When I work in Germany as an international student, how does the 140 full days or 280 half days rule count my hours?
27 Oct 2026 · Answered by Mona Negi · 2 min read
Quick Answer
verified
Non-EU students in Germany can typically work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. A full day generally means more than four hours of work, while a half day usually means four hours or less. Check the official rules.
As a non-EU student in Germany, you may typically work up to 140 full days or 280 half days in a calendar year. The rule counts days rather than weekly hours, which gives you flexibility around your classes.
How Days Are Counted
| Type of day | How it is counted | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Full day | Generally more than four hours of work in a day | Working eight hours counts as one full day |
| Half day | Usually up to four hours of work in a day | Working four hours or less counts as a half day |
| Yearly limit | Up to 140 full days or 280 half days in a calendar year | Most non-EU international students |
If You Want to Work More
- Students who wish to exceed the permitted limit may need approval from the local Employment Agency (Agentur fur Arbeit).
- Approval may also be needed from the Foreigners' Office (Auslanderbehorde).
- Check the official rules for your residence permit before accepting extra work.
My Advice
Keep a simple log of the days you work, noting whether each one is a full or half day, so you never cross the limit by mistake. If you think you will need more days, ask the authorities before you start extra work.
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