International students from outside the EU can work in Germany, but only within a day limit, and breaking it carries a serious consequence. DAAD warns that a student can be deported for breaking the labour rules. Work out your limit before accepting a job.
The day limit
DAAD says students from other countries are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Self-employed or freelance work is only possible if the Ausländerbehörde permits it. Students who want to work more need permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the foreigners’ office, and DAAD says permission can only be granted in cases of special financial need.
Older pages give other numbers
The Federal Foreign Office FAQ for students still gives the figure as 120 full or 240 half days. DAAD’s current pages say 140 and 280. When two official sources disagree, use the newer one as a starting point and confirm with your university’s international office or the foreigners’ office before you rely on either.
What does not count against the limit
DAAD says one exception is working as an academic assistant at your own institution: there is no limit on days, though you must still tell the foreigners’ office. If you are unsure which category a job falls into, ask student services or the international office. Compulsory internships under your study regulations are also excepted, as covered in internships in Germany.
Pay and taxes
DAAD gives the minimum wage as 13.90 euros per hour since January 2026. Students can hold a minijob and earn up to 556 euros a month without paying tax, according to DAAD. If you regularly earn more, you need a tax number and tax is deducted, which students can claim back through an annual tax return.
Insurance and the 20-hour line
If you are permanently employed you normally pay social security contributions, which include health, nursing care, pension and unemployment insurance. DAAD says you do not pay them if you work less than three months at a stretch or fewer than 70 days a year. Working more than 20 hours a week means health, unemployment and nursing care contributions, and DAAD notes that your studies will suffer. Read health insurance in Germany because student insurance may no longer be enough once you are employed.
How much can you realistically earn?
DAAD says it is virtually impossible to fund the whole cost of living through side jobs, and that working too much can extend your degree. It recommends using the recess period and securing funds through scholarships or family support. Your visa funds figure is the number to plan around. See the student visa guide.
Finding student work
DAAD points to the Federal Employment Agency’s regional job exchanges for students, listings at student services and university notice boards, and academic assistant posts at your institute.
After you graduate
For non-EU graduates, DAAD says you can apply for a residence permit for jobseekers that is issued for up to 18 months to find qualified employment. The job should generally be intended for higher education graduates. Once you find a suitable position you can convert the permit into a work visa for qualified professionals or an EU Blue Card. The German job market for newcomers explains what to look for.
Quick check before any job
- How many days have I worked this calendar year?
- Is this job an academic assistant post or an ordinary job?
- Will my pay or hours change my insurance?
- Do I need a tax number?
This page reads official sources and does not give legal advice. The foreigners’ office and your university apply the rules to your case.