Working while studying in Germany: the rules for international students
If you come to Germany from outside the EU to study, you may work on the side – but not without limits. Here are the key rules at a glance.
This overview is not legal advice. What counts is what your residence permit says. If you are unsure, ask your foreigners' office (Ausländerbehörde) or your university's International Office.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
You may work in Germany just like German students. Immigration law sets you no limit. What matters is the 20-hour limit for Werkstudent status (see below).
Students from non-EU countries: 140 or 280 days
With a residence permit for studies (Section 16b of the Residence Act), since March 2024 you may:
- work 140 full days or 280 half days a year – without approval from the Federal Employment Agency.
- A half day usually means working up to four hours.
- You can combine full and half days, as long as the total stays within the limit.
Usually not counted:
- Student side jobs at your university, e.g. as a student assistant (studentische Hilfskraft)
- Mandatory internships required by your study regulations
Voluntary internships and holiday jobs do count. To work more, you need approval from the authorities.
What is not allowed
- Self-employment or freelancing is only possible for non-EU students with explicit permission from the foreigners' office.
- Language courses and preparatory colleges (Studienkolleg) may have different rules – ask first.
The 20-hour limit (Werkstudent)
Whatever your nationality: if you work at most 20 hours a week during the semester, you are exempt from health, care and unemployment insurance as a Werkstudent and only pay into the pension scheme. During the semester breaks you may work more. More: Werkstudent, Minijob or part-time?
Minijobs
A Minijob up to €603 a month (2026) is popular because there are usually no deductions for you. For non-EU students, a Minijob also counts towards the 140/280 days. All details: Minijobs in Germany
Taxes
Depending on your tax class, income tax is deducted from your wage. If you earn less than the basic tax allowance (just over €12,000 a year), you usually get it back by filing a tax return.
In short
- Non-EU: 140 full or 280 half days a year
- Student assistant jobs at the university and mandatory internships usually don't count
- During term, max. 20 hours a week for Werkstudent status
- No self-employment without permission
- If in doubt: ask the Ausländerbehörde
Find jobs in your city on our student jobs pages.
Frequently asked questions
How many days can non-EU students work in Germany?+
Usually 140 full or 280 half days a year, without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Your residence permit is what counts.
Does a student assistant job count towards the 140 days?+
Student side jobs at the university usually don't count. If in doubt, check with the foreigners' office whether your job qualifies.
Can international students freelance in Germany?+
Only with explicit permission from the foreigners' office. Without it, self-employment is not allowed for non-EU students.
Student jobs in Germany
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