Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students

Looking for ways to fund your living costs and adventure in Germany? Part-time jobs helped hundreds of thousands of students to gain financial control and valuable work experience. However, job searches, legal barriers, and tax systems in Germany can be tricky and challenging.

This comprehensive guide gives you all the required information for finding student jobs in Germany with navigation through legal instructions and job platforms.

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Legal Framework for Students

Students should understand the work permit rules before working, as breaking them can lead to legal troubles. Work rights depend on students' nationality and residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) status.

1. Non-EU Students

Non-EU students have the permission to work for 140 full days or 280 half days annually, meaning students can either work 8 hours daily up to 140 days or 4 hours for 280 days a year. In total, students can work up to 1120 hours per year. This rule applies to students with a §16b Aufenth residence permit.

2. EU/EEA/Swiss Students

Students from countries like the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) have the same working rights as German citizens. No permit required with the ability to work 20+ hours a week. It is recommended to not exceed the 20-hour mark despite it being legal, as it affects health insurance, and the German government wants students to focus on education and not get swayed.

As of now, the minimum wage (Mindestlohn) is €12.82/hour and is applicable to all international students, who must not accept any pay under this standard. The employer must provide details like pay slips, gross pay, and deductions, which may vary according to job types.

Types of Jobs in Germany for International Students

Germany has different job types and contracts students must be aware of and select jobs according to their situations.

1. Marginal employment (minijob)

A low-earning job designed to help cover everyday expenses. Students can earn up to €538 per month, and it comes with tax breaks from income tax, health, nursing care, and unemployment insurance if minijobs are the only source of income. This is a perfect side hustle for students looking to earn money without an overwhelming study schedule.

• Waiter/Waitress (Kellner/Kellnerin)
• Barista/Barkeeper
• Delivery Driver (Lieferservice)
• Cashier (Kassierer/Kassiererin)
• Retail Sales Assistant (Verkäufer/Verkäuferin)
• Helper/Assistant (Aushilfe)
• Shelf Stocker (Regalauffüller)

2. Working Student Status (Werkstudents)

Special status for enrolled students, with education being the primary focus. Werkstudenten can legally work up to 20 hours a week, balancing with lecture periods, and work full-time during semester breaks. It comes with lots of benefits, like exemption from contributing to unemployment and nursing care insurance. Best for students seeking relevant professional experience with higher income and cost balance. Jobs are as follows:

• Marketing
• IT services
• Mechanical Engineering
• Administration

3. Transitional Part-Time (Midijobs)

Students with well-paying jobs or who work extra hours during breaks fall under midijobs. Students can earn between €538.01 and €2,000 per month (2024) with reduced rates for pension and unemployment insurance. Health and nursing insurance must be paid and gradually increases, but income tax depreciates. It is similar to Werkstudent with higher monthly/hourly pay.

• Werkstudent
• Part-time Employee (Teilzeitkraft)
• Office Clerk (Bürokraft)
• Educational Assistant (Bildungswissenschaftler Hiwi)

4. Internships (Praktika)

• Mandatory Internships (Pflichtpraktikum): Included in the university curriculum and does not follow the 140-day rule for non-EU students, as it is considered a contribution. It can last up to 3-6 months with time flexibility.
• Voluntary Internships (Freiwilliges Praktikum): It's not mandatory and follows standard working rules for students. Monetary compensation needs to be provided in respect to minimum wage, with the exception of internships lasting less than 3 months.

Continue Reading...: How to find part time jobs in Germany as an international student