 h/week, a break after 4.5 h, 12 h rest between shifts
No night work and in principle no Sunday work for under-18s
Student worker: favourable rate within a quota of 650 hours a year (since 1 January 2025; contribution 2.71% + 5.42%)
Children who perform or model: an individual exemption from the labour inspectorate is required

🔓 Exceptions

Above 650 hours, the ordinary social-security contributions (13.07%) replace the favourable student rate
For child performers or models, special maximum times apply and the pay goes into a blocked account until adulthood
The protective limits for young workers (max 8 hours a day and 38 a week, a break after 4.5 hours, 12 hours' rest, no night work) apply inside the 650-hour quota too

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Having a child work in breach of the child-labour rules, or without the required exemption, is punishable under the Social Criminal Code: administrative or criminal fines and even imprisonment. The fine counts per child involved, so hiring a group of youngsters multiplies the amount. The employer is not the only target: the organiser working without an exemption and any intermediaries can be sanctioned as well. Less visible but costly: above 650 hours the favourable student rate falls away and the ordinary contributions of 13.07% apply.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

Can I work if I'm 15?

Since 4 May 2026, yes: a 15-year-old may sign a student contract, even while still in full-time compulsory education, but only for light, non-industrial work. Previously you first had to complete the first two years of secondary.

How many hours can I work at 15?

As a young worker, at most 8 hours a day and 38 hours a week, with a break after 4.5 hours and at least 12 hours' rest between two shifts. Those limits sit on top of the 650-hour quota — they are separate from it.

Can I work at night or on Sundays at 15?

No. For under-18s, night work is forbidden and Sunday work is in principle ruled out. Your employer cannot get around that with your consent either: these are protective rules, not terms to be negotiated.

What is the 650-hour quota?

As a student worker you work at a favourable rate (a lower solidarity contribution) within 650 hours a year; since 1 January 2025 that quota is structural. Above it, the ordinary social-security contributions of 13.07% apply.

Can my child appear in an advert or film?

Yes, but only with an individual exemption from the labour-inspection service. Strict maximum times apply, and the pay must go into a blocked account until your child reaches adulthood.

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