Work Hours Calculator for Students in Germany

Estimate gross earnings and review general work-permit guidance. Your permit, work schedule and insurance status determine which rules apply.

Work hour limits by visa type (2026)

EU / EEA citizenNone under immigration rules
During semester

No immigration cap

During break

No immigration cap

Working-time law and student insurance rules still apply.

Non-EU study permit140 full days / 280 half days or weekly-hours route
During semester

Check day-count or weekly-hours route

During break

More hours may be possible

Confirm the applicable counting rules and your permit. Student social insurance is a separate check.

Language-acquisition permitWeekly allowance
During semester

Up to 20 h/week

During break

Up to 20 h/week

Check the conditions on your residence permit.

Key thresholds to know

Minijob average earnings limit (2026)EUR 603/month
Federal minimum wage (Mindestlohn)EUR 13.90/hour
Study permit day-count route140 full days or 280 half-days
Usual student insurance guideline20 hours/week
1h40h
EUR 13.90EUR 30

Estimated monthly gross

EUR 910

Estimated yearly gross

EUR 10,920

Weekly guidance

20h

Minijob earnings band

Above earnings limit

The 20-hour insurance rule and immigration work permission are separate checks.
Annual limit: 140 full days or 280 half days, or the weekly-hours route; check your permit and the applicable counting rules.

Key Rules for 2026

  • •Minimum wage: EUR 13.90/hour gross (2026), where applicable
  • •Mini-job limit: EUR 603/month average regular earnings in 2026; tax and pension rules still apply
  • •Werkstudent: Usually up to 20h/week for student insurance status. Exceptions have conditions; health insurance remains necessary.
  • •Estimates: Gross pay assumes the same hours for 52 weeks. Net pay and remaining permitted work days cannot be calculated from weekly hours alone.

Guidance checked 16 October 2026. Sources: Student permits · Language permits · Minijobs · Minimum wage

Better German = better jobs = higher pay

Browse Student JobsStart Learning German

Frequently asked questions

Can I work unlimited hours during university semester breaks?

No. More hours can be possible during breaks, but immigration conditions, working-time law and student social insurance rules still apply. Confirm your specific arrangement before accepting additional hours.

What happens if I exceed 20 hours per week?

The answer depends on your permit and employment arrangement. The 20-hour rule for student social insurance and immigration work permission are separate. Check both with your employer, insurer and immigration authority.

Does a minijob count toward my work allowance?

A minijob is not automatically exempt from immigration work limits. In 2026 the average regular earnings limit is EUR 603/month. Your permitted work still depends on your residence status.

What is the Werkstudent rule?

Student social insurance treatment generally depends on studying remaining your main activity. Work of up to 20 hours/week usually meets this condition; exceptions have additional requirements. Pension contributions and separate health coverage may still be necessary.

What is the minimum wage in Germany in 2026?

The statutory minimum wage is EUR 13.90 gross per hour from 1 January 2026, where the minimum-wage rules apply.