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Working While Studying in Germany: Rules & Jobs 2026
Student Life January 8, 2026

Working While Studying in Germany: Rules & Jobs 2026

Complete guide to working as a student in Germany 2026: 120-hour rule, Minijob (€603/month), Werkstudent (€13.90+/h), tax tips, and best job platforms.

Sophie Klein
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January 8, 2026
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15 min read
| Student Life

Yes, international students can work in Germany while studying — and nearly 70 % of them do. Germany actively encourages student employment: EU/EEA citizens enjoy unrestricted work rights, while non-EU students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without a separate work permit. With a minimum wage of €13.90 per hour in 2026, even a modest 15-hour work week puts roughly €900 in your pocket each month. Whether you are considering a Minijob to cover groceries, a Werkstudent position to launch your career, or a research assistantship to deepen your academic expertise, this guide walks you through every rule, every job type, and every tax detail you need for 2026. Bookmark it and come back whenever a new question pops up.

Work Rules for International Students in Germany

Before you start browsing job boards, you need a clear picture of what you are legally allowed to do. The rules differ depending on your nationality, your residence permit, and the type of work you plan to take on. Getting this wrong can jeopardize your student visa, so take the time to understand the framework.

EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens

If you hold a passport from an EU member state, an EEA country (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland, you enjoy full freedom of movement under EU law. That means:

  • No limit on working hours — you can work as many hours as you like, year-round.
  • No work permit required — your EU citizenship or residency is sufficient.
  • No reporting obligations beyond the standard Anmeldung (city registration).

In practice, most EU students still cap themselves at around 20 hours per week during the semester simply to protect their grades and maintain eligibility for student health insurance rates. But legally, the choice is yours.

Non-EU/EEA Citizens — The 140/280-Day Rule

If you come from outside the EU/EEA — for example India, China, Turkey, Nigeria, or Brazil — your student residence permit under §16b AufenthG grants automatic work rights within defined limits. Since 1 March 2024, those limits were raised from the earlier 120/240 framework to a more generous allowance:

  • 140 full days per year (a full day is any calendar day on which you work more than four hours).
  • 280 half days per year (a half day is any calendar day on which you work four hours or fewer).
  • You may combine full and half days flexibly — for example, 100 full days and 80 half days — as long as the weighted total does not exceed the equivalent of 140 full days.
  • No separate work permit is needed within these limits. Your student residence permit is enough.

If you want to exceed the 140/280-day limit, you must obtain prior approval from the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners authority) and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). In most cases, this is only granted for Werkstudent positions or mandatory internships closely related to your degree.

Important exception — student assistants (HiWi): Work as a student or research assistant at your own university typically does not count toward the 140/280-day limit, because it is considered an integral part of the academic program. The exact treatment varies by foreigners office, so confirm with your university's international office before relying on this exemption.

The 20-Hour Rule for Werkstudent Status

Separate from the immigration-law day count, German social insurance law imposes a 20-hour-per-week ceiling during the lecture period for anyone who wants to qualify for the Werkstudent privilege. This rule matters because it determines whether you are exempt from health, care, and unemployment insurance contributions. During the official semester break (vorlesungsfreie Zeit), you may work unlimited hours — even full-time — and still retain the Werkstudent status, as long as the extended hours remain temporary and do not exceed 26 weeks per year.

If you are not in a Werkstudent role — say you have a Minijob or a kurzfristige Beschäftigung — the 20-hour rule is irrelevant to your social insurance situation, although you still need to stay within the 140/280-day visa limit.

Types of Student Jobs in Germany

Germany's labor market offers several distinct employment categories, each with its own rules on hours, earnings, taxes, and social insurance. Choosing the right category is not just an administrative detail — it directly affects how much money you take home, which insurances you pay, and whether you remain compliant with your visa. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison, followed by a detailed explanation of each type.

Feature Werkstudent Minijob (€603/mo) HiWi (Student Assistant) Kurzfristige Beschäftigung Freelance (Freiberufler)
Max earnings No cap €603/month (€7,236/year) University pay scale No cap No cap
Max hours 20h/week (semester); unlimited in breaks Flexible (within earnings cap) Typically 10–19h/week 3 months or 70 working days/year No formal cap (visa days apply)
Health insurance Exempt (employer & employee) 13% flat employer; employee exempt Werkstudent rules apply Exempt Must arrange own cover
Pension insurance 9.3% each side 15% employer; 3.6% employee (opt-out possible) 9.3% each side Exempt Usually exempt (Freiberufler)
Unemployment insurance Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt N/A
Income tax Withheld; refundable below Grundfreibetrag Usually flat 2% by employer Withheld; refundable Withheld; refundable Self-assessed quarterly
Counts toward visa day limit? Yes Yes Usually no (university employment) Yes Debated — check Ausländerbehörde
Best for Career-relevant industry experience Simple, low-admin side income Academic career, research experience Short-term or seasonal work Tech, design, writing, consulting

Werkstudent (Working Student)

A Werkstudent position is widely regarded as the gold standard for student employment in Germany. You work in a company — often in your field of study — for up to 20 hours per week during the semester and potentially full-time during breaks. Thanks to the Werkstudentenprivileg, you are exempt from health, care, and unemployment insurance contributions, which means you take home significantly more net pay than a regular part-time employee at the same hourly rate. Starting pay typically ranges from €13.90 to €20 per hour, with engineering, IT, and finance roles frequently paying €17–€22 per hour. Many Werkstudent positions lead directly to full-time job offers after graduation, making them a powerful career investment. For a deep dive into the legal details, insurance savings, and job search strategies, read our dedicated Werkstudent Guide for International Students.

Minijob (€603 per Month)

A Minijob — also called geringfügige Beschäftigung — is the simplest way to earn money on the side. As of 2026, the earnings cap is €603 per month (€7,236 per year), which is dynamically linked to the minimum wage (€603 = €13.90 × 10 hours × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months, rounded). For you as the employee, a Minijob is essentially tax-free and insurance-free: the employer pays a flat 2 % income tax and 13 % toward health insurance on your behalf, while 3.6 % is deducted for pension insurance — though you can opt out of pension contributions in writing. Minijobs are common in gastronomy, retail, tutoring, and delivery. They are ideal if you want predictable, low-commitment income without complicated paperwork.

HiWi — Student or Research Assistant

HiWi (Hilfswissenschaftler or wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft) is the generic term for student assistants employed directly by a university or research institute. You might assist a professor with research, help organize seminars, run lab experiments, or handle administrative tasks at a faculty office. Pay is set by the university's internal pay scale and typically ranges from €12.50 to €17 per hour, depending on whether you hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Working hours are usually 10 to 19 hours per week. HiWi positions apply Werkstudent social insurance rules, and — crucially for non-EU students — the days often do not count toward the 140/280-day visa limit because the employment is at your own institution. If you are considering an academic career or want to strengthen your thesis with hands-on research, a HiWi position is an excellent choice.

Kurzfristige Beschäftigung (Short-Term Employment)

This category is designed for temporary work lasting no more than three consecutive months or 70 working days per calendar year. It is fully exempt from all social insurance contributions — no health, pension, unemployment, or care insurance deductions — regardless of how much you earn. Income tax is withheld and can be refunded through your annual tax return if your total yearly income stays below the Grundfreibetrag. Kurzfristige Beschäftigung is popular for semester-break jobs, trade fairs, event staffing, or seasonal agriculture work. However, it cannot be combined with a regular ongoing employment relationship with the same employer.

Freelancing (Freiberufler)

If you have marketable skills — software development, graphic design, translation, copywriting, photography, consulting — freelancing can be extremely lucrative. Hourly rates of €30 to €80+ are common for skilled freelancers in tech and creative fields. To freelance legally, you must register as a Freiberufler with your local Finanzamt (tax office) by submitting a Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung. You do not need a Gewerbeschein (trade license) if your activity qualifies as a freier Beruf under §18 EStG.

Non-EU students, be cautious: Freelance work exists in a grey area under the 140/280-day rule. Some foreigners offices count freelance days toward the limit; others do not consider self-employment at all. Always check with your Ausländerbehörde before starting, and keep detailed records of your working days. You are also responsible for your own health insurance, quarterly income tax prepayments, and VAT if your annual revenue exceeds the Kleinunternehmergrenze (€22,000).

Best Jobs for International Students in Germany

Knowing the legal categories is one thing; knowing which specific jobs to target is another. Below is a practical breakdown of the most popular and most rewarding roles for international students, organized by where you find them.

On-Campus Jobs

On-campus positions are the most student-friendly: supervisors understand exam schedules, commutes are short, and the work complements your studies.

  • Research assistant (HiWi) — €12.50–€17/h. Assist professors with data collection, literature reviews, lab work, or seminar organization. Highly valued on your CV if you plan to pursue a Master's thesis or PhD.
  • Library assistant — €12.50–€14/h. Manage book returns, digitize archives, or staff the information desk. The quiet environment lets you study during slow periods.
  • IT helpdesk / student IT support — €13–€16/h. Troubleshoot campus networks, set up lab computers, or assist with learning management systems. Great for computer science and IT students.
  • Tutoring (Nachhilfe) — €15–€30/h. Tutor fellow students in math, programming, physics, or languages — either through your university's official tutoring program or independently via platforms like ErsteNachhilfe and Studienkreis. Rates climb steeply for specialized subjects like statistics or organic chemistry.
  • Student council or international office assistant — €12.50–€14/h. Help organize orientation events, translate documents, or support incoming students. Perfect if you enjoy intercultural work.

Off-Campus Jobs

Off-campus jobs pay slightly less but are widely available and do not require prior experience or fluent German.

  • Restaurant, bar, or cafe staff — €13–€15/h plus tips. An excellent way to practice German in a fast-paced setting. Evening and weekend shifts fit neatly around lecture schedules. In busy tourist areas or major cities, English-only positions also exist.
  • Delivery rider (Lieferando, Wolt, Flink) — €13–€16/h including bonuses. Flexible shift booking via an app, paid per hour (not per delivery in most cases). All you need is a bicycle or an e-bike. Be aware that this work is physically demanding and weather-dependent.
  • Retail (Einzelhandel) — €13–€15/h. Shops like DM, REWE, IKEA, and H&M regularly hire students for evening and Saturday shifts. Useful for building conversational German.
  • Call center / customer support — €13.90–€17/h. Multilingual call centers in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg actively seek students who speak English, Spanish, French, Arabic, or Mandarin. Companies like Zalando, Amazon, and various fintech startups run English-language support teams.
  • Werkstudent in a company — €13.90–€22/h. This overlaps with the job-type category above, but it deserves a mention here as an off-campus role. Industries with the highest demand for Werkstudenten include automotive (BMW, Volkswagen, Bosch), tech (SAP, Siemens, startups), consulting (Big Four firms), and finance (Deutsche Bank, ING). These positions almost always require relevant coursework and intermediate German or strong English.

Freelance and Remote Work

  • Software development — €35–€80/h. Build web apps, mobile apps, or data pipelines for startups or agencies.
  • Graphic design and UI/UX — €25–€60/h. Create brand identities, marketing materials, or app interfaces.
  • Content writing and translation — €20–€50/h. Write blog posts, translate technical documentation, or localize websites.
  • Online tutoring — €20–€40/h. Teach languages, test prep, or academic subjects via Zoom or Preply.

Freelancing offers the highest hourly rates but comes with administrative overhead (invoicing, tax prepayments, finding clients). It works best as a supplement to a stable Werkstudent or Minijob position rather than a sole income source — unless you already have a strong client base.

Where to Find Student Jobs in Germany

The German student job market is surprisingly fragmented. No single platform dominates, so a multi-channel approach works best. Here are the most productive sources, ranked roughly by how well they cater to students.

Student-Specific Platforms

  • Jobmensa (jobmensa.de) — Germany's largest student job portal. Filter by city, job type (Werkstudent, Minijob, HiWi), field of study, and required language skills. Listings are vetted, and you can set up email alerts for new postings.
  • Workwise (workwise.io) — Strong focus on Werkstudent and internship positions at startups and mid-sized companies. The platform lets you apply with a profile rather than a traditional cover letter, which speeds up the process considerably.
  • Stellenwerk (stellenwerk.de) — A network of university job boards. Select your university to see local on-campus and off-campus postings.

General Job Platforms

  • StepStone (stepstone.de) — One of Germany's largest job portals. Use the search term "Werkstudent" or "Studentenjob" combined with your city and field. StepStone tends to list positions at larger companies and corporates.
  • Indeed (indeed.de) — The broadest aggregator. Good for discovering Minijobs, retail positions, and gastronomy roles alongside Werkstudent openings. Set up daily alerts so you see postings within hours of publication.
  • LinkedIn — Increasingly important in Germany, particularly for international students. Many tech companies, consultancies, and startups post exclusively on LinkedIn. Optimize your profile with a professional photo, a headline mentioning "Werkstudent" or "student seeking," and relevant skills. Follow company pages and engage with posts to increase visibility.

University Resources

  • University career center (Karrierezentrum) — Most German universities run a career center that posts vetted job listings, organizes career fairs, and offers CV workshops. Some even provide one-on-one career coaching for international students.
  • Schwarzes Brett (bulletin board) — Physical and digital notice boards at your university where professors, local businesses, and fellow students post job offers, tutoring requests, and freelance gigs. Check the one in your faculty building at least once a week.
  • Professor and department networks — HiWi positions are rarely posted publicly. Instead, professors announce them in lectures, share them with seminar participants, or pass them along through word of mouth. Attend office hours, participate actively in class, and let professors know you are interested in research work.

Direct Applications and Networking

Do not underestimate the power of a direct approach. Walk into cafes, restaurants, or shops with a printed German-format CV (Lebenslauf) and ask if they are hiring. For Werkstudent positions, send speculative applications (Initiativbewerbung) to companies you admire. Many firms — especially in Germany's strong Mittelstand (mid-sized companies) — do not post every opening online. Career fairs at your university are another goldmine: companies send recruiters specifically to meet students, and an in-person conversation can fast-track your application.

Taxes and Social Insurance for Working Students

Understanding the German tax and social insurance system can save you hundreds — even thousands — of euros per year. The rules are more favorable than most international students realize, especially if you file a tax return.

Income Tax Basics — Steuerklasse I and the Grundfreibetrag

As a single student without children, you are assigned to Steuerklasse I (tax class I). Your employer withholds income tax from every paycheck based on the assumption that you will earn the same amount every month for the entire year. However, you only actually owe income tax if your total annual taxable income exceeds the Grundfreibetrag, which stands at €12,348 in 2026. That translates to roughly €1,029 per month.

If you earn less than €12,348 per year, every cent of withheld income tax will be refunded in full when you file your annual tax return (Steuererklärung). Even if you earn more, you can reduce your taxable income through deductions — more on that below.

The Werkstudentenprivileg — How It Saves You Money

Under the Werkstudentenprivileg, students working up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period are exempt from contributions to:

  • Health insurance (Krankenversicherung) — normally 7.3 % employee share plus a supplementary contribution.
  • Care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) — normally 2.3 % (or 1.7 % with children).
  • Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung) — normally 1.3 %.

You do still pay pension insurance (Rentenversicherung) at 9.3 % of gross earnings, matched by 9.3 % from your employer. Non-EU students who leave Germany permanently after their studies can apply for a partial refund of their pension contributions after a 24-month waiting period.

Let us put this in numbers. Suppose you earn €16 per hour for 20 hours per week — that is €1,387 gross per month. A regular part-time employee would pay about €290 in social insurance contributions. As a Werkstudent, you pay only about €129 (pension only), saving you roughly €160 per month or nearly €2,000 per year.

Minijob Tax Treatment

If your only employment is a Minijob earning up to €603 per month, your employer handles practically everything. They pay a flat 2 % income tax and 13 % health insurance on your behalf. Your gross pay equals your net pay (assuming you opted out of the voluntary 3.6 % pension contribution). You do not need to file a tax return for a Minijob, although you may want to if you have other income or deductible expenses.

Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)

You receive your 11-digit tax ID automatically by mail a few weeks after completing your Anmeldung (city registration). Every employer will ask for this number before processing your first paycheck. If the letter has not arrived after six weeks, request a replacement from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt) online — the process is free and takes about two weeks.

Filing Your Annual Tax Return — Almost Always Worth It

Filing a tax return (Steuererklärung) is not mandatory for most students but is almost always financially worthwhile. If your employer withheld income tax and your annual earnings stayed below the Grundfreibetrag, you get a full refund. Even above that threshold, you can deduct:

  • Commuting costs (Entfernungspauschale) — €0.30 per kilometer for the first 20 km, €0.38 per km beyond that, one way, for each workday.
  • Work equipment — Laptop, software, books, and office supplies used for work or study.
  • Home office deduction — €6 per day for up to 210 days per year.
  • Professional development — Language courses, certifications, conference fees.
  • Moving costs — If you relocated for a job or internship.

Use ELSTER (elster.de) for free online filing, or try user-friendly apps like Wiso Steuer, SteuerBot, or Taxfix, which offer English-language interfaces and step-by-step guidance designed for students.

Balancing Work and Studies

Earning money is important, but it should never come at the cost of your degree. International students who overcommit to work frequently underperform academically, which can trigger a cascade of problems: academic probation, visa issues (the foreigners office expects "orderly progress" toward your degree), and burnout. Here are practical strategies that successful working students use.

Set a Weekly Hour Budget

Before the semester starts, map out your lecture, seminar, and study hours. Most full-time degree programs in Germany expect 35 to 40 hours per week of combined attendance and self-study. Add commuting, cooking, errands, and sleep, and you will see that a realistic work ceiling is 12 to 16 hours per week during the lecture period. Going beyond 20 hours is legally possible in some cases but rarely sustainable if you are also taking a full course load.

Choose Jobs with Flexible or Predictable Schedules

Werkstudent positions let you shift hours around exam periods. Minijobs in gastronomy or retail allow you to pick shifts a week in advance. Avoid jobs with rigid shift patterns that conflict with recurring lectures or mandatory seminars. Ask during the interview how the company handles exam-period flexibility — reputable employers will have a clear policy.

Reduce Hours During Exam Season

Most German universities have concentrated exam periods (Prüfungsphase) at the end of each semester, lasting two to four weeks. Communicate early with your employer — at least four weeks in advance — that you will need reduced hours or a temporary pause. Werkstudent contracts accommodate this; Minijob arrangements can be paused informally. Planning ahead prevents last-minute conflicts and shows professionalism.

Use Semester Breaks Strategically

The semester break (vorlesungsfreie Zeit) is your opportunity to front-load earnings. Werkstudenten can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during the break without losing their insurance privilege. Many students earn 40–50 % of their annual income during the roughly 10 weeks of combined winter and summer breaks.

Protect Your Wellbeing

Working, studying, and navigating life in a new country is inherently demanding. Guard your sleep (seven to eight hours is non-negotiable for cognitive performance), maintain a social life outside of work and study, and use your university's free counseling services (psychologische Beratung) if stress becomes overwhelming. No paycheck is worth sacrificing your mental health or your academic future.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Every semester, students run into avoidable problems. Here are the most frequent mistakes — and how to steer clear of them.

Exceeding the 140/280-Day Limit Without Approval

This is the single most consequential mistake a non-EU student can make. If the Ausländerbehörde discovers that you worked more days than allowed without prior permission, your residence permit can be revoked or its renewal denied. Track your working days meticulously in a spreadsheet, and keep copies of all pay slips and contracts. If you are approaching the limit, contact the Ausländerbehörde or your university's international office before taking on more work.

Accepting Cash-Only or Contract-Free Work

Working without a written contract (Arbeitsvertrag) or being paid exclusively in cash is illegal in most contexts and leaves you without any legal protection. If you are injured on the job, underpaid, or wrongfully dismissed, you have no recourse without a contract. Legitimate employers always provide a written agreement. If someone offers you cash-in-hand work, walk away.

Ignoring Health Insurance Interactions

If you earn above a certain threshold or work more than 20 hours per week regularly, you lose your eligibility for studentische Krankenversicherung (student health insurance at the discounted rate). This pushes you onto the far more expensive voluntary public insurance (freiwillige Versicherung). Before starting any job, check with your health insurer — TK, AOK, Barmer, or whichever provider you use — to confirm your insurance status will not change.

Forgetting to File a Tax Return

Many international students do not realize that Germany withholds income tax from their paychecks but refunds it if annual earnings fall below the Grundfreibetrag. Students who skip the tax return are essentially giving the government a free loan. The average refund for a working student is between €300 and €900. Filing takes about 30 minutes with an app like SteuerBot. Do not leave money on the table.

Working Too Many Hours in the First Semester

Your first semester involves adjustment on every front: academic system, language, social circles, bureaucracy. Jumping into a 20-hour work week from day one is a recipe for overwhelm. Give yourself at least one full semester to settle in before committing to significant work hours. A small Minijob (5–8 hours per week) is fine; a demanding Werkstudent role can wait until semester two or three.

Not Adapting Your CV to German Standards

German employers expect a specific CV format (Lebenslauf): reverse chronological, with a professional photo, personal details (date of birth, nationality), and — for Werkstudent applications — your current semester and expected graduation date. A generic international-style resume without these elements gets filtered out before a human ever reads it. Your university career center can help you convert your CV for free.

Underestimating the Value of German Language Skills

While English-only Werkstudent positions exist (especially in tech and startups), the vast majority of student jobs require at least B1-level German. Every level of German you add opens exponentially more job opportunities and increases your earning potential. Invest in language learning from day one — it pays compound dividends throughout your time in Germany and beyond. For tips and resources, see our Work and Career guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work during my first semester in Germany?

Yes, legally you can work from the day your residence permit and enrollment are both active. However, most advisors recommend keeping first-semester work to a minimum — no more than 8 to 10 hours per week in a low-stress Minijob — so you can focus on academic orientation, language improvement, and settling into your new environment. Starting a Werkstudent position in semester two or three, once you understand the exam system and your own capacity, is a more sustainable strategy.

Do I need a separate work permit?

No, if you stay within the 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Your student residence permit under §16b AufenthG includes built-in work authorization within these limits. You only need additional approval from the Ausländerbehörde and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit if you want to exceed the limit. EU/EEA citizens never need a work permit.

What happens if I exceed the 140/280-day limit?

Working beyond the limit without prior approval is a violation of your residence permit conditions. Consequences range from a formal warning to non-renewal or even revocation of your permit. If you realize you are approaching the limit, contact the Ausländerbehörde immediately to discuss options — proactive communication is always viewed more favorably than being caught after the fact.

How much can I earn tax-free per year?

The Grundfreibetrag for 2026 is €12,348. If your total taxable income (from all sources) stays below this threshold, you owe zero income tax. Any tax withheld by your employer will be refunded in full when you file your annual Steuererklärung. A Minijob up to €603 per month is separately tax-advantaged and does not count toward the Grundfreibetrag calculation in most cases, because the employer pays the flat-rate tax.

Can I do a Werkstudent job and a Minijob at the same time?

Yes, this is a common and perfectly legal combination. The Minijob earnings (up to €603/month) do not affect your Werkstudent status or its insurance privileges, as long as the combined weekly hours during the lecture period do not exceed 20 hours. Many students use a Werkstudent position for career development and a Minijob for extra pocket money.

Will working affect my student health insurance?

As long as you remain enrolled full-time and work no more than 20 hours per week during the semester, your student health insurance (KVdS) — currently about €120 per month for public insurance — stays intact. If you regularly exceed 20 hours or earn above roughly €640 per month in a non-Werkstudent job, your insurer reclassifies you, leading to significantly higher premiums. Always notify your insurer when you start a new job.

Can I work as a freelancer on a student visa?

Technically, freelance work is not explicitly addressed in the standard §16b student residence permit. Some Ausländerbehörden count freelance days toward the 140/280-day limit; others require a separate freelance addendum to your permit. Before taking on any freelance work, visit your local Ausländerbehörde and get written confirmation of their policy. Also register with the Finanzamt and ensure you have appropriate health insurance coverage, since freelancers are not covered by employer-provided insurance.

What is the minimum wage in Germany in 2026?

The statutory minimum wage in Germany is €13.90 per hour as of 1 January 2026. This applies to all employment types including Werkstudent, Minijob, and kurzfristige Beschäftigung. The only exception is mandatory internships (Pflichtpraktika) required by your degree program, which may legally be unpaid. If any employer offers you less than €13.90 per hour for non-internship work, it is illegal — report it to the Zoll (customs authority, which enforces minimum wage law) or seek advice from your university's legal aid service.

Find the Right Health Insurance While You Work and Study

Working as a student changes your insurance situation. Compare student health insurance plans — public KVdS, private, and incoming coverage — side by side to find the option that fits your job type and budget.

Compare Health Insurance Plans

Tags: Part-time Work Germany Student Jobs Career Finance