Working whileyou study in Germany.

International students can work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Work as a research assistant at your university may not count, but confirm with the foreigners' office.

You receive a tax ID (Steuer-ID) by post after your address registration. A Minijob pays up to €603 a month in 2026 (the limit follows the minimum wage) with no income tax deducted from you. Above that, the job becomes a Midijob or regular job with tax and reduced social contributions; Werkstudent roles keep lower contributions while you work up to 20 hours a week in term.

Income tax only applies above the basic tax-free allowance, so students who had tax withheld can often reclaim it by filing a return (Steuererklärung) through the free ELSTER portal. Keep your annual income tax certificate (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung).