Working as an International Student
Working as an International Student in Germany
A simple guide for international students who are new to Germany.
Many international students want to work alongside their studies — to earn money, gain experience, or become more independent.
Germany allows international students to work, but there are clear legal rules that you should understand before starting a job.
How Many Days Can International Students Work?
International students from non-EU countries may generally work:
- 140 full days per year
- 280 half days per year
A half day generally means up to 4 hours of work, while a full day means more than 4 hours.
These limits generally apply to employment outside the university.
University Jobs (HiWi Jobs)
Student assistant jobs (HiWi jobs) at a university are treated differently from regular employment.
Work that is directly related to your studies or carried out as a student assistant may be subject to different rules and may not count toward the standard 140-day limit.
Always check the specific conditions of your residence permit and employment before starting a university job.
How Many Hours Per Week Can You Work?
There is no general statutory rule that simply limits every international student to exactly 20 working hours per week.
However, working too much can affect your student status, health insurance, taxes, and residence situation.
A common guideline is to work no more than 20 hours per week during the semester, while students often work more during semester breaks.
If you plan to work significant additional hours, check the rules with your health insurance provider and the local immigration authority.
Minimum Wage and Mini-Job Limit
If you work in Germany, you are generally entitled to the applicable statutory minimum wage.
The mini-job income limit is separate from the student work-day limit. Whether a job qualifies as a mini-job depends on the applicable monthly earnings threshold and other conditions.
Keep in mind that not paying income tax does not necessarily mean that you have no other deductions or obligations.
Do You Need Special Permission?
Your residence permit normally determines what type of employment you are allowed to take.
You should contact the local immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde) before:
- Exceeding the permitted number of working days
- Starting self-employment or freelance work
- Taking employment that is not covered by your student residence permit
- Making significant changes to your employment situation
Do not assume that additional work is automatically permitted.
Important Tips for International Students
- Check your residence permit before starting a job.
- Keep your employment contracts and payslips.
- Track your working days throughout the year.
- Check your health insurance requirements if you work more hours.
- Make sure your studies remain your main activity.
- Ask the immigration authority if you are unsure whether a specific job is permitted.
Violating the conditions of your residence permit can have serious consequences, so it is important to clarify the rules before taking on additional work.
Summary
International students in Germany can work alongside their studies, but the exact rules depend on their residence status and type of employment.
The key points are:
- 140 full days or 280 half days per year generally apply to employment outside the university.
- University employment may be subject to different rules.
- A 20-hour-per-week guideline is commonly used during the semester, but it is not a universal statutory limit.
- Self-employment and freelance work require additional attention.
- Always check your individual residence permit and current official rules before starting or expanding employment.
Understanding the rules helps you work legally, earn money, and gain valuable professional experience while studying in Germany.