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Part Time Jobs in Germany – How to Find, Types & Salary

Updated on 02 February, 2024

Bulbul Sharma

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

Part-time jobs (also known as side jobs) in Germany are vital for most international students for several other reasons besides giving them financial freedom. The other benefits of opting for a part-time job are enhancing one’s social network and understanding the work culture in the alien country. Studies report that a whopping 2/3rds of the students in the country work part-time while pursuing higher education. 

Germany is considered the most preferred destination for higher studies due to the superior quality of education along with overall affordability and opportunities for professional advancement. 

Cost of Living In Germany

Living costs in Germany are comparatively affordable in comparison with the average in the EU (European Union), yet international students welcome opportunities to earn some extra income for paying off tuition fees or living costs every month. Studies estimate 861 Euros as average monthly living costs for international students in Germany or approximately 10,332 Euros yearly. Those working less than 30 hours weekly are considered part-time workers in Germany. Once you have been working at a company for six months, you will have the right to request a reduction in weekly working hours (if the company employs more than 15 individuals). 

Students can earn up to 450 Euros every month without paying taxes. Reaching more than 450 Euros will necessitate tax numbers for students, and a certain amount will be deducted monthly from wages. Students may get this money back by the end of the year post submission of tax returns.

 

Rules for Part-Time Jobs in Germany for Students 

Those looking for part-time jobs in Germany should note all the country’s applicable rules and regulations. There are several regulations applicable for holding part-time jobs in Germany for students. Here are some key pointers worth knowing in this regard: 

1) Students from the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein have almost similar rights as German students in the job market. If they wish to work 20+ hours per week, they are eligible for specific insurance contributions like the German nationals. 

2) Students from other countries will have to adhere to some exclusive rules and regulations in this regard. 

3) Part-time workers can work only for 120 full days or 240 half days annually without being allowed to undertake freelancing projects or self-employment. 

4) If you want to work more than the allowed hours, you will have to take permission from your local employment agency and the registration office for foreigners. 

5) International students pursuing any preparatory or language course can only work during recess periods with permission taken from the Immigration Office and Federal Employment Agency. 

6) International students working as academic assistants are not usually limited to working hour guidelines. One can work in archives or the administration against payment; other roles also involve academic assistants who work for the university. Yet, they will have to intimate the foreigners’ office about their working terms and conditions. 

7) Work permits are from the authority or Agentur fur Arbeit, and this permit will have all information about the maximum word limit for a student. 

8) Working for less than 70 continuous days over a year will also exempt students from taxation. 

9) Working for 20+ hours every week is not advisable in most cases; it will go against the rules of most universities in Germany, and you will have to pay health insurance, nursing care insurance, and unemployment insurance. Also, working more than the set requirement will cost you your health and studies.

10) Complying with Federal Laws is a must; flouting the same may lead to expulsion from Germany. 

11) Working within a University means that wages and working hours are worked out in a different manner. They are far better in both respects, and you may work longer hours without difficulties. However, obtaining University job opportunities may be tougher than you think.

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How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students?

Wondering how to find part-time jobs in Germany for international students? There are several avenues through which you can look for part-time jobs in Germany for Indian students. Here are some tips in this regard: 

1) Employers and recruiters may have job advertisements posted in various locations, including both online and offline channels. It is vital to remain alert if you are on the lookout for job opportunities in Germany. 

2) The University Bulletin Board may be a great place to find available job opportunities in Germany. These boards usually contain numerous flyers for students to view, and employers sometimes offer jobs with more flexible hours, which are ideal for aspirants. Depending upon your skills and expertise, you may find several part-time job positions on the board. 

3) University career centers may have several job opportunities posted to benefit students.

The centers are mostly in close contact with several employers and industries, indicating that they remain updated about the prevailing job market. Students usually set appointments to discuss the type of work they can perform and find out about opportunities.

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4) Online job portals are also ideal for students seeking part-time job opportunities in the country. Employers usually post various jobs across numerous portals, and prospective employees may view them and apply likewise. You may find diverse work in innumerable fields with clearly detailed skills and educational requirements. 

5) You may find help from acquaintances, fellow students, and friends concerning finding out about job openings, especially for university students. This is not always helpful instantly, but word of mouth may work wonders in the long run. Once you let people know that you are seeking a job, they will naturally attempt to inform you about any available job openings likewise. 

You can approach regional offices of the Federal Employment Agency, which do have job exchanges for students. The announcements can be found on the bulletin board of the educational institution and classified ads in papers, local or regional.

 

 

Important Resources to Read About Germany:

Masters in Germany costMS in Data Science in GermanyGermany study visa
SOP for GermanyWhy Study in GermanyStudent Accommodation in Germany
How to study in Germany for freeCost of Study in GermanyMBA in Germany without IELTS
Requirements to study in Germany for Indian studentsJob Opportunities in GermanyHow to settle in Germany from India

Type of Part-Time Jobs in Germany with Minimum Wages

There are numerous part-time jobs in Germany for English speakers and other international students alike. 

The type of jobs usually students can find are 

1. Academic Assistants

  • Library supervisor
  • Tutorial assistant
  • Literature researcher

2. Off-Campus Jobs

  • Waiter/Waitress
  • Trade Fairs
  • Courier
  • Office documents filing 
  • Media (Students of Journalism)
  • Tutoring (Those undergoing teacher training courses)
  • Babysitter
  • Bartender
  • Cashier

You should also note that you will only increase your study period by working more than 20 hours every week in jobs unrelated to your direct qualifications or field of study. Student jobs in Germany usually pay sufficient money for university students to get decent pocket money for covering all related costs. The minimum wage in Germany for international students is somewhere around 9.82 Euros per hour as of 2022, and this is updated periodically. The pay will depend largely on students’ skills, their qualifications, the location, and the industry in which they work. Some jobs pay considerably higher than the minimum wage, while some industries may have lower payments, depending upon numerous factors.

Bigger German cities such as Munich or Hamburg may have higher pay for part-time work as compared to similar jobs in smaller cities in the country. Yet, you should know that costs of living are also higher in bigger German cities. Research assistants earn quite well with exemptions alongside. Working at the university is always considered to be a great option if you can get in. The standard limit for years of earning is around 8500 Euros which does not draw taxation or social security issuance.

Read More Resources About Germany:

Germany Post Study Work VisaStudy in Germany after 12thHow to apply for German Universities
Salary after MS in GermanyStudy MS in Germany without IELTSGermany Job Seeker Visa
Free Education in GermanyJob Opportunities in Germany after MSMBA Cost in Germany
MBA in Germany without GMATData Science Course in GermanyCost of living in Germany

Study in Germany with upGrad Abroad

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Two-year program with the first year involving online study at IMT Ghaziabad and the second year covering on-campus study at IU Germany.  

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18-month course with the first two semesters covering online study at IU Germany and the next one being on-campus study at IU Germany. 

These courses offer significant cost savings on course fees for international students while giving them the best learning frameworks and support with their admissions and applications. To know more, get in touch with our counsellors or click here to enrol.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do international students pay taxes for part-time jobs?

International students working part-time may earn up to 450 Euros every month without any requirement of paying any taxes. If you are earning more than this amount regularly every month, then you will have to get hold of a tax number. In this system, a specific amount will be deducted from your wages on a monthly basis, although you will only get this back at the end of the financial year once you submit your tax return. The declaration needs to be filled by the student, and on this basis, the tax is determined.

 

 


 

Will social security contributions have to be paid by international students working part-time in Germany?

You will only have eligibility for paying social security contributions in case you are permanently employed in the country. This includes health insurance, pension, unemployment insurance, and nursing care insurance. If you work for less than three months for roughly 70 days, you are exempted from social security contributions. Those employed for longer durations should have pension insurance as well.

How much can you earn with student jobs in Germany?

Part-time salaried jobs for students in Germany witness varying payment, depending upon the student’s skills and the job sector or industry. The average wage is around 9.82 Euros every hour (as of 2022), and it is updated periodically. Payment is slightly higher for part-time jobs in bigger German cities like Munich and Hamburg, although costs of living are also higher there. Some employers may pay more elevated than the minimum wage as well.

Can I work in Germany without speaking the native language?

Yes, you can work in Germany without speaking the native language. You only need to apply for jobs that allow hiring without proficiency in German. International workers can apply for jobs in tech startups or digital departments if they are seeking jobs in Germany without knowledge of the German language.

Is it easy to get a part-time job in Germany for Indian students?

An Indian student can easily find a part-time job in Germany. The country has a strong economy and offers plenty of full-time and part-time job opportunities to international students. Some of the popular part-time jobs in Germany for international students include research assistants at universities, English tutors, and support staff at cafes, bars, and others.

Which city is the best for a part-time job in Germany?

The third-largest city in Germany, Munich, is considered the best for a part-time job in Germany. It is because the wages in Munich stand well above the national average. Other German cities that offer high-paying part-time jobs include Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Cologne.

 

 


 

How many hours is a part-time job in Germany?

You are allowed a maximum of 20 hours/week or less for a part-time job in Germany. The minimum wage in Germany per hour for international students is €9.5. For highly skilled graduates, this may go up to €12. No minimum wage rule applies to online jobs.

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!

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