How much you can work
Non-EU students with a residence permit for study may work up to 140 working days a year (the “working-day account”). Each week is counted in whichever way is better for you:
- By day: a day with up to 4 hours counts as half a day, longer counts as a full day — i.e. 140 full or 280 half days.
- By week: a week with no more than 20 hours during the lecture period, or any week during the semester break, counts as 2.5 days.
Student assistant jobs at your university or a research institute (HiWi / studentische Nebentätigkeit) do not count towards the account.
Rules during language courses and Studienkolleg are stricter; follow what the immigration office notes on your permit.
Pay
- Statutory minimum wage: €13.90/hour in 2026, €14.60/hour from January 2027.
- Mini-job: earnings up to €603 a month in 2026 are largely free of social security contributions and income tax.
- Working-student jobs (Werkstudent) above the mini-job cap pay some social security contributions, and income tax at higher earnings — you can reclaim it with a tax return the following year.
Keep in mind
Earnings rarely cover living costs on their own and cannot replace the blocked account as proof of funds for the visa. Breaking the work limit can jeopardise extending your residence permit.