Work Hours Calculator for Students in Germany

Find out how many hours you can legally work in Germany based on your visa type. Stay compliant and maximize your earnings.

Work hour limits by visa type (2026)

EU / EEA citizenNone
During semester

Unlimited

During break

Unlimited

No work restrictions. Can hold any job full-time.

Non-EU student visa120 full days or 240 half-days
During semester

20 h/week

During break

Unlimited

Werkstudent status. Hours beyond 20/week risk visa violation during semester.

Language course visa120 full days or 240 half-days
During semester

—

During break

—

Check specifics with your Ausländerbehörde.

Key thresholds to know

Mini-job limit (tax-free)EUR 538/month
Federal minimum wage (Mindestlohn)EUR 12.82/hour
Annual work day limit (non-EU)120 full days or 240 half-days
Max hours during semester (Werkstudent)20 hours/week
Social security exemption below20 h/week (Werkstudent)
1h40h
EUR 10EUR 30

Monthly earnings

EUR 844

Yearly earnings

EUR 10,132

Max hours/week

20h

Tax status

Subject to tax

Annual limit: 120 full days OR 240 half days per yearAt your current pace, you'd use ~108 full-day equivalents per year (12 days remaining)

Key Rules for 2026

  • •Minimum wage: EUR 12.82/hour (2026)
  • •Mini-job limit: EUR 538/month — tax-free, no social insurance
  • •Werkstudent: Max 20h/week during semester, unlimited during breaks. Student health insurance rates apply
  • •Tax-free allowance: EUR 11,604/year basic allowance (2026). Earnings below this are income-tax-free

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Frequently asked questions

Can I work unlimited hours during university semester breaks?

Yes, if you hold a non-EU student visa you can work full-time during semester breaks. However your annual total is still capped at 120 full days or 240 half-days. Breaks are the best time to build savings.

What happens if I exceed the 20-hour weekly limit during semester?

Working more than 20 hours per week during the semester can jeopardize your student visa and Werkstudent status. Your employer may also lose the social security exemption. Always stay within the limit.

Does a mini-job count toward the annual day limit?

A mini-job (up to EUR 538/month) counts toward the 120/240 day annual limit if it involves regular hours. However, occasional or irregular work may be exempt. Consult your Ausländerbehörde or a tax adviser if unsure.

What is the Werkstudent rule?

Werkstudent (working student) is a special employment status in Germany for enrolled university students. It allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. Werkstudenten pay reduced social contributions — only pension insurance is mandatory, health and unemployment insurance are waived.

What is the minimum wage in Germany in 2026?

The federal minimum wage (Mindestlohn) in Germany is EUR 12.82 per hour as of 2026. Many student jobs start at this rate, while engineering and IT Werkstudent positions typically pay EUR 15–20 per hour.