Student work (650 hours)

Since 2025 students may work up to 650 hours per calendar year at the favourable solidarity contribution (2.71% for the student instead of 13.07% social security). You track your balance on student@work; from hour 651 ordinary contributions apply.

How does the quota work?

The 650-hour quota (the permanent ceiling since 2025, previously 475 and temporarily 600) counts per calendar year across all employers; on 1 January the counter resets. Within those hours you pay 2.71 percent solidarity contribution and your employer 5.43 percent, instead of ordinary social security. That is why a student's net pay sits remarkably close to gross. Through the student@work app or site you see your remaining hours live and download the certificate employers ask for.

What should you watch?

Above 650 hours you pay ordinary social security contributions; pay legally stays the same, but you keep less net. Also mind family taxation: earning too much means no longer being fiscally dependent on your parents, and above certain limits child benefit can be affected; check the current thresholds per region. A student contract must be in writing, with the first three worked days as a trial period.

Student jobs in technical sectors

Industrial employers gladly deploy student workers in production, logistics and maintenance support, and it is the best springboard to a permanent technical career: those who prove themselves as students are first in line when a permanent spot opens. Also see our guide to your first technical job or the open vacancies to see where you could head.