How international students can find part-time jobs in Germany
Germany is an attractive destination for international students not only for its educational excellence but also for job opportunities while studying. Reconciling study and part-time work allows for a deeper cultural experience and helps finance your stay. In this guide, you'll discover everything about how to find, apply for, and make the most of available professional opportunities.
Rules and limitations for student work in Germany
For international students, especially those from outside the European Union, Germany sets specific rules regarding work. The program Study and Work in Germany allows you to work legally while you study, but it's essential to know the limits. Students from non-EU/EEA countries can work up to 140 full days or 280 part-time days a year, with a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic period. During academic holidays, full-time work is allowed.
It is worth noting that there are some important exceptions. Students who act as academic assistants (tutors, library supervisors, or researchers) have no time limitations, but must inform the foreign office about their employment. Language course students, on the other hand, can only work during recess periods and with prior permission. To exceed the established limits, especially in regions with a low unemployment rate, it is necessary to obtain permission from the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and the foreign registry office (Ausländerbehörde).
Types of jobs available to students
The German market offers several opportunities for international students, divided mainly between jobs on and off campus, in addition to online options. Knowing the possibilities helps you direct your search according to your abilities and objectives.
The most common options include:
- Campus jobs: Academic assistant, tutor, library supervisor, researcher (generally requires at least six semesters of study)
- Off-campus jobs: Waiter, bartender, nanny, delivery man, office assistant, call center operator, field interviewer
- Jobs in multinational companies: Positions at organizations such as Daimler AG, Siemens, BMW, Deutsche Telekom, Allianz, Bosch, Lidl, Aldi, and Amazon
- Online work: Blog writing, data typing, translation, digital marketing, web development, online teaching, customer support
- Seasonal jobs: During vacation periods, opportunities in tourism, agriculture and special events
Wages and financial benefits
Since January 2025, the minimum wage in Germany has been set at €12.82 per hour, ensuring fair compensation even for entry-level work. The average salary for students varies by function and city, with values generally between €13 and €23 per hour. For example, student assistants earn approximately €15/hour, tutors €14/hour, office assistants €18/hour, and waiters receive around €13/hour.
An important advantage of the German system is the possibility of earning up to €556 a month without paying taxes, the so-called”Minijobs”. For amounts above that, it will be necessary to obtain a tax identification number, but it is possible to request a refund of excess taxes at the end of the tax year. In addition to financial support, working part-time in Germany provides benefits such as independence, cultural integration, professional development, networking, and curriculum enrichment, elements that will be valuable for future career opportunities.
Where and how to find job opportunities
Finding a part-time job in Germany requires strategy and the use of multiple resources. With the right tools, you significantly increase your chances of success.
The main sources for finding vacancies are:
- University bulletin boards: Frequently updated with flexible places specifically for students
- University career centers: They offer personalized guidance and connections with local employers
- Online job portals: Platforms such as Arbeitsagentur, JobMesh, Stepstone, Indeed, LinkedIn, Jobmensa and Studitemps have sections dedicated to vacancies for students
- Networking: Ask colleagues, join student groups and career fairs
- Local ads: Check eBay Kleinanzeigen and bulletin boards in supermarkets and cafes
- Direct application: Many businesses, especially restaurants and cafés, accept resumes delivered in person
- Specialized consultancies: Agencies such as Be Easy offer personalized support to find opportunities aligned with your profile
Necessary documentation and requirements
To legally work as a student in Germany, you will need to submit specific documentation. This includes your enrollment certificate, student visa or residence permit, proof of health insurance, tax identification number (obtained from the local finance office), and employment contract. Some jobs may require a specific work visa (Arbeitserlaubnis/Beschäftigungserlaubnis) from the Ausländerbehörde. Regarding the language, many positions, especially in international environments or in the IT sector, do not require proficiency in German, but basic knowledge is always a differential, especially for jobs involving customer service.
Be Easy
A Be Easy is your ideal partner to make your dream of studying and working in Germany a reality. Our specialized team offers full support from choosing the ideal program to detailed guidance on the German labor market. We help prepare the necessary documentation, offer practical tips for finding a job, and share valuable insights based on the experience of hundreds of Brazilians who have already succeeded in Germany. Contact us and discover how we can facilitate your international journey!
