From what age can students legally work? Everything you need to know

Nowadays, more and more young people want to work while attending school. Whether you're seeking experience, some extra spending money, or need to support yourself almost entirely, student work occasionally has special rules that differ from general employment regulations. Here, we share all the essential information you'll need before starting work.

What is student work?

Student work usually refers to casual or part-time employment undertaken by students alongside their studies or during school breaks. It can involve traditional employment relationships, other employment agreements, or simplified employment relationships. Students might perform administrative tasks, work in hospitality, warehouses, or even engage in professional internships.

The Hungarian legal system does not explicitly define student work. However, Act I of 2002, the Labor Code (Mt.), sets specific regulations for employees under the age of 18, often called young workers.

Conditions for student employment

Since many student workers are minors, understanding the minimum age requirements for student employment is crucial. Generally, employment is possible from the age of 16. However, there's an exception: during school breaks, students who have reached the age of 15 and attend school full-time are also permitted to work.

A vital condition for minors under 18 years old is obtaining consent from their legal guardian—usually a parent—to establish an employment relationship. Moreover, with prior approval from child protection authorities, students younger than 16 may engage in certain activities, like cultural, artistic, sports, or advertising tasks.

Once reaching legal adulthood, individuals can freely enter into employment contracts, though it's crucial to note that standard Labor Code regulations apply from this point onward. Additionally, every worker, including students, must possess a tax identification number. If you don't already have one, you should obtain it from the tax authority as soon as possible.

How can students work?

Many students typically find employment through student cooperatives, but this isn't the only option. Young individuals may also work under regular employment contracts, other employment agreements (like commission contracts), simplified employment schemes, or even as household employees.

Student cooperatives

These are specialized entities operating under specific regulations, explicitly catering to students by providing job opportunities compatible with their schedules and facilitating the employment process.

Student cooperatives function similarly to recruitment agencies. Once the employment relationship is established, the employer has the right to direct the student's work, while the cooperative maintains close collaboration with both parties. If employed through a cooperative, students are entitled to equal treatment alongside regular employees.

As a member of a student cooperative, during your active student status or the validity of your student card, you won't pay social security contributions, thus not being insured through your employment. However, you remain entitled to healthcare services due to your ongoing student status.

To join a student cooperative, you only need a valid Hungarian student ID, active or passive student status, a Hungarian tax identification number, and a Hungarian bank account. If you meet these criteria, this option can be an excellent choice.

Other employment forms

Students can also engage in regular employment relationships under traditional employment contracts. In this case, the employer is responsible for paying taxes and contributions, and you receive the net salary directly.

You can also work through other employment agreements, such as commission contracts, where taxation differs slightly. Here, costs incurred can be deducted from your income, and taxes apply only to the remaining amount. Typically, a flat-rate cost deduction of 10% without proof is applied, meaning that only 90% of your total earnings count as taxable income.

Students may also engage in simplified employment, typically involving casual jobs, agricultural work, or seasonal tourism activities. Here, employment cannot exceed 5 consecutive days, 15 days within a month, or 90 days per year, with employers handling applicable taxes.

Additionally, students may perform household work, such as tutoring, babysitting, cleaning, or gardening, provided the tasks assist individuals or families in their daily living needs. Income earned from household work is exempt from income tax and contributions, though the employer must provide written proof of payments upon request.

Working hours

Working hours for students depend mainly on age. Adults follow general employment rules, allowing them flexibility in negotiating hours within legal limits. However, minors face stricter regulations.

According to the Labor Code, young workers aged 16 to 18 can work a maximum of 8 hours daily, while those younger than 16 can only work up to 6 hours per day, except for students aged 15 or older during school breaks. Total daily working hours must be summed up if holding multiple jobs.

Employers must provide at least a 30-minute break for young workers who work more than 4.5 hours per day. Furthermore, there must be at least 12 hours between the end of one shift and the start of the next. Young workers are also entitled to two days off per week, cannot perform night shifts, nor work overtime or be on-call.

Salary considerations for student employment

Salary generally depends on agreements between employers and workers. Sometimes, regulations determine specific pay scales, though this isn't common for student jobs.

As a student under 25, always focus on gross salary during negotiations since this typically matches your net income due to special tax benefits.

Since January 1, 2022, individuals under 25 are exempt from personal income tax up to a maximum income of 576,601 HUF annually, equating to a potential monthly savings of up to 86,490 HUF. Employers must automatically apply this exemption, so no separate declaration is necessary.

Looking for student work? Choose Y Student Cooperative

Student work offers more than just income—it shapes your future, regardless of whether the tasks directly relate to your chosen career. Finding employment matching your personality and experience is essential, and you can find this at Y Student Cooperative.

Whether you're seeking short-term summer employment, long-term commitments, or internship programs, we provide the necessary support and assistance. Using our salary calculator, you can estimate your potential income, considering applicable tax benefits. Feel free to reach out to us!