Under what employment status can you work as a temporary employee?

Working as a temporary employee: manual laborer or office worker

If you work through a temporary employment agency, you may be offered an employment contract as a manual laborer or office worker.

The distinction depends on the nature of your work:

• Laborer: You primarily perform manual labor, for example, in logistics, manufacturing, or cleaning.
• Clerk: You primarily perform intellectual work, such as in an administrative or commercial role.

Although the law has brought the two employment statuses into alignment in various areas, the distinction between blue-collar and white-collar workers still exists.

Working as a student employee through a staffing agency

Are you a student looking to earn a little extra money? If so, you can find work through a temp agency with a student contract.

When are you allowed to work as a student with a part-time job?

In general, you are eligible if:

• You must be at least 15 years old. If you are 15 years old and still subject to full-time compulsory education, you may only perform light work, under specific conditions. Starting at age 16—or at age 15 if you are no longer subject to full-time compulsory education—these additional restrictions on light work no longer apply.
• Studying is your main activity.
• You work during times when you are not required to be at school.

Additional conditions or exceptions apply to certain students and sectors.

How many hours are students allowed to work?

As a student working part-time, you can work 650 hours per calendar year with reduced social security contributions, provided you meet the legal requirements.

Do you work more than 650 hours? If so, you can still work as a student, but you’ll have to pay the standard social security contributions on the hours that exceed your quota.

You can check how many hours you have left through Student@work.

Earning Extra Income as a Flexi-Jobber

Would you like to earn some extra money in addition to your regular job or pension? If so, a flexi-job might be an option for you.

Since July 2026, the opportunities to work as a flexi-jobber have expanded significantly. Flexi-jobs are now available in many sectors, ranging from hospitality and retail to administrative and support roles. Whether you can work as a flexi-jobber depends on the applicable sector-specific rules and legal requirements.

When are you eligible for a flexi-job?

To work as a non-retired flexi-jobber, you must:

• In the third quarter prior to your flexi-job (T-3), you must have worked at least 4/5 of the time for one or more other employers.
• Meeting the conditions that prevent you from holding a flexi-job with an employer with whom you already have a regular employment contract
• Working for an employer and in a position for which flexi-jobs are legally permitted.

Those who are legally retired are not required to meet the employment conditions (T–3). Individuals receiving a “transitional benefit” are not considered “retired.”

What are the benefits of a flexi-job?

As a flexi-jobber, you do not pay regular social security contributions on your flexi-wage. As a result, your gross wage is usually equal to your net wage.

Up to a certain amount per year (18,880 euros for the 2026 tax year—2027 assessment year), as an employee, you do not have to pay any taxes or social security contributions on your flexi-wage; your gross wage is equal to your net wage. If you are retired, the amount you are allowed to earn in addition to your pension depends on your age.

Are you unsure whether you're eligible to work as a flexi-jobber? Check your personal situation on MyCareer.

Casual Work in the Hospitality Industry: Working Part-Time

Would you like to work in the hospitality industry from time to time, for example during busy weekends, events, or holiday periods? If so, you may be able to work as a temporary employee, also known as a part-timer.

This regulation is specifically intended to address temporary spikes in demand in the hospitality industry.

What are the requirements for an extra?

The following rules, among others, apply to occasional work in the hospitality industry:

• Under this status, you may work for the same employer for a maximum of two consecutive days.
• You can work up to 50 days per calendar year under the favorable casual employment system.
• A hospitality business may use this system for up to 200 days per calendar year.

Within these limits, social security contributions are calculated on a favorable flat-rate basis. This does not automatically mean that no regular deductions will be made from your pay.

Which status is the best fit for you?

Whether you're a student, have a full-time job, are retired, or just want to work temporarily, there are various opportunities to find work through a staffing agency.

Which status is most advantageous for you depends on your personal situation, the industry in which you work, and the legal requirements.

Do you have any questions?

Not sure which employment status applies to you? Contact Update-pro. Our payroll experts will be happy to assist you.