Working as a foreign student in Germany: What should you consider?

Many students in Germany would like to work during their studies. They want to gain professional experience or earn money. When working in Germany as a foreign student, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Study must be in the foreground

Your studies must remain in the foreground despite your work. It is also important for compulsory social security that you are enrolled and mainly studying. Your job must be secondary to your studies.

How much am I allowed to work?

In the current semester, you may not work more than 20 hours per week. However, there are exceptions if you work mainly on weekends, at night, or in the evening. This regulation does not apply during the semester break.

Please note that according to the law for foreigners, you are allowed to work as a foreign student, but this is limited to 120 days or 240 half days. Attention: This limitation does not apply during the study preparation measures in the first year of your stay. This is fixed in Section 16b (3) of the Aufenthaltsgesetz ("Residence Act").

What about social security contributions?

Germany has strict labor and tax laws. If you do not work more than 20 hours during the semester, there is no obligation to pay social security contributions for health, nursing care, and unemployment insurance. Neither you nor your employer pays social security contributions.

This regulation does not apply to pension insurance if you earn more than 450 euros per month - during the lecture-free period and during the semester. In this case, you and your employer each pay 50% of the contributions.

If you earn more than 450 euros per month, this regulation does not apply to pension insurance - during the lecture-free period and during the semester. There is an exception if you take a job that is limited to a maximum of two months or only involves working on weekends, at night, or in the evenings.

What is a mini-job?

In Germany, a mini-job is an occupation in which you earn no more than 520 euros per month. There are no social security contributions for this type of work. However, if you have two or more mini-jobs earning 520 euros, this rule no longer applies. Accordingly, the 520-euro limit applies.

How do I get a social security card?

If you take a job in Germany for the first time, you need a social security card. You don't have to deal with this; it is the responsibility of your employer. The employer will be given your social security number, and you will receive your social security card in the mail.

Can I work tax-free in Germany while studying?

Basically, as a foreign student, you are liable to pay income tax. However, there are tax-free thresholds for students. If you stay below these allowances, you usually do not pay any tax on your income.

If you exceed the tax-free amounts but conceal this from the tax office, you will be committing a criminal offense. In Germany, this is called "Schwarzarbeit" ("moonlighting"). Undeclared work is punishable - both for the employer and for you as a tax evader.

(As of October 2022)