You are a student, and you need to make some money. You have probably already looked into part-time jobs, and you might be wondering how difficult it is to find work in Germany as an international student.
We are here to tell you that it’s not as hard as you think. In fact, there are a lot of great opportunities out there for students looking to make a little money on the side. Below, we will give you a rundown of the best options for part-time work in Germany, as well as some tips on how to find the right job for you.
Requirement for Obtaining a Part-Time Job
To get a part-time job in Germany, you will first need a residence permit, student visa, health insurance and a valid passport. Unless you are a citizen of an EU country, you will likely need to obtain a work permit as well.
Student Laws for Part-Time Employment in Germany
- The number of part-time days that students can work varies from 120 to 240 per year depending on whether their region has a high or low employment rate. Working part-time in Germany, you must go through the information to find the loopholes
- Students are allowed to work 20 hours a week only, if this limit exceeds it will be a breach of university law.
- If you are fortunate enough to get employment at the university then you are free from most of the strict rules and obligations that are associated with other students who seek employment outside the university.
- Tax! Students are not required to pay any taxes or social security if their monthly income is less than €450. Additionally, if you haven’t worked for 50 consecutive days annually you will be exempted from paying taxes too.
- The last and most important rule, abiding by the German Federal Law is very important as anybody who does not follow them is expelled from the country.
What you need for a Job Application in Germany
There are a few things you will need in order to apply for a part-time job in Germany. These include:
- A Resume or CV
- A Cover Letter
- Work Sample
- Education certificates.
How to Find a Part-time job in Germany
Finding a part-time job in Germany can seem daunting, but it’s not impossible. You just need to know where to look and what to do.
The best place to start is by checking out the job portals. Another great resource is the classifieds section of the local newspaper or online forums. You can also check with businesses in your area to see if they are hiring part-time workers. You can also find employment opportunities through University Bulletin Boards, which normally contain various part-time job ads and offers.
Most Universities will have Career Centers which specifically work with the aim to connect students to employers that are on the lookout for part-time employees.
Some websites you will find useful while finding a job are:
- Quick-Check
- The Job Portal of the Federal Employment Agency (BA)
- “Make it in Germany’s” Job Listings
- EURES
Average Salaries for International Student Part-Time Jobs
Let’s talk money! How much can you expect to make working part-time in Germany as an international student?
Well, it depends on a few things- like the type of job you are doing and the number of hours you are working. But in general, you can expect to make around €12, which is the average part-time job salary for international students. No bad, right? It should be enough to cover your cost of living.
Common Part-Time Job Profiles in Germany for International Students
The most common option is to find a job in a retail setting. This could be a shop, restaurant or cafe. Retail jobs usually don’t require any special skills or qualifications, so they are a good option for those who are new to Germany and don’t have any work experience yet. For example, if you are looking for IT jobs in Germany, you need to have previous work experience in order to land one.
There are also some part-time jobs that are specific to students. For example, you could work as a tutor or English language teacher, or do some freelance work online. Aside from the job we talk about above you can opt for these jobs as well:
On-Campus Jobs
- Library Supervisor
- Literature Researcher
- Tutorial Assistant
Off-Campus Jobs
- Waiter/Waitress
- Trade Fairs
- Courier
- Office Documents Filing
- Data Entry
- Media (Students of Journalism
- Babysitter
- Bartender
- Cashier
- Gardening
The jobs you can apply to depend on the skills and experience you possess. Therefore, it is necessary to see if you are eligible and capable of carrying out the task assigned by the employer.
Conclusion
So, if you are an international student in Germany looking for a part-time job, you now know what you need to do and where to start. Just be sure to research the company thoroughly before signing any contracts, and be aware of your rights as an employee. With a bit of luck, you should be able to find a part-time job that not only helps you pay the bills but also allows you to gain some valuable work experience in Germany.
