As an international student you can work, but three separate limits apply, and each counts something different. Breaking the first one can affect your residence permit; the other two affect how much tax and social insurance you pay.
| Limit | What it counts | The number |
|---|---|---|
| Residence permit (§ 16b AufenthG) | Working days per calendar year | 140 full days or 280 half days |
| Werkstudent status | Hours per week during the lecture period | Up to 20 hours a week |
| Minijob | Earnings per month | Up to €603 a month |
The residence permit limit
- A day with more than 4 hours of work counts as a full day; 4 hours or fewer counts as a half day.
- Jobs as a student assistant at your university (HiWi) usually don't count towards the limit.
- Mandatory internships that are part of your programme don't count either.
- Your permit card or its supplementary sheet states your work conditions. Read it.
Werkstudent jobs
As a Werkstudent you pay pension insurance but no health, care or unemployment contributions, as long as studying remains your main activity. The usual test is up to 20 hours a week during the semester; in the holidays you can work more.
Minijobs
A Minijob pays up to €603 a month, with the minimum wage at €13.90 an hour. You don't pay income tax on it. Pension contributions are deducted unless you opt out in writing.
handbook.tools.workHours.namehandbook.tools.workHours.descriptionThe work hours tracker counts your days against all three limits and warns you before you cross one.
Common questions
Can I freelance on a student permit?
Self-employment needs permission from the immigration office. Ask before you take on freelance work.
What happens if I work more than allowed?
It can put your residence permit at risk. If you're close to the limit, ask the immigration office before you take more shifts.
Sources
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you rely on a figure.