Guides
Working While Studying in Germany (2026): The 140-Day Rule, Hours and Pay
On a German student residence permit you may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. During the lecture period you may not exceed 20 hours a week; in semester breaks you can work full-time within the annual cap. Jobs at your university (HiWi) do not count towards the limit. The minimum wage is €13.90 per hour in 2026, and a mini-job pays up to €603 a month.
Key facts
- Annual limit
- 140 full days or 280 half days
- During lectures
- max. 20 hours per week
- Minimum wage (2026)
- €13.90 per hour
- Mini-job ceiling (2026)
- €603 per month
How many hours can international students work?
Non-EU students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. A day with more than four hours counts as a full day; four hours or less counts as a half day. The count resets on 1 January.
- During the lecture period: no more than 20 hours per week, even if you have days left.
- During semester breaks: full-time work is allowed, as long as the annual cap holds.
- University jobs (HiWi, student assistant): do not count towards the limit.
- Mandatory internships required by your study regulations: do not count either.
Self-employment and freelancing are not covered by these rules and need separate permission from the immigration office. Working beyond the limit can put your residence permit at risk.
How much can you earn?
The statutory minimum wage is €13.90 per hour since 1 January 2026 (planned to rise to €14.60 in 2027). Typical student jobs pay at or a little above it; skilled working-student roles in IT or engineering often pay considerably more.
| Job type | What to know |
|---|---|
| Mini-job | up to €603 a month, usually no tax or social contributions for you |
| Working student (Werkstudent) | up to 20 hours in term, reduced social contributions, often career-relevant |
| HiWi / student assistant | at the university, does not count towards the 140-day limit |
Can a part-time job pay for your studies?
It can close part of the gap, but it should not be your plan A. At 20 hours a week and minimum wage you earn roughly €1,100 a month before deductions — but finding that many hours, especially in your first semester and without German, takes time. This is exactly why the visa requires the blocked account first.
English-speaking part-time work is much easier to find in some cities than others. Each university page shows how accessible English-speaking jobs are in that city.
Where do students find jobs?
- Your university’s career service and job board (HiWi positions are posted by departments)
- The student services organisation (Studierendenwerk) job portal
- General job platforms filtered for “Werkstudent” or “Minijob”
- Cafés, retail and delivery services in the semester break
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We check these figures against official sources, but rules and amounts change. Confirm the current requirements with your embassy or university before you act.