What are the rules for employing students during the school period?
During term time, students can gain paid work experience through fixed-term contracts. This arrangement is distinct from vacation period employment and has its own specific regulations.
Eligible students must be:
At least 16 years old (due to compulsory education requirements)
Enrolled in Luxembourg in one of these programs:
- Advanced technician's certificate (BTS)
- Bachelor's or master's degree at University of Luxembourg
- Secondary or technical secondary education
- Other University of Luxembourg educational courses
The contract must be:
Structured as a fixed-term contract (CDD)
Made in writing
Can be renewed multiple times within limits
Maximum total duration: 5 years (unlike standard 24-month CDD limit)
Regular Period:
Maximum 15 hours per week on average
Calculated over one month or 4-week period (60 hours total)
Must comply with school schedule
School Holidays Exception:
Up to 40 hours per week allowed
Regular working hour rules apply
Minimum Wage Requirements:
Must not be lower than social minimum wage
Age-based adjustments:
- Ages 18+: 100% of unqualified social minimum wage
- Ages 17-18: 80% of unqualified social minimum wage
- Ages 16-17: 75% of unqualified social minimum wage
Tax Considerations:
Income is subject to withholding tax
Tax card required from commune of residence
Students can request year-end tax relief
Social Security Coverage:
Full affiliation required (sickness, pension, accident, long-term care)
Returns to co-insured status after contract ends if:
- Under 30 years old
- Income below REVIS limit
Leave Entitlements:
Pro-rata paid annual leave
Paid sick leave (continuation of salary principle)
Entitled to paid public holidays (worked or not)
Family Allowance Impact:
Employment over 4 months per school year affects benefits
Benefits suspended if gross monthly income ≥ social minimum wage
Must report to Children's Future Fund with payslip copies
Medical Requirements:
Medical check required for hazardous jobs
Food handling requires medical certificate (valid 1 year)
Special Protection for Young Workers:
Written risk information required before work starts (for minors)
Legal guardian must be informed of risks
Workers under 21 require special safety instructions with:
- Health and safety representative
- Designated workplace safety officer
Documentation Needed:
Written employment contract
Tax card
Social security registration
Medical certificates (if applicable)
Working time records
Payment records
Note: Please verify current requirements with relevant authorities.
Who can be employed during the school period?
Eligible students must be:
At least 16 years old (due to compulsory education requirements)
Enrolled in Luxembourg in one of these programs:
- Advanced technician's certificate (BTS)
- Bachelor's or master's degree at University of Luxembourg
- Secondary or technical secondary education
- Other University of Luxembourg educational courses
What are the contract requirements?
The contract must be:
Structured as a fixed-term contract (CDD)
Made in writing
Can be renewed multiple times within limits
Maximum total duration: 5 years (unlike standard 24-month CDD limit)
What are the working time restrictions?
Regular Period:
Maximum 15 hours per week on average
Calculated over one month or 4-week period (60 hours total)
Must comply with school schedule
School Holidays Exception:
Up to 40 hours per week allowed
Regular working hour rules apply
What's the required compensation?
Minimum Wage Requirements:
Must not be lower than social minimum wage
Age-based adjustments:
- Ages 18+: 100% of unqualified social minimum wage
- Ages 17-18: 80% of unqualified social minimum wage
- Ages 16-17: 75% of unqualified social minimum wage
Tax Considerations:
Income is subject to withholding tax
Tax card required from commune of residence
Students can request year-end tax relief
What about social security and benefits?
Social Security Coverage:
Full affiliation required (sickness, pension, accident, long-term care)
Returns to co-insured status after contract ends if:
- Under 30 years old
- Income below REVIS limit
Leave Entitlements:
Pro-rata paid annual leave
Paid sick leave (continuation of salary principle)
Entitled to paid public holidays (worked or not)
Important considerations for family benefits
Family Allowance Impact:
Employment over 4 months per school year affects benefits
Benefits suspended if gross monthly income ≥ social minimum wage
Must report to Children's Future Fund with payslip copies
Health and safety requirements
Medical Requirements:
Medical check required for hazardous jobs
Food handling requires medical certificate (valid 1 year)
Special Protection for Young Workers:
Written risk information required before work starts (for minors)
Legal guardian must be informed of risks
Workers under 21 require special safety instructions with:
- Health and safety representative
- Designated workplace safety officer
Additional compliance requirements
Documentation Needed:
Written employment contract
Tax card
Social security registration
Medical certificates (if applicable)
Working time records
Payment records
Note: Please verify current requirements with relevant authorities.
Updated on: 19/11/2024
Thank you!