How much can I work in Germany with a student visa?
The short answer: With a residence permit for study you may work up to 140 working days a year [1]. Compulsory internships do not count, and neither do jobs that count as studentische Nebentätigkeit [1] [2]. The minimum wage is 13.90 euros an hour in 2026 and 14.60 euros from 1 January 2027 [3].
How are the days counted?
- The law keeps a working day account of 140 days a year [1].
- A day with up to four hours of work counts as half a day [1].
- Alternatively a calendar week counts as two and a half days. During the lecture period this applies if you work no more than 20 hours that week, outside the lecture period for any number of hours [1].
- For each week the method that is better for you is used [1].
- Jobs that count as studentische Nebentätigkeit are not deducted. Ask your foreigners authority which jobs qualify [1].
- Working more than 140 days needs permission from the foreigners authority and the Federal Employment Agency [2].
What about internships and freelancing?
- Compulsory internships required by your study regulations do not count towards the 140 days [2].
- Voluntary internships count as regular work, even if they are unpaid [2].
- Self-employment is not part of the 140 days. It needs permission from the foreigners authority [4]. Berlin, for example, allows it on the side as long as your studies come first [5].
What do I earn?
- The minimum wage is 13.90 euros an hour in 2026 and 14.60 euros from 1 January 2027 [3].
- A minijob may pay up to 603 euros a month in 2026 [6]. The limit is tied to the minimum wage and rises to 633 euros in 2027 [7].
- Your tax ID arrives by post after you register your address [8]. Your social security number is issued when you start your first job [9].
Frequently asked questions
Can I work full time in the semester break?
Yes, within your 140 days. Outside the lecture period a calendar week counts as two and a half working days, however many hours you work [1].
Can I work while I look for a study place?
Yes. With a residence permit for study applicants you may work up to 20 hours a week [10].
Sources
- Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), section 16b (3), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__16b.html
- Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, other options for working (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.bamf.de/DE/Themen/MigrationAufenthalt/ZuwandererDrittstaaten/Arbeit/Sonstige/sonstige-node.html
- Fifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance (MiLoV5), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/milov5/BJNR10C0A0025.html
- Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), section 21 (6), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__21.html
- Landesamt für Einwanderung Berlin, residence for study (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung/aufenthalt/studium/
- GKV-Spitzenverband, Rechengrößen 2026 (PDF, in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gkv-spitzenverband.de/media/dokumente/presse/zahlen_und_grafiken/20260101_Faktenblatt_Rechengroessen_Beitragsrecht.pdf
- Social Code Book IV (SGB IV), section 8, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/sgb_4/__8.html
- Federal Central Tax Office, tax ID in plain language (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.bzst.de/DE/Service/LeichteSprache/steuerid/steuerid.html
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung, social security card (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de/DRV/DE/Rente/Allgemeine-Informationen/Sozialversicherungsausweis
- Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz), section 17 (3), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__17.html
The ClioAI editorial team · Published 15 October 2026 · Last checked 15 October 2026
This text was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the ClioAI editorial team. How our texts are made (in German). Spotted a mistake? Write to kontakt@getclio.ai.
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This page gives a general overview and is not legal advice. Binding are the Residence Act and the decision of your foreigners authority.
