Residence rights for international students

We are pleased to provide you with a brochure containing the latest updates to the Skilled Immigration Act and some positive changes to residence law affecting international students. These changes are intended to make Germany a more attractive destination for studying and later working as a skilled worker by simplifying the legal requirements for residence.

The brochure is available in two languages and is intended to help you understand your rights and obligations under residence law. It serves as a resource to help you with any questions or concerns you may have about your legal status in Germany.

We hope you find this information helpful and wish you every success in your academic and professional endeavors.

Residence law brochure

Working in Germany

For students from non-EU countries, German regulations allow them to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year if they hold a residence permit for study purposes. Alternatively, they may work up to 20 hours per week or take on a mini-job with a maximum monthly salary of €556. These restrictions also apply to voluntary internships.

Sometimes, students may unknowingly exceed these permitted working hours. Employers do not always comply with legal requirements, which can have serious consequences for students. Not only can their residence permit be jeopardized, but their insurance coverage may also be at risk.

For students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, the same conditions apply as for German students when working in Germany. However, they are usually required to obtain German health insurance since the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not sufficient in most cases.

Resources that provide comprehensive information

Here are some resources that provide comprehensive information for students interested in working while studying at German universities:

  1. Make it in Germany: This official portal offers detailed guidelines on working during your studies, including regulations, job opportunities, and balancing work with academic commitments.​

  2. DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): The DAAD provides insights into working while studying, detailing permissible working hours, types of employment, and legal considerations for international students.​

  3. Studying-in-Germany.org: This platform offers an overview of working while studying in Germany, including information on working hours, types of jobs, and regulations for both EU and non-EU students.

  4. Expatrio: Expatrio provides a guide on working as a student in Germany, covering topics like part-time job opportunities, balancing work with studies, and maintaining insurance benefits. ​

  5. Top Universities: This resource discusses working in Germany during or after your studies, including regulations for EU and non-EU students, and the impact on social security contributions.