Working in Germany as a student, and after you graduate

Germany lets student permit holders work, but it counts days, not just hours. Keep a record so you never go over your limit.

Working while you study

Your residence permit for study allows employment of up to 140 working days a year. The law lets you count part-time work in whichever way is better for you:

• By day: a day with up to four hours of work counts as a half day, and a longer day counts as a full day. This is why you will often see "280 half days".
• By week: during lecture time, a calendar week with up to 20 hours counts as two and a half working days, however the hours are spread.

Student side jobs, such as work at your university, are not counted against the 140 days. Your permit is for studying, so ask your immigration office before you take on anything else, such as freelance work.

Your permit and study length

The first residence permit for study is normally valid for two years, and it is extended while you can still reach your study goal in a reasonable time. A programme shorter than two years gets a permit for its length.

After you graduate: 18 months to find a job

After you successfully finish your studies in Germany, you can get a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for work. You must be able to support yourself, and the job you find must be one that foreigners may do under the rules for skilled workers.

Official sources

• Residence Act § 16b: studies (German law text)
• Residence Act § 20: job search after studies (German law text)