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can i work in germany with a student visa

by Percival Upton IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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As a holder of a German student visa, you can:

  • Apply for an extension of the student residence permit. This is possible if you haven’t yet completed your planned studies within the visa period, and you’ll be completing them in ...
  • Get a part-time job. ...
  • Apply for a residence permit for job-seeking after graduation. ...

It is legal to work in Germany with a student visa, but students are restricted to the number of days they can work. This is 120 full days each year or 240 half days. (If you take a job as a student assistant or research assistant at your university, it's usually no problem to exceed the 120-day limit.

Full Answer

Can I work while studying in Germany?

For starters, don't worry about working while studying. It's totally routine in Germany, especially among international students, and there should be plenty of opportunities to consider. Here are just a few part-time student jobs that are often available to foreign residents:

What is a German student applicant visa?

A German student applicant visa is the visa to apply for if you are planning to go to Germany to apply for university admission in person. This visa is initially issued for three months but can be extended for another six months upon your arrival in Germany if necessary.

Do I need a visa to work in Germany?

Do I need a visa for Germany? See our page on whether you need a visa for Germany and other Schengen states for a short-stay for up to 90 days. Most non-EU nationals who wish to study or work in Germany or stay longer than 90 days usually will need a visa.

Can I work in Germany with a residence permit?

Once you receive your residence permit, you can start working in Germany! There are two types of German health insurance schemes: public and private.

How many days can a non-EU student work?

Is Germany a good place to study abroad?

Is internship considered work?

Can I work in Germany with a student visa in 2021?

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Can I work in Germany as an international student?

Students from abroad can also work in Germany alongside their studies. Students from EU/EEA countries are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester, just like German students are. There is no limit to how much they can earn during semester breaks.

Can you get a job in Germany with a student visa?

You can work up to 20 hours per week while studying. If you exceed this, you'll be required to pay into the German social security system, and there could be a negative impact on your studies. Non-EU/EEA students are also able to work in Germany alongside their studies, for 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

Can I change my student visa to work visa in Germany?

Yes, you can be able to switch your German student visa for a work visa. However, it is preferable for you to have completed your degree before making this switch. Germany is the perfect country to migrate to if you have just completed your degree and are looking for skilled employment.

How much can I earn as a student in Germany?

450 EUR per monthTaxes. Students can hold a minijob and earn up to 450 EUR per month without having to pay taxes. If you regularly earn more than 450 EUR, you will need a tax number, and a certain amount will be taken from your wages every month. Students can get this money back at the end of the year by submitting a tax return .

How long can I stay in Germany after my student visa expires?

The visa is usually valid for 3 months and acts as a residence title during this time. Once the visa has expired, the residence title is issued in the form of a residence permit. It is important that the application for the residence permit is submitted before the visa has expired.

How much does it cost to live in Germany as a student?

Living costs On average, a German student has expenses of EUR 867 per month. That includes rent, travel expenses, expenditures for food, clothing, learning materials, health insurance, telephone, Internet, radio and TV licence fees, and recreational activities.

Can I get permanent residency in Germany as a student?

A German Settlement Permit is a permanent residence for international students or employees who have lawfully spend some years in Germany. With PR, you can stay in Germany as long as you can. You can study, work and even bring your family members in Germany having the PR.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Germany?

about 1-3 monthsApplications take about 1-3 months to be processed. After the application has been approved by the Aliens' Authority and –if applicable- by the Work Office (Arbeitsagentur), the Embassy or Consulate General will issue a residence permit in the form of a visa, which will include the authorization to work in Germany.

How can a student get permanent residence in Germany?

To qualify for this settlement permit, you must have worked in Germany for at least two years after graduation. Furthermore, the job must have matched your academic qualification received in Germany. Following graduation, you must have held a residence permit for work, self-employment, or an EU Blue Card.

Is it easy to find a job in Germany as a student?

Universities in Germany each have a job center, where businesses who need help can ask for a student. This is obviously the easiest way to find a job, because you do not have to seek out businesses that have openings, and it is already clear that they are looking for university students.

How much is rent in Germany?

What is the average cost of rent in Germany? Average rent costs in Germany range from €300 to €800 per calendar month for a room in shared accommodation and from €500 to €1,346 for a one-bedroom flat. The overall average rental price is €750 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Can I get rich in Germany?

To reach the top 1 percent of earners, you would need a monthly take-home salary of 7.190 euros. This is equivalent to an annual net income of almost 86.000 euros, after taxes, or an annual gross salary of around 150.000 euros.

Is it easy to get a job in Germany?

Is it easy to get a job in Germany? All of this may sound like a lot of work, but it's usually fairly simple. And don't become downhearted. There are various areas where employers are desperate for motivated, well-qualified staff, and they don't care which country they come from.

Does Germany give work permit after study?

This is time over and above the duration of the study period granted in your German Study Visa. Students can apply for an extended 18-month Job Seeking Visa otherwise called the post-study work visa to find work relating to their studies. This extended 18-month period is called the post-study work permit in Germany.

How can students make money in Germany?

The top money-making hacks for students in GermanyGet a HiWi job. The word Hiwi comes from Hilfswilliger or voluntary assistant. ... Bartend, shop-assist, serve ice cream – grab your favourite Minijob! ... Become a babysitter. ... Freelance as a writer. ... Become a 'lab rat' ... Donate that healthy plasma.

What happens if you work more than 120 days Germany?

If students work more than 20 hours a week, they risk breaching annual limits (120 full days and 240 half days). There is also a monthly income limit of €450. Above that point, you will need to pay standard German taxes, while income below €450 is tax-free.

Can I work while studying in Germany?

Studying and working is perfectly OK in Germany. However, there are limits to how many hours you can work before being required to pay full insuran...

Are international students allowed to work in Germany?

International students have their own set of regulations, which govern how long they can work before their taxes and social contributions rise. For...

What is the difference between full days & half days?

A full day is defined as 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week in Germany, This means that students are allowed to work only 2.5 full days per week dur...

How much can I work as a student in Germany?

You may not spend more time working than you do studying. Otherwise, studying is no longer your main occupation. Therefore, as a student, you may n...

Can students work more than 20 hours a week in Germany?

There are some exceptions to the 20 hours rule mentioned above. Academic jobs are usually categorized differently. If you take a student assistant...

How much can I earn working as a student in Germany?

The amount of your income plays a role in several aspects. On the one hand, it concerns your status as a student: Here, it is not the amount that i...

How much can I earn as a Bafög recipient?

First of all, you must report any changes in your income to the Bafög office. Then certain income limits apply. If you earn more than this, the add...

What types of employment/student jobs are available for students in Germany?

For starters don't worry about working while studying. It's very common in Germany, especially among international students, and there are many opp...

How to find student jobs in Germany?

A good way is your network: Ask your flatmates, fellow students, and friends about job opportunities. In the best case, they can recommend you and...

How to Apply For A German Student Visa?

The German student visa application process can be a confusing process for many international students. The procedures are different from country to country, but you can have a general overview of the main steps you need to go through below.

When is the best time to apply for a German student visa?

The best time to apply for a German student visa is immediately after receiving the university letter of admission and securing the necessary funds to live and study in Germany.

How long does it take to get a German visa?

All other German visa applications for studies are normally processed within 3 months.

How to find a German embassy?

Locate The Closest German Embassy or Consulate. You can use Google to search for an embassy or a consulate near you, in your country (or another country close to you) to get more information about the requirements and setting up a visa appointment. All official German missions in other countries have an official website online, along with their physical address and contact information.

How long do you have to stay in Germany to study?

For studies that last more than 3 months, you need a German national visa. If you enter Germany with a national visa you have to extend your stay by getting a German residence permit for studies at the Foreigner’s Office. You should do this while your entry visa is still valid.

What do you need to show if you have a visa?

Your national passport/national ID card. It has to show you have a valid entry visa if you’ve entered with a visa.

How many hours are part time in Germany?

Part-time or half-days are defined as anything under the definition of a full week. So a part-time job in Germany usually is a job that requires up to 20 hours or less per week.

How many hours can an international student work?

For EU nationals, the limit is 20 hours per week during the semester. For students coming from outside the EU, the limit is either 120 full days, or 240 half days every year.

What is a compulsory internship?

Internship: You have to distinguish between a compulsory internship, a voluntary internship, and an internship abroad. As the name suggests, a compulsory internship is an integral part of your studies. Employers do not have to pay a minimum wage for compulsory internships.

How many hours can a student work?

You may not spend more time working than you do studying. Otherwise, studying is no longer your main occupation. Therefore, as a student, you may not work more than 20 hours a week during the lecture period. You may work more during semester breaks: Students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week for 26 weeks during the period of one year of employment (note that this does not have to correspond to a calendar year). In this case, it has no effect on your “student” status with regard to social security.

What is a working student?

Working student: You work in a company in a field that is related to your studies. For example, as a business student in marketing, human resources, or sales. A working student's job has many advantages: First, you can apply your knowledge in practice.

Why is it important to study while working?

The reasons are obvious: You acquire a full university degree and at the same time do vocational training or gain extensive work experience in a company. This makes you extremely attractive to companies and offers you excellent career opportunities. Companies also appreciate the advantages of part-time study for their employees: The managers of tomorrow can be tied to the company in the long term.

Is student life cheaper in Germany?

According to the German Student Union, however, student life is cheaper, as they get by on 867 Euros per month. On top of that, however, there are tuition fees and, depending on the housing market, a higher rent than the 332 euros.

How many days can a student work in Germany?

Student trainee positions (or as Germans call it the Praktikum) are a vital part of entering the German employment market.

What is a good salary for a student job in Germany?

Be aware that minimum wage regulations apply (around €9.5 per hour). In higher-skilled student positions, the pay ranges from 11-20 € per hour. Catering and cafe work will pay somewhere around the minimum.

Can I work while studying in Germany?

Studying and working is perfectly OK in Germany. However, there will be limits to how many hours you can work before being required to pay full insurance contributions.

Are international students allowed to work in Germany?

International students have their own employment regulations, which govern how long they can work before their taxes rise.

How much money can a student earn in Germany?

If students work more than 20 hours a week, they risk breaching annual limits (120 full days and 240 half days).

Can a student work more than 20 hours a week in Germany?

Most importantly, academic jobs are categorized differently. If you take a student assistant role within your university or college, this won't count towards your 120-day quota - a big help for many young researchers.

How many hours are full time in Germany?

How many hours constitute a full-time job? In Germany, a "full day" is defined as 8 hours, with full working weeks comprising 40 hours. This means that students can work 2.5 full days per week during term-time. Outside term-time, full-time work is perfectly fine, just remember the annual total.

What type of visa do international students in Germany need?

Throughout your visa application process, the website of Germany’s diplomatic representation abroad in your country of residence will be an important point of contact for you. If you have visited their website before, you will find various types of visas, which might leave you wondering which type you have to apply to.

How long is a student visa valid in Germany?

The Student Visa is the right choice for you if you already got accepted by your university. This visa is usually valid for 3 months, which gives you enough time to enter Germany, get settled, register your address and get your residence permit, which gives you permission to stay for your entire studies.

How do I register and get a residence permit in Germany?

Stereotypes about German bureaucracy wouldn’t exist, if a visa was the only piece of paperwork you would need as a student in Germany. You may have noted above that a Student Visa or a Student Applicant Visa typically are valid for three months. If the amount of time you intend to stay in Germany as a student exceeds this time, you will have to get a residence permit once you are in Germany: While the visa is the permission to enter the country, the residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) is the permission to live in Germany as a student for an extended amount of time.

Why should I apply for the Student Applicant Visa (rather than for the Student Visa)?

This being said – namely that both visas are equally as valid to enter Germany as an international student – we have a preference and want to advise you to go for the Student Applicant Visa. Many international students start the application process for their student visa once they receive the letter of admission. While this seems to make sense at first, it leads to some difficulties. Here’s why:

What are the two types of visas for studying in Germany?

There are two types of visa to study in Germany, a student visa and a student applicant visa. To get a visa, certain documents are necessary. For example proof of health insurance and proof of financial resources. The most popular form to provide a proof of financial resources is the blocked bank account.

Why do we prefer student visas?

In summary, we prefer the Student Applicant Visa because it is the safer and more relaxed alternative. There is no risk involved, since if you do not get the admit by the university of your choice, you can resolve your blocked bank account and thus won’t lose the money allocated to your time in Germany.

When to apply for a student visa?

Your timeline could then be a bit more relaxed: You apply to a university as soon as the application period starts and exchange e-mails with the university’s international office or the program coordinators. For the Winter semester, this would typically be in May. Parallelly, you can apply for a Student Applicant Visa, and are more realistically done with the process by the time your program starts in October.

How many working days can a student in Germany work?

Good news for working students in Germany from outside the EU/EEA: you’re free to work alongside your studies with your student visa! In this case, the regulations deviate slightly from the rules for EU students as non-EU/EEA students that are on a student visa can work up to 120 working days or 240 half days per year. Wondering what is full and half days? A full day means 8 hours a day compromising 40 hours a week; a part-time week is anything below 20 hours a week.

How many hours can a student work in Germany?

This means: you can work up to 2.5 days a week. Obviously, you’re free to exceed 20 hours per week as a student; however, you should be aware of the consequences. Once you work more than 20 hours per week, you are no longer treated as a working student in Germany and instead considered an employee in the first place.

What are some good jobs for students in Germany?

Many students opt for classic student jobs in Germany, such as waitressing in a restaurant, delivering food on a bicycle or stocking shelves in your local supermarket. Try walking through the neighbourhood with your eyes open and look out for signs hanging in the windows of shops looking for staff. Found the right shop? Then go to the shop for your student job and introduce yourself.

How long can a student stay in Germany?

What's even better: once you have a job in Germany for two years , you can apply for a permanent residence permit! This will definitely take some of the bureaucratic burdens off your shoulders.

How many hours can an international student work?

How many working hours are international students allowed to work? International students, like domestic students, are entitled to work up to 20 hours per week alongside their studies. On top of that, this limit is lifted during the university holidays so that you could even work full-time as a working student!

Does an internship count as a balance?

However, the situation looks different when an internship is a compulsory part of your studies; here, you won't lose any of your balance.

Can international students work in Germany?

This means that in general, as an international student, you are free to take up student jobs in Germany. But there's one big one: In Germany, there's a strong emphasis that students should be able to dedicate their energies on their studies in the first place so that a part-time job really does remain a part-time job only.

What Kind of Student Job Can I Do Germany?

When choosing a job, it is important to find one that is convenient with regards to location, salary, as well as position so it can fit around your studies without interrupting you.

How Much Can I Earn as a Student in Germany?

The amount you will earn monthly will depend on your job position, the region you’re working in, the sector, as well as on your expertise. You should keep in mind that you will not be able to cover all your living expenses with the money you receive from non-academic part-time jobs.

How many days can a student assistant work?

Students coming from outside of EU member states are only allowed to work 240 half days or 120 full days per year, either in term or during vacations. If you find work as a student assistant, then the 120-day rule does not apply to you. This is because there are no limitations to jobs at the university.

What are the most popular jobs for students?

Positions like catering in cafés or bars are usually the most popular among students. These roles allow students to socialize, communicate, and meet new people.

How many hours can an international student work?

International students coming from EU member states, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term times. Although students from these countries are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week, it is not advised since they will be treated like employees and not regular students by the state.

Can expats work in Germany?

Taking into consideration that the rate of unemployment in Germany is small, many expats travel to Germany for the sole purpose of finding employment. If you find yourself studying in one of the following cities, your chances of finding work as a student there are quite high.

Does earning more than the limit affect student health insurance?

Earning more than the monthly limit might also affect your student health insurance. Students are usually insured as students and not as employees, even if they have a part-time job. So, in case you earn more than the allowed limit, you will be required to pay for social security contributions. These include health insurance, nursing care insurance, pension and unemployment insurance.

How far in advance do you need to apply for a German visa?

You are free to apply 90 days before the date of your travel for a German visa. It is recommended that you apply 3-6 weeks in advance before you travel to avoid any visa processing delay issues interfere with your travel itinerary.

What kind of Schengen visa will I get?

It depends on the circumstances of your purpose of travel, but a multiple entry visa is a norm and that is the most likely one you will get.

Do I need a visa to study or work in Germany?

All foreigners who want to study or work in Germany will need to obtain a visa before entering Germany. For more information:

Where can I find an application form for a visa?

You can download the visa application form from our website on the right sidebar, or on the website of German embassy to where you will submit your application.

How long is a Schengen visa valid for?

With a Schengen visa, you can stay in Germany and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days, but this is a so-called “short-stay” visa which is valid for travelling purposes, not working or studying. If you plan to go to Germany to look for a job or have found employment, then you need to apply for a work visa. If you have been accepted to a German university you will need to get a student visa.

When can I re-apply for a visa if my application gets refused?

You are allowed to apply without any charge if your visa application is refused. On your refusal letter are the details on how you can appeal against your visa refusal.

Which countries are allowed to visit the Schengen area?

According to the Schengen agreement you are allowed to visit all the states in the Schengen area, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Where to apply for a German visa?

Apply for an Employment Visa or Job-Seeker Visa at the German Embassy.

What are the different types of work permits in Germany?

Categories of Work Permits in Germany. There are different types of German work permits based on your qualifications and employment type: General Work Permit – You can apply for this type of German work permit if you have found a job in Germany which could not have been filled by an EU national.

How to contact Bürgeramt?

Contact the local Bürgeramt and make an appointment. If you are not sure where that is or how to get in touch, simply look up “ Bürgeramt + the name of your city” online.

What is the VAT rate in Germany?

The VAT rate in Germany is at 19%, while a reduced rate of 7% applies to products like food.

How much tax do foreigners pay in Germany?

The income tax rate in Germany starts at 14% to a maximum of 45%, based on how much you make; if you make less than €9,744 per year, you are exempt from paying income tax.

How to impress your potential employer in Germany?

The job interview is the time for you to make a good impression and prove that you would be an important asset to the company. Dress appropriately, be on time, listen to the questions carefully and take your time to formulate your answer. Make sure your answers are compatible with the information provided in your application.

Where to make an appointment for health insurance in Germany?

Once you have registered your address and gotten health insurance, you should make an appointment at the German Immigration Authorities ( Ausländerbehörde ). There are different Ausländerbehörde offices based on the region, so just find the website of the office you must go to, and follow the instructions for booking an appointment.

When will Germany allow non-EU citizens to work?

Non-EU nationals wishing to work in Germany will now be subject to easier procedures and facilitated rules due to the new German Skilled Immigration Act, which has taken effect on March 2, 2020.

How old do you have to be to study German in Germany?

Non-EU students younger than 25, with a B2 level of German language knowledge and the ability to financially support themselves can seek a training place in Germany due to the new rules.

What Changes for Companies Hiring Non-EU Workers?

Companies hiring workers outside the EU can now follow facilitated procedures and rules after the new law came into effect on Monday. The facilitations created include expedited procedures for qualified professionals through the relevant foreigner’s registration office in Germany.

How long is a visa valid for?

A visa as this one, leads to a residence permit valid of 18 months, extendable for another 4 months, and the possibility to apply for a residence permit for training, study or work, by the end of its validity.

How long does it take to get a permanent residence permit in Germany?

As per foreigners who have successfully completed a vocational training course in Germany, they can apply to receive a permanent settlement permit upon a period of two years in the country, the same period as applies to graduates.

Can esports athletes travel to Germany?

Athletes and coaches of esports can also apply for a visa, according to the new rules, which visa will permit them to come to Germany and obtain residence permits for employment.

Can a non-EU national work in Germany?

Under the new law, in addition to those with a tertiary education degree, non-EU nationals holding a vocational training qualification, obtained after a training course that la sted at least two years, are also considered as qualified professionals, and as such are eligible to seek for work in Germany.

How many days can a non-EU student work?

Non-EU students have restrictions on the number of days that they can work during their course. They can work for either 120 full days during a year or for 240 half days. If you have taken up a job as a student assistant or research assistant in your university, it is not accounted for in the 120-day limit, but you will have to notify ...

Is Germany a good place to study abroad?

Germany continues to be a top destination for students looking to study abroad. The country is known for its quality of education, focus on innovation and emphasis on research and development. These reasons make it an attractive study abroad option.

Is internship considered work?

Similarly, if you are doing an internship during the break between semesters, it is regarded as normal work and is accounted for in the 120-day period. But if the internship is part of the course, then it is not accounted for as work.

Can I work in Germany with a student visa in 2021?

Germany continues to be a top destination for students looking to study abroad. The country is known for its quality of education, focus on innovation and emphasis on research and development. These reasons make it an attractive study abroad option.

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