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.

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

Updated on: 22/04/2025