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.
How much can you actually earn part-time in Germany?
See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.
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