{"type":"document","data":{"id":"5290e765-35a9-4886-affa-9d00892fba2c","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2024-07-19T11:20:30.984+02:00","contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Find out more about working in Belgium as a job student, child employment laws, taxation and other factors that you and your child will need to take into account when they start a student job."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"title":"Everything you need to know about working in Belgium as a job student","body":"Starting a student job is an important stage in a young person’s career. This experience teaches them not only about life, but also independence, money management and much more besides. However, if your child gets a student job this will also impact the parents' finances. From taxation and social security benefits to Belgian employment law, this article explores the key aspects you will need to consider as the parent or guardian of a job student."},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/individuals/daily-banking","text":"Accounts and cards"}},"date":"2024-07-19","readingTime":3},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Student jobs: what does Belgian law say?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"

In Belgium, the legislation governing student jobs is very precise, establishing a clear framework for minors, their parents and employers.

"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Age and status requirements for a student job before the age of 18","richBody":{"value":"

Your child can do a student job if:

- he or she is 16 AND a full-time student;

OR

- he or she is 15 AND has completed the first two years of secondary school.

Good to know! Part-time teaching can be incompatible with a student job in some cases. The conditions are explained on the FPS Employment website.

"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Student employee rights","richBody":{"value":"

To be protected by employment legislation, your child must have signed a student employment contract.

"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Taxation and student jobs"},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"For parents","richBody":{"value":"

If a teenager is to remain a dependant of their parents, their income as a student worker must be limited. For the 2025 tax year (2024 income), the net income of a student employee may not exceed €7,290 so that parents can still benefit from the tax advantages of having a dependent child. Above this amount, the parents will have to pay more tax.

"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"For the student employee","richBody":{"value":"

A student employee pays no tax if their net income is below a certain amount. This limit is €10,160 for the 2024 tax year/income year 2023 and €10,570 for the 2025 tax year/income year 2024.

"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Student job and youth account: the winning duo"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"

In his or her student contract, your child will have to mention his or her personal details and very probably the number of an account into which his or her wages will be paid.

A current account in their name would make things easier. It would also help them become financially independent, which is what this student job is all about.

Good to know! Rest assured, parents/legal guardians retain the right to manage their minor's current account.

Does your offspring have big plans? Some of the money earned from student jobs can of course be paid into  your child's savings account, so that they can build up capital for their future and make their dreams come true.

"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Family allowances and student jobs"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"

To continue to benefit from the family allowance without any change, your child can work a maximum of 600 hours a year as a student employee.

Good to know! The social security’s initiative student@work, available as a website and app, keeps track of your teenager's working hours and clearly displays the number of hours remaining.

"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"A student job from the age of 18"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"

During higher education, your child will still be able to work as a student. However, the conditions are different when they are of age. From the age of 18, the rules change in terms of working hours, breaks, pay and payment of social security benefits. Detailed information is available on the student@work website.

"}}]}}}