Working While Studying in Germany: 140/280 Day Rule, Minijobs, and Salary (2026)

Part-time work in Germany helps many international students cover rent and food, but it is regulated. If you are on a study residence permit (not EU freedom of movement), your hours fall under Section 16b(3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG).

You will still see the old 120/240 rule in forums and older posts. This guide reflects the current 140/280 framework, how minijobs work in 2026, and when HiWi jobs are exempt. For earnings math, use our part-time salary estimator alongside the cost of living guide.

Who this applies to

Always read the wording on your residence permit and ask your university international office if unsure.

The work limit: 140 full days or 280 half days (not 120/240)

German law uses an Arbeitstagekonto (work-day account) per calendar year.

Current rule (Section 16b(3) AufenthG)

• Maximum: 140 full work days OR 280 half work days per year.
• Half day: a day with up to four hours of work.
• Full day: more than four hours on that day (often described as an 8-hour equivalent in university guides).

The older 120 full / 240 half limits appear in pre-2024 articles. Search engines and Indian counsellors still say "120/240"; plan with 140/280 unless your permit explicitly states something else.

Official text: AufenthG §16b (German). English overview: DAAD: Side jobs.

Alternative: 20 hours per week method

Instead of counting each day, you may use the weekly method (whichever is more favorable per calendar week):

So semester break can mean more hours, but not unlimited days on the annual account if you use the weekly track. Many students mix methods week by week; the law picks the most favorable counting method for each week.

Practical takeaway: 20 hours/week during semester is the safe headline for job contracts during lecture periods.

What does not count toward 140/280

These are the main exceptions students rely on:

Inform the Ausländerbehörde when you start a HiWi; some cities ask for a short notification or contract copy.

Minijobs in 2026 (gross = net up to the cap)

A Minijob pays at most the statutory Minijob-Grenze, which rises with minimum wage:

Below the cap, contributions are simplified; many students treat it as gross ≈ net. Above the cap, the job is a regular midijob or standard employment with social insurance and tax.

At €13.90/h, €603/month is roughly 43 hours/month (~10 hours/week), which fits well with the 20-hour semester ceiling but you must still respect the annual work-day account.

Sources: Minijob-Zentrale (official information portal); confirm the live threshold when you sign your contract.

How much can you earn? (realistic ranges)

Earnings depend on hours × hourly rate, not the legal cap alone.

Minimum wage in 2026 is €13.90/h for most workers. Our tool still shows €12.82 as a 2025 default; override the rate field with the current legal minimum when you calculate.

Use the part-time salary estimator to model:

• 10, 15, or 20 hours per week
• Minijob vs above-threshold monthly pay
• Rough yearly totals against your living costs

Example (illustrative only): 20 h/week × €13.90 × 4.33 weeks ≈ €1,200 gross/month. That helps with rent in Leipzig but will not replace a blocked account for visa purposes.

Working during semester vs semester break

Employers and the Agentur für Arbeit may ask for your Meldebescheinigung (university enrollment) each semester.

Finding jobs (without breaking permit rules)

Common legal options:

• University job board and HiWi postings
• Studentenwerk and faculty notices
• Minijob platforms and local businesses (contract must respect limits)
• Werkstudent contracts (working student status has social insurance rules distinct from minijob; still counts toward work-day account unless exempt)

Avoid:

• Undeclared cash work (tax and residence risk)
• Freelancing without Ausländerbehörde approval
• Exceeding 140/280 or mis-reporting HiWi hours

Taxes and paperwork

Pair with health insurance for students: if you move from minijob to insured employment, notify your insurer.

Visa and blocked account: work does not replace proof of funds

For your student visa, you still show blocked account, scholarship, or sponsorship. Consulates expect study to remain the main purpose.

After arrival:

1. Enrol and get your student ID.
2. Open a German bank account.
3. Start work only with a written contract that fits Section 16b limits.
4. Track days/hours (spreadsheet is enough).

If you are budgeting from India, see MS in Germany total cost from India for how part-time income fits after year one, not instead of the Sperrkonto.

Penalties if you exceed the limit

Working beyond permitted limits is a residence law issue, not just a payroll mistake. Consequences can include:

• Warning or obligation from Ausländerbehörde
• Refusal to extend your residence permit
• In serious cases, loss of residence title

If your employer schedules too many hours, push back and keep your own log.

Quick calculator: map hours to the annual cap

Day method (simplified):

• 140 full days × 8 h ≈ 1,120 hours/year (upper bound if every day is "full")
• 280 half days × 4 h ≈ 1,120 hours/year (same ceiling via half days)

Week method (simplified):

• 20 h/week during ~30 lecture weeks ≈ 600 hours
• Plus break weeks at higher hours, still counted as 2.5 days/week on the account

Use the part-time salary estimator for money, not for legal compliance; when in doubt, ask your international office.

Checklist before you sign a contract

• Permit is for study (Section 16b), not tourist Schengen
• Contract hours fit 20 h/week during semester (or minijob monthly cap)
• HiWi contract marked as studentische Nebentätigkeit if applicable
• Optional internship confirmed as mandatory with university if you claim exemption
• Employer knows you are an international student (not full-time staff)
• You logged start date for work-day tracking
• You did not plan visa funds assuming salary before arrival

Sources

• AufenthG §16b (Studium) (German, authoritative)
• DAAD: Side jobs while studying
• Minijob-Zentrale
• Make it in Germany: visa for studying (context on study permits)

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your Ausländerbehörde, university international office, or a qualified advisor for your case.