HAW-Hamburg: Work permits (2024)

Getting a work permit

All students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester.

a) Students from EU countries (except Croatia) do not need a work permit to work during their studies.

b) Students from non-EU countries and Croatia are allowed to work a maximum of 120 days (or 240 half days) per year without a work permit. The following text must be printed in your passport: "Beschäftigung bis zu 120 Tage oder 240 halbe Tage im Jahr sowie Ausübung studentischer Nebentätigkeit erlaubt." [Employment of up to 120 days or 240 half days and part-time student work permitted.]

If you take up part-time employment that involves more than 120 days per year, you need a work permit. If you are uncertain or have questions, please contact the Immigration Office or the Federal Employment Agency.

The 120-day rule and the exceptions

Students from non-EU countries and Croatia can work 120 days or 240 half days per year without a work permit (section 16, paragraph 3 of the AufenthG [federal residency act]).

1 day = 8 hours; half day = 4 hours

If you work more than four hours but less than eight hours on one day, this still counts as a full day. If you earn more than €400 per month, you are required to pay German social security contributions.

Student jobs:
The 120-day rule does NOT apply to student jobs. Student jobs refer to tutoring and student assistant positions at the university.

Practic*ms, Bachelor's and Master's theses:
If a practicum is an obligatory element of your degree course, it does not fall under the 120-day rule. You do not require a work permit. This also applies for your Bachelor's or Master's thesis, whether you complete it at a business, the university or a research institute.

After you have completed your studies / EU Blue Card

Once they have completed their studies, international students are permitted to remain in Germany for 18 months in order to find a job. This position must match your qualifications. During this time you are required to have enough money to cover your living expenses. You are permitted to work an unlimited number of days/hours.

EU Blue Card
In 2012 Germany introduced the EU Blue Card for skilled graduates from non-EU countries. The requirements are a university degree and proof of employment in Germany.

HAW-Hamburg: Work permits (2024)

FAQs

How difficult is it to get a work visa in Germany? ›

You must get your training recognised before you apply for your work visa. The process depends on your profession. It takes a few weeks to a few months. There might be an interview or a competence test, and you might need to pay for it.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Germany? ›

If you do not have pre-approval by the Federal Employment Agency, your application has to be forwarded to the competent immigration authorities in Germany; processing will take approximately six to eight weeks. With pre-approval, the processing time is approximately ten days.

What is the minimum salary for work permit in Germany? ›

Germany Work Permit Minimum Salary

For highly skilled specialists, the minimum wage for a German work Visa is 56,800 EUR (EU Blue Card)(4,902,408 INR) and 44,304 EUR(3,823,878 INR) for shortage jobs (2021). A standard work-related residence permit does not include wage limits.

What is the minimum salary for work permit in Germany 2024? ›

The job must match your qualification (degree). If a licence to practise (regulated professions) is required, this must be in place or in prospect at the time of the visa application. Your job in Germany must enable you to earn a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (as of 2024).

Can German work visa be rejected? ›

If the embassy or consular staff think you may overstay your visa, they will refuse to grant it to you. They can judge whether you are likely to leave Germany after the visa expires by looking at the following factors: Your work contract. Your family ties and obligations.

What is the acceptance rate for German work visa? ›

Less than 5% - if you don't know German language, no german degree and no related work experience. 10% - If you have relavent work experience but no german language and no german degree. 20% - If you have a German degree and work experience and no language skills.

Can I move to Germany without a job? ›

It's pretty unusual to be able to move to Germany without a job as most people come through with a work-sponsored visa, or move internally within their international company to an office in Germany. However, there are a few visas and allowances that will allow you to move to Germany without a job.

What are the requirements for work permit in Germany? ›

Arriving in Germany on a Work Visa
  • Your national valid passport.
  • Application form for a Residence Permit.
  • Two photos.
  • Report of a clean criminal record.
  • Proof of German Language.
  • Health Insurance Confirmation.
  • Proof of Job Offer.

Is it easy to get a job in Germany as a foreigner? ›

How easy is it to get a job in Germany? The ease of getting career opportunities in Germany can vary based on factors like industry, experience, and language skills. Generally, the job market in Germany is competitive, and it may take time to find a suitable job opportunity.

How much is Germany pay per hour? ›

The minimum wage has been revised in Germany, with effect from 01 January 2024. The minimum wage has increased from €12.00 to €12.41 per hour.

What is the lowest paid job in Germany? ›

Lowest paying jobs in Germany
Job TypesIndustryAverage Annual Salary (in EUR)
CleanerConstruction & Maintenance€23,400
Ticket AgentHospitality€24,960
CashierBanking & Finance€26,000
PackerShipping & Logistics€26,325
1 more row
Mar 27, 2024

What is the age limit for German work visa? ›

There is no specific age limit set for the Germany Job Seeker Visa. However, it is implied that applicants should be of working age and possess the necessary professional experience.

How much is rent in Germany? ›

The general, rough costs of living in Germany per month for a single person are as follows: Rent: from €300 (student halls or room in a shared flat) to €700+ (one-bed flat in city) Utilities: €220 (inc. internet, mobile & TV)

Is it easy to get a job in Germany? ›

Unless you have specific skills that make you extremely employable, it is very difficult to land a job in Germany if applying from overseas, especially as you cannot attend in-person interviews.

What is a good salary in Germany? ›

A salary between €64,000 and €70,000 gross a year is considered a good salary in Germany. For a single person, this means roughly €40,000 to €43,000 euros net a year or between €3,300 and €3,600 euros net a month.

Is it hard to get a job in Germany as a foreigner? ›

How easy is it to get a job in Germany? The ease of getting career opportunities in Germany can vary based on factors like industry, experience, and language skills. Generally, the job market in Germany is competitive, and it may take time to find a suitable job opportunity.

How hard is it to get a job in Germany as an American? ›

The low unemployment rate and job opportunities make Germany a desirable place to work in by people around the world – including Americans. Although it is a different work environment and culture (and the language barrier can be tricky), jobs in Germany for Americans are not impossible to find.

Is it easy to move to Germany for work? ›

Nationality. Foreign employees generally require a work permit before they can assume gainful employment in Germany. The question of which regulations apply to obtaining such a permit still depends most significantly on the passport of the applicant. EU citizens can move and work freely within the EU.

Is German visa easy to get? ›

As an Indian citizen, you can obtain a visa for Germany through ACKO within 20 to 25 business days. However, in certain situations, the embassy may require additional paperwork. In such a case, we will notify you immediately and request that you provide the necessary documents as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

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