Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students thanks to its affordable education, high academic standards, and strong economy. Many students choose to work part-time during their studies to support themselves financially, gain work experience, and build connections within the German job market.
However, working as an international student in Germany comes with specific rules, regulations, and income limitations. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to knowāfrom legal rules to job-hunting tipsāto successfully get and manage a part-time job while studying in Germany.
ā 1. Can International Students Work in Germany?
Yes, they canābut under certain conditions. Germany allows international students (both EU and non-EU) to take up part-time jobs while studying. However, the number of working hours and income limits vary depending on your citizenship and visa status.
Letās break it down.
š 2. Legal Work Rules for International Students
For Non-EU/EEA Students
If you’re from a non-EU country (such as India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, etc.):
- You are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
- This restriction applies even during semester breaks unless youāre doing an internship related to your field of study.
- You cannot be self-employed or work as a freelancer (exceptions apply if you apply for special permits).
- If you want to work more than the allowed days, you must get approval from the local employment agency (Agentur fĆ¼r Arbeit) and the Foreignersā Office (AuslƤnderbehƶrde).
For EU/EEA Students
If youāre from an EU/EEA country (including Switzerland):
- You have almost the same rights as German students.
- You can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester (no annual day limit).
- No special permit is required.
šø 3. Income Limits and Tax Implications
Tax-Free Income Threshold
As of 2025, international students can earn up to:
- ā¬6,240 per year (approx. ā¬520/month) tax-free, under the Mini-Job (Minijob) scheme.
What if You Earn More?
- If you earn more than ā¬520/month, youāll need a tax ID, and deductions like income tax, pension contributions, and health insurance might apply.
- If your income exceeds ā¬10,908/year (2025 threshold), you may need to file a tax return.
- As a student, you’re generally exempt from unemployment and long-term care insurance but not from pension contributions (if working more than a Minijob).
Health Insurance Impacts
- If you work more than 20 hours per week, you may lose your student insurance status and be shifted to regular employee insurance, which is more expensive.
- Always inform your health insurance provider before taking on high-hour jobs.
š§¾ 4. Types of Part-Time Jobs Available for Students
Here are the most common part-time jobs for students in Germany:
A. University Jobs (HiWi ā Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft)
- Role: Research assistants, lab support, library staff.
- Work environment: Academic and flexible.
- Often well-paid and relevant to your field of study.
B. On-Campus Jobs
- Cafeteria (Mensa), library, administrative offices, or IT support.
- Convenient and student-friendly hours.
C. Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail (cashier, store assistant).
- Hospitality (waiter/waitress, barista).
- Delivery services (UberEats, Lieferando).
- Call centers and customer support.
D. Internships and Werkstudent Jobs
- Relevant to your field of study (engineering, IT, marketing, etc.).
- Often better paid than general part-time work.
- Werkstudent positions allow you to work 20 hours/week during semester and full-time during breaks.
š 5. Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany
Here are the best platforms and places to search for part-time jobs:
Online Job Portals:
- Indeed.de
- Stepstone.de
- Monster.de
- StudentJob.de
- Jobmensa.de
- Glassdoor.de
University Career Centers:
- Most German universities have career offices or online job portals that list part-time and internship opportunities.
Local Job Boards:
- Community centers, cafes, or supermarkets often have job listings.
- University notice boards may advertise jobs on campus.
Networking:
- Attend university events, career fairs, and join LinkedIn groups or Facebook student communities in your city.
š 6. Required Documents to Apply for a Part-Time Job
To work legally and apply for a job, you will need:
- Valid residence permit for study purposes.
- Student ID card (from your university).
- Tax Identification Number (Steuer-ID) ā received automatically after registration (Anmeldung) at your local address.
- Social Security Number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) ā needed if earning more than ā¬520/month.
- German bank account ā for salary transfers.
- CV and cover letter in German or English (depending on the job).
- Optional: Language certificate (if required for the role).
šļø 7. Working Hours: What Is Allowed?
During the Semester:
- Non-EU students: Can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days.
- EU students: Can work up to 20 hours per week without restrictions.
During Semester Breaks:
- Students can often work full-time without exceeding annual day limits, but this may depend on the type of job.
- Internships during breaks usually do not count toward the 120/240 day rule if mandatory for your study program.
ā 8. Rules You Should Not Break
- Donāt exceed 120 full-day or 240 half-day limit without permission.
- Donāt work illegally (without a contract or work permit).
- Donāt skip university obligations for your jobāyour primary focus must be studying.
- Donāt take self-employed or freelance work unless youāve been granted permission.
Breaking these rules can result in:
- Fines
- Losing your residence permit
- Getting banned from entering Germany in the future
šÆ 9. Tips for Successfully Getting a Part-Time Job in Germany
A. Learn Basic German
- Even a B1-level German can significantly increase your chances.
- Jobs in retail, restaurants, and customer service often require at least conversational German.
- Many university or research jobs may be open to English speakers.
B. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
- German employers expect clear, concise, and professional application documents.
- Include a professional photo, personal data, education, experience, and relevant skills.
- Use Europass CV format if you’re unsure where to start.
C. Apply Early
- Popular part-time jobs get filled quickly, especially at the beginning of semesters.
- Start searching and applying at least 1ā2 months in advance.
D. Be Honest About Your Availability
- Donāt overpromise hours that interfere with your classes or violate legal limits.
- Employers in Germany value punctuality and transparency.
E. Network Within the University
- Ask professors or seniors if they know about any open research assistant positions.
- Join student councils or international student groupsāthey often hear about openings first.
š¼ 10. What Is a Werkstudent Job? (And Why Itās Great)
A Werkstudent is a working student position specifically for university students enrolled in full-time programs. These roles are:
- Typically in engineering, IT, business, or research fields.
- Part-time during the semester (max. 20 hours/week).
- Often better paid than Minijobs (ā¬13ā20/hour depending on company).
- Offer professional experience and often lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Eligibility:
- You must be enrolled at a recognized university.
- You must NOT be in the final semester or on academic leave.
- The role must relate to your field of study.
š Final Thoughts: Balancing Work and Study
Working part-time in Germany while studying is not only possibleābut highly recommended if managed well. It helps you cover expenses, build soft skills, and gain local work experience. However, always remember that your primary goal is education, and you must comply with all rules to avoid complications with your visa or academic standing.
Key takeaways:
- Follow the 120/240 days rule (or 20 hours/week for EU students).
- Do not exceed income or hour limits without legal permission.
- Look for jobs that enhance your skills and relate to your career goals.
- Learn Germanāit significantly improves your job options.