Flexijob hours per week: how many can you work?

What is a flexijob and who can start one?

A flexijob is a side job for those who already have a main job of at least 4/5 or are retired. You earn extra cash without your wages being taxed as income, and you don't build up social rights. Ideal if you want more breathing room each month, or simply want to earn a little extra without hassle.

Curious which flexijobs are open in your municipality? On our page per municipality you can immediately see the offer within cycling distance.

Maximum hours per week: the magical 38

The law is clear: a flexi-jobber may not work more than 38 hours per week in their flexijob. That is the absolute maximum. But note: those 38 hours only apply if your main job is at least 80% of a full-time position. If you work less, you are not eligible for a flexijob. The rule is there to prevent abuse and ensure flexis don't replace full-fledged jobs.

Besides the weekly maximum, there is also a quarterly limit of 494 hours. That corresponds perfectly to 38 hours per week over a 13-week quarter. So if you plan to go extra hard for a few weeks, make sure you don't exceed the quarterly figure.

What if you are retired?

Good news: since 2024, retirees can flexi unlimitedly. No hours cap, no impact on your pension. You can combine as many flexijobs as you want, and the earnings are not deducted from your pension benefit. Here too, you continue to enjoy the advantageous flexi tax: no personal income tax on your flexi wage, only the flexi social security contribution of 28% that your employer withholds.

Can I do a flexijob if I work 4/5?

Absolutely, that is even the standard condition. If you work 4/5 (i.e., 80% of a full-time job), you can flexi up to 38 hours per week. Do you have a 4/5 contract, but in reality work more hours due to overtime? Then your main job remains 4/5 and you can simply clock your flexi hours.

Flexijob with your previous employer: is it allowed now or not?

Until the end of 2023, it was forbidden to flexi with an employer where you had been employed in the previous 12 months. Since 1 January 2024, that waiting period has been scrapped. So you can immediately start a flexijob with your ex-employer, as long as you no longer hold your main job there. Note: you may not combine a flexijob and a regular job with the same employer at the same time.

What are the disadvantages of a flexi-job?

Every advantage has its downside. With a flexijob, for example, you don't build up additional pension rights, and you don't save for a year-end bonus or holiday pay. Also, if you don't have a main job (for example due to unemployment), you cannot do a flexi-job. And remember: your flexi income is not included in your tax return, but that also means you cannot receive tax credits such as the job bonus on it. Read up well before you start, our page on flexijob disadvantages lays everything out clearly.

How much can I earn per hour at most?

There is no legal maximum hourly wage for flexis, but your gross flexi wage must at least equal the guaranteed minimum wage (in 2025 that is €12.67 per hour for a full-time employee aged 21 or over). Many sectors pay more, and that is allowed. Your net income is determined by your gross hourly wage minus the flexi social security contribution of 28% that your employer withholds. You pay no taxes on the amount you keep. So it is purely net.