What to watch for in Work and stay
- Work limits depend on the type of student residence permit; verify the official rule.
- Do not plan for work rights to cover all living costs.
- Post-study stay options depend on conditions; research them early.
Germany
Germany: Work and stay
Working while studying in Germany and staying after graduation.
Work rights and after graduation
Students from non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year (DAAD side-jobs page). Residence Act section 16b(3): the permit 'only entitles the holder to employment of up to a total of 140 working days per year'; student jobs are not counted; a day of no more than four hours counts as a half working day. Academic/student assistants have no day limit but must inform the foreigners office. Self-employment only with Ausländerbehörde permission. Working more requires permission from the Agentur für Arbeit and the foreigners office (special financial need). Mini-job limit 556 EUR/month tax-free; statutory minimum wage 13.90 EUR/hour since January 2026 (DAAD).
After graduation: Residence Act section 20(1)-(2): permit up to 18 months after successfully completing a course of study.
Information on this page is compiled from official sources and was verified on the date shown. Fees, dates and visa rules change often; check official sources before applying. Empty fields have not been verified yet; ask our advisor for the current information.
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