How to Study and Work in Germany – Germany is a country located in Central Europe, it is one of the most populous countries in Europe and in the European Union. Germany also has one of the largest economies in the world and one of the best places for students to study and work.
International students in Germany are allowed to work while studying without paying taxes. However, there are rules to follow to enjoy this benefit. If you want to study in Germany or plan on working as a student in Germany this article is for you because, in this article, we will teach you how to work and study in Germany properly and answer your frequently asked questions. Keep reading to find out.
Can International Students Work and Study in Germany?
Yes, international students can work and study in Germany. Students enrolled in an accredited tertiary educational institution in Germany will be allowed to work while studying. Although the work hours are limited and students need to abide by the rules and regulations to continue enjoying this privilege.
How to Study and Work in Germany
Studying and working in Germany depends largely on whether you are an EU or Non-EU citizen and the time of the year you plan to work. Germany emphasizes students focusing on their academic endeavors that’s why they set rules to prevent students from overworking and abandoning their studies. We will explore how to study and work in Germany as an EU or Non-EU citizen below.
The European Union (EU) and The European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals
Citizens of the EU and EEA are protected by the Freedom of Movement Act of the EU, which allows them to work and live in Germany openly without trying to get a work and residence permit in advance.However, they need to present a valid ID to the authorities and register their residence with the local authority for foreigners. You are free to seek employment in Germany as an EU citizen.
You also enjoy access to the employment market, working conditions, and social and tax advantages that German citizens enjoy.EU citizens are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours weekly while studying. If these hours are exceeded, the student will be obliged to pay into the German social security system plus which can impact their studies negatively.
Students from Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland can also enjoy this advantage. Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, or the United States of America (USA) can enter Germany without obtaining a visa. They can also start working and living in Germany without getting a residence permit first. However, they must register and get a residence permit in Germany from a local authority for foreigners in Germany.
Countries that are members of the European Union (EU) are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Countries under the European Economic Area (EEA) are Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway as well as countries under the European Union. Switzerland is not part of the EEA or the EU but is part of the single market. This grants citizens of Switzerland the right to reside and work in the UK like other EEA countries.
Non-EU Nationals
Students from non-European countries have to adhere to a different rule compared to students from EU or EEA countries. They must apply and be approved for a visa. Students from non-EU countries must apply for the correct visa according to your purpose in Germany. Short-stay visas will not be converted into a residence visas. Once you get into Germany with your visa, you must visit the right authorities to get your work and residence permit.
You will be required to present evidence of employment by a local German company when requesting a work and residence permit.Non-EU/EEA students are allowed to work in Germany while studying. They can work for 120 full days or 240 half days yearly.Students who take up work as research assistants or student assistants must inform the Alien Registration Office. This kind of job is not normally counted in a student’s limit. Those who take up an internship during semester breaks are considered to have a normal job whether it’s paid or unpaid. This means that every day you work in your internship is subtracted from your 120-day credit balance.
Note that compulsory internships required by your course of study do not count regarding your limit.It is important to note that Non-EU students are not allowed to work in a freelancing or self-employed capacity.Students in Germany can earn up to €450 monthly tax-free. Those that earn more than this monthly will receive an income tax number and will have to pay tax automatically from their salary.
Students who have employers that deduct income tax from their low income can reclaim their income by submitting their income tax statement.Non-EU students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours weekly. Working more than these hours is not advisable because it can lead to deportation, and paying unemployment, health insurance, and nursing care among others.
It can also impact the student’s academic negatively.Students who come to Germany for a language or preparation course are only allowed to work on holidays (lecture-free periods) They also need a certificate from the Aliens’ Registration Office and the Employment Agency to work. Non-EU students can work more than the required hours if the work is compulsory for their course of study.
For more information on the requirements for non-EU students to work and study in Germany, visit the Federal Foreign Office.
Jobs International Students can do While in Germany
There are so many job opportunities for students who want to work while studying in Germany. It is important to choose a job that is lucrative, flexible, and convenient for you. Below are some of the jobs students can do in Germany.
- Waiter
- Academic assistant
- Store clerks
- Production assistant
- Stocking shelves in a supermarket
- Delivery person
- Barista
- Bartender, etc
Students can find jobs whether they speak German or not but speaking and understanding the native language will help students do their job effectively.You can look for jobs in your university or department.
You can also check for jobs in the regional Employment Agency, newspapers, online job portals, and noticeboards within the university you are attending.Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Bonn, Leipzig, and Darmstadt are among the best cities to work in Germany.
You can extend your student working hours if you are doing academic jobs. Send a request to the Foreigners Office and the Federal Employment Agency in Germany. This only applies to students with academic jobs.
Conclusion
Germany has one of the largest economies in the world. It also has some of the best tertiary educational institutions in the world. This country is among the countries in the world that allow students to work while studying without paying taxes. However, students have to follow the laid-out rules to enjoy this privilege. Germany allows students to work up to 20 hours weekly and earn €450 monthly without paying tax. Students must not pass the limit of 120 full days or 240 half days yearly.
Working while studying in Germany also depends on whether you are a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area or not. Plus the kind of study program you are taking in Germany. Students who are in Germany for language or preparation courses are more restricted than other types of students when it comes to working as a student in Germany.
We covered everything you need to know about working and studying in Germany in this article.We hope you found this article on “how to study and work in Germany informative.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can work and study in Germany as an international student. You can work up to twenty hours weekly. International students should never exceed the allowed 20 hours weekly given to avoid paying into the German social security system and impacting their studies negatively.
Students in Germany can earn up to 450 euros monthly working in Germany. The current minimum wage in Germany is 9.50 euros hourly. To earn up to 450 euros monthly, you need to work a maximum of 11 hours weekly or 47 hours monthly.
Students can stay up to 18 months in Germany after graduation on a residence permit. This time allows them to get a job, and reapply for a visa, among others.
Berlin, the capital city of Germany has some of the best job opportunities in Germany. It is flooded with big companies and numerous employment opportunities.
It is not hard or easy to get a job in Germany as a student. You just have to make use of the opportunities presented to you and be qualified for the job you are applying for.
Reference
- https://www.studying-in-germany.org/working-in-germany/
- https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice/how-work-germany-during-or-after-your-studies
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany
- https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea
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