Big News: Students Can Now Work Up to 650 Hours a Year in 2025

The Belgian Parliament has just approved a key reform that’s great news for employers: from 1 January 2025, students can now work up to 650 hours per year under the favorable student work regime.

This system lets you hire students at a lower cost thanks to reduced social security contributions—just a solidarity contribution of 5.42% for you and 2.71% for the student. That means almost no difference between gross and net pay for students, and real savings for your business.

What’s changing in 2025?

🔸 More hours

The annual limit for student work was originally set at 475 hours. In 2023 and 2024, this was temporarily raised to 600 hours, but without a federal government in place, the measure wasn’t extended—causing the limit to revert to 475 hours. Now, the newly formed federal government has decided to retroactively raise the limit to 650 hours for 2025 and beyond. This gives you more flexibility to reinforce your teams, especially during busy periods like sales, holidays, or summer.

🔸 Higher income threshold for students

Students can now earn up to €21,840/year while staying fiscally dependent on their parents—meaning families keep their tax benefits. Only income above €15,585.71 is subject to tax for the student.

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🔸 Watch out: don’t go over 650 hours

Once the 650-hour limit is exceeded, regular social security contributions apply from the 651st hour. If students earn more than the allowed amount, their parents may lose tax benefits.

📅 When does this take effect?

The law applies retroactively from 1 January 2025. The Social Commission has approved it and is now being finalized by Parliament. No additional changes are expected.