Are foreign students and German language learners allowed to work in Germany?
The proof of finance ensures that you have at least € 720 per month. But this is often enough to afford only essentials for German learners or foreign students in Germany. After all, you also want to enjoy life in Germany and spend a nice evening with other students in a cozy pub or beer garden. In addition, some sightseeing or interesting trips cost money. Of course, having a job helps and can go together with my studies or the German language course. But am I allowed to work as a foreign student or German language learners in Germany?
General tips on working and jobs for foreign students and German learners
Make sure that your income does not exceed the additional income limit of your financial improvement and the permitted working hours, for example if you have a scholarship or if you are receiving student loans from Germany.
Study must be always prioritized. If the suspicion of neglect arises, this can negatively affect your residence permit. A voluntary internship is also considered as working time because it reduces the attention to the study.
With different financial supports, the income limit and the limitation of working hours can be regulated differently. Therefore, as a German learner or foreign student in Germany you should learn the details about the respective “sponsor” before you apply for a job or an internship.
Different job forms for foreign students and German learners in Germany
Basically there are two kinds of jobs for German learners or foreign students in Germany, namely mini-jobs and part-time job.
- Mini Job: This is an official job that must be registered at the so-called Mini Job Center. As an insignificant employee, you can earn maximum 450 euros per month. For a full year, you would have $ 5,400 more in your account. Students who receive student loans in Germany may not exceed this amount of income.
- Part-time work: The working time is shortened. How much you can work and earn depends on the financial support and the related requirements. Normally, you can work 120 full or 240 half-days per year. During the semester, a maximum working time of 20 hours per week is allowed. Further information can be found under § 16 Abs. 3 of the Residence Act.
Do foreign students and German learners have to pay social insurance contributions in Germany?
If your income does not exceed 450 per month, as German learners or foreign students in Germany, you do not have to pay social insurance contributions in the health, care and unemployment insurance. If your salary exceeds this limit, you must pay social security contributions and the pension insurance. The contributions are afforded half by employee and half by employer. The mandatory social security card will be applied for by the first employer. For a 450 Euro job, please register at the Minijob Center. You will receive the social security card by mail. Keep it safe, because it applies to all of your works!
The income from internships that are compulsory under the study and examination regulations remains social insurance-free.
How do foreign students and German learners find a job in Germany?
Unfortunately, the market is highly competitive. It is not eary to get well-paid jobs that can be flexibly combined with German courses or studies in Germany. A tip is the website jobboerse-direkt.de or you can also work as a language teacher. With this portal you can register for free as a language teacher: www.sprachlehrer-aktiv.de
Be sure to use the consulting centers of the respective university. You will get to know not only how much you can work and earn, but also usually a good starting point for internal job portals. And you may also know where one or more student assistants are being sought in the respective university in Germany.
Further interesting information for you:
Visa for German courses in Germany
Cost of German courses in Germany.