'Working While Studying in Germany: Minijob, Werkstudent, and Limits for

Students in Germany often work part-time: this helps cover some of their expenses, learn the language faster, and gain their first experience in the German job market. However, the type of work depends on your status, the number of hours, your salary, and your citizenship. International students from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland should check the rules especially carefully.

Where to Start

Before searching for a job, check three things:

what is stated on your Aufenthaltstitel or visa;
how many hours or days you have already worked this year;
What type of contract does the employer offer: Minijob, Werkstudentjob, regular part-time work, an internship, or self-employment?

For students from third countries, the following basic rule applies in 2026: they may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without separate approval from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. Alternatively, during the lecture period, you can follow the limit of up to 20 hours per week, as applies to German, EU/EEA, and Swiss students. During breaks, the 20-hour limit for student status generally does not apply, but you must still take into account visa limits and the conditions of your specific residence permit.

What Part-Time Jobs Are Popular Among Students

Tutoring and Nachhilfe

Tutoring is a good fit for those who have a strong grasp of a subject, language, or school curriculum. Earnings depend on the subject, city, the student’s level, and whether you work through a platform, a tutoring school, or directly with the student. Before starting, clarify whether the arrangement will be an employment contract, a fee-based arrangement, or self-employment: for students from non-EU/EEA countries, self-employment may require permission from the Ausländerbehörde.

Working in Cafes, Restaurants, and Bars

Waiter, barista, kitchen assistant, or bartender—these are classic options for students. Pros: there are plenty of job openings, you can practice your German, and tips are common. Cons: shifts can run late, the work is physically demanding, and the schedule isn’t always easy to balance with your studies.

Retail and Services

Stores, bakeries, warehouses, movie theaters, hotels, and delivery services are regularly looking for part-time students. It’s important to discuss your schedule during exam periods in advance and check how the employer tracks your hours.

Hiwi and University Jobs

Positions such as Studentische Hilfskraft, wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft, or library work are often more closely tied to the academic sphere. For international students, these roles may offer more flexible working arrangements, but the specific conditions depend on the university and the contract.

Werkstudent job in your field of study

A “Werkstudent” job is usually more valuable for your future career than a random part-time job: you work at a company in your field of study, gaining experience and making contacts. During the semester, a limit of about 20 hours per week is usually important to maintain your student status in the social security system. During breaks, you can work more if your contract and immigration status allow it.

Surveys, Micro-Jobs, and Freelancing

Surveys and micro-jobs rarely provide a stable income. Copywriting, design, translation, tutoring on a fee basis, or work through platforms can be considered self-employment. For students from non-EU/EEA countries, this is a risky area: before starting, you must obtain permission from the Ausländerbehörde if your status does not explicitly allow self-employment.

Minijobs in 2026

A Minijob is “geringfügige Beschäftigung,” meaning work that provides a small, regular income. In 2026, the limit for a Minijob is 603 euros per month. This is linked to the general minimum wage: as of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Germany is 13.90 euros per hour.

What does this mean in practice:

A minijob is a good option for a small, steady side job;
Multiple Minijobs can be combined, and if the limit is exceeded, your status changes;
The employer is required to properly document the employment and comply with the minimum wage (Mindestlohn);
For international students, a Minijob does not waive visa restrictions regarding days or hours worked.

For more details on the options, see our article on this topic, but be sure to check the current official limits before signing a contract.

Werkstudent Job: When Is It More Advantageous?

A “Werkstudent” job is a good fit if you want to work more, gain experience in your field of study, and not be limited by the “Minijob” restrictions. There is no upper salary limit like with a “Minijob,” but other conditions are important:

The student must be enrolled at a university;
Work should not interfere with your studies;
During the lecture period, the limit is usually up to 20 hours per week;
Salaries are subject to taxes and contributions in accordance with the terms of the specific contract;
Immigration restrictions remain in place for students from third countries.

If the job is related to your field of study, a Werkstudent job can be a strong addition to your resume and help you find a full-time position after graduation.

How Much Can You Earn?

Exact rates depend on the city, industry, language, and experience. In 2026, employers must not pay less than the general minimum wage (Mindestlohn) unless an exception applies to the job. For basic service jobs, pay is often around the minimum wage or slightly higher; in IT, engineering, analytics, office work, and university projects, rates may be higher.

Don’t judge an offer based solely on the hourly wage. Be sure to check:

How many hours are actually allowed per month;
Are there night, Sunday, or holiday shifts?
how tips are accounted for;
whether the salary will be brutto or netto when speaking with the employer;
Does the schedule conflict with classes and exams?

Taxes, Insurance, and Student Status

A part-time job can affect your taxes, health insurance, BAföG, scholarships, and status in the social security system. It is especially important not to exceed work limits without understanding the consequences. If you are working under “Werkstudent” status, check with your employer and health insurance provider (Krankenkasse) to find out how your contributions will be calculated.

To extend a student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), income from work can sometimes be used as part of the proof of financial support. Make it in Germany provides a guideline of 992 euros per month for 2026, but the decision is made by the specific Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde), so be sure to check the requirements of your local office in advance.

Where to Look for a Job

the university’s career center and faculty bulletin boards;
company websites and LinkedIn/Xing;
local job postings in cafes, stores, and libraries;
Studierendenwerk and university newsletters;
platforms for Werkstudent and Hiwi job openings;
Recommendations from classmates and professors.

For your first job, a short resume in German, a current Studienbescheinigung, and a clear schedule of your availability are often sufficient.

Checklist Before Signing a Contract

Check the work limits specified in your Aufenthaltstitel.
Check your salary, hours, probationary period, and Kündigungsfrist.
Find out who records your working hours and where you can view them.
Check whether the work is considered self-employment.
Inform your employer of your student status and any restrictions.
Check how this affects your insurance, taxes, BAföG, or scholarship.
Allow plenty of time for lectures, exams, and rest.

Common Mistakes

relying on the outdated €520 Minijob limit;
assume that a Werkstudent job automatically allows for any workload;
starting freelance work without a permit if your status does not allow it;
work “off the books” for cash;
Do not count full and half workdays;
Agree to a schedule that interferes with your studies.

FAQ

Can a student from a third country work more than 140 full days?

Only if your status permits it or if it has been approved by the relevant authorities. It is risky to exceed the limit without checking with the Ausländerbehörde.

Is a Minijob better than a Werkstudentjob?

Not always. A “minijob” is simpler for a small side job, but a “werkstudentjob” is often better for your career and income if it’s related to your field of study and doesn’t interfere with your studies.

Can a student be self-employed?

Eligibility depends on citizenship and residence status (Aufenthaltstitel). Students from non-EU/EEA countries usually need permission from the Ausländerbehörde for self-employment.

Do you have to pay taxes?

This depends on your income, tax bracket, number of jobs, and employment contract. Your employer and health insurance provider (Krankenkasse) can explain the basic deductions, but for complex cases, it’s best to consult a tax advisor (Steuerberater) or a payroll tax assistance association (Lohnsteuerhilfeverein).