How many hours can I work as a student on a German visa?
As a non-EU student in Germany, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time, capped at 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. During semester breaks, you can work full-time up to 40 hours weekly, as long as you stay within your annual day limit.
As a non-EU student in Germany, you are capped at 20 hours a week while classes are running, plus an annual limit of 140 full days or 280 half-days. During semester breaks, you can work full-time up to 40 hours a week without breaking that annual cap. EU and EEA students share German students' rights and face no annual limit at all.
Your Work Limits at a Glance
| Rule | Non-EU Students | EU/EEA Students |
|---|---|---|
| During Term | 20 hours/week | 20 hours/week |
| During Breaks | Full-time, up to 40 hours/week | Unlimited |
| Annual Cap | 140 full days or 280 half-days | None |
Exceptions and Restrictions to Remember
- Mandatory curriculum internships (Pflichtpraktikum) do not count against your 140-day limit.
- University assistant (HiWi) roles are generally exempt too, but you must still inform the Auslanderbehorde.
- You cannot freelance or run a business without separate, explicit approval.
- Staying under 20 hours a week keeps your Werkstudent status, which exempts you from major insurance deductions.
My Advice
Track your working days from day one in a simple spreadsheet, since exceeding 140 full days can jeopardise your residence permit renewal. If you find a role that pushes past 20 hours during term, confirm with your Auslanderbehorde before accepting it, rather than risking your visa status for extra income.
Not sure which documents your German visa needs?
Interview prep, funds proof and timelines. Get a checklist for your case.
More Student visa questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- How much bank balance is needed for an Italy student visa after failing math in 12th grade?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
- Is it possible for my son, who is currently in twelfth grade, to study in New Zealand next year for a Diploma?
- Which countries have less strict or different financial requirements compared to New Zealand, especially regarding funding duration?
- Can other family members act as financial sponsors if my father’s income is insufficient in Germany?
- Is it necessary to include a cover letter explaining my financial arrangement, which combines a loan and personal savings, for my German student visa application?
- Can you track an Employment Pass application on the MOM portal when your employer files it?
More Germany questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Why is the dMAT subject module called Battery Science and Technology in Engineering?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Can I target Germany, Italy, or the Netherlands for a master's in computer science without a computer science background?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?