Student work in Belgium: legal framework in 2025

In Belgium, student employment is a well-established practice, enabling young people to earn an income while developing their professional skills. Legislation provides a specific framework for this activity, which is regularly updated.

In 2025, two important changes are worth noting: the extension of the annual quota to 650 hours, and adjustments to income ceilings linked to social rights.

Here's an overview of the key rules:

1. Definition

Student work is employment under a student employment contract, reserved for full-time students enrolled in an educational establishment. Students must be at least 15 years old and have completed two years of secondary education. This type of employment cannot be taken up after graduation, unless the student graduates in June. In this case, the graduate can continue to work as a student until September 30 of that year.

The contract is governed mainly by the law of July 3 1978 and the Royal Decree of July 14 1995.

2. The 650-hour quota

Since 1 January 2025, students have been able to work up to 650 hours a year under the reduced social security contributions system. This quota enables students to benefit from advantageous tax and social security conditions, both for themselves and their employers.

During these 650 hours:

• Students only have to pay 2.71% in social security contributions;
• Employers are also subject to reduced charges.

The quota is monitored via the Student@work platform, which allows you to consult the hours worked and print out a certificate for the employer.

Once the quota has been exceeded, the student automatically switches to the classic system with full contributions.

3. Student occupancy contract

The contract must be established in writing before the start of occupancy. It specifies:

• The contact details of the student and the employer;
• The work period (start and end);
• The working hours and location;
• The agreed salary;
• The nature of the tasks;
• …

The employer is required to make a "student" Dimona declaration prior to employment.

The first 3 days of work as a student are automatically considered as a trial period, so either party may terminate the contract without notice or compensation during this period.

4. Remuneration and working hours

Students receive the same remuneration as ordinary workers performing the same job. They must receive at least the sector minimum income applicable in the company, in proportion to their performance.

There is also a guaranteed minimum income for young people under 21 (collective agreement 50/4 provides for a degressive scale according to age), provided that the student is employed for a period of at least 1 calendar month.

Maximum working hours are 8 hours a day and 38 hours a week, unless otherwise stipulated. Night work is forbidden for students under 18, with certain exceptions.

5. Taxation and dependency status in 2025

For a student to remain fiscally dependent on his or her parents in 2025 (income year 2025, taxation in 2026), the student's net resources must not exceed certain ceilings, which vary according to the parents' family situation.

Please note:

• These ceilings concern net resources, i.e. after deduction of social security contributions and professional expenses.
• An indexed income bracket of 6,840 EUR (amount for the 2025 income year) should not be included in the calculation of the student's net income. This allows the student to receive a significantly higher gross income, while remaining within the net limits.
• Family allowances, scholarships and other social benefits are also not taken into account when calculating net income.

6.  Family allowances in Wallonia, Brussels and Flanders

The conditions for retaining family allowances vary slightly from region to region.

In Wallonia and Brussels:

Up to the age of 18, entitlement to child benefit is unconditional.

• Between the ages of 18 and 25, students can work up to 240 hours per quarter without losing their entitlement, except during the summer vacations:
• • In July, August and September, this ceiling is suspended if the student resumes studies in September/October.

If the student exceeds 240 hours outside the summer vacations, he or she loses the right to benefits for the quarter concerned.

Hours are also monitored via Student@work, although it is the responsibility of the family allowance fund to verify this.

In Flanders (Groeipakket):

• Under student contract: students can work up to 650 hours a year with reduced contributions. Beyond that, they can still work up to 80 hours a month under an ordinary contract without losing their rights.
• Under an ordinary contract (non-student): he or she can work up to 80 hours a month. If this threshold is exceeded, entitlement to child benefit is suspended for the month concerned.

Note: Hours are calculated on a monthly basis.

7. Social rights and protection

Students are protected by the same workplace well-being rules as any other worker. In particular, they are covered by:

• Workplace accident insurance;
• Workplace safety obligations;
• Sickness and disability insurance (provided by their parents' mutual insurance company).

However, as long as the student remains under the reduced system, he or she does not build up full pension or unemployment rights.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Belgian legal framework offers students a flexible and advantageous environment in which to pursue a professional activity alongside their studies. The move to a 650-hour quota gives students greater flexibility in balancing income and education. However, it is important to remain vigilant with regard to tax and social security ceilings, so as not to jeopardize family allowances or the tax status of dependent children.

With the right information and support, working as a student can become a real lever for autonomy and preparation for the world of work.

Please note: this information is subject to change with the new government agreement.

By Daniel Binamé, Development and Partnerships Manager at Partena Professional

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