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Working as a student in Germany is quite helpful for your living and, at the same time, offers needed working experience. However, you should know how not to cross the line so that your work does not become an obstacle to studying or worsening of your visa status. It is highly recommended to understand these rules, especially for non-EU/EEA students.
The 120/240 Day Rule for Non-EU/EEA Students
As a non-EU/EEA student in Germany, you are entitled to 120 full days or 240 half days annually. In this context, if you work for 8 hours continuously within a given day, you will be assumed to have worked for a full day; otherwise, working for 4 continuous hours will count as a half day.Â
During the semester periods, you are also allowed to work for no more than 20 hours a week. This is meant to ensure that you will not deviate from the fact that your main task involves being a student. Exceeding these limits without special permission from the German authorities will be a risk to your student visa.
Exceptions and Special Cases
There are some exemptions from the rule of 120/240 days. For example, if you work as a student assistant or something similar at your university, these hours do not necessarily count into your limit. Full-time work in semester breaks is also possible without this affecting your limit of 120 days. In any case, it is a good thing to inquire about the specific rules concerning all specific issues with your employer or the university.
Working Regulations for EU/EEA Students
The legislation is pretty flexible for students coming from EU/EEA countries. You are allowed to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week without restrictions during the semester and full time during semester breaks without having any implications on your student status. Of course, this flexibility in their legislation makes it easier for the EU/EEA students to manage work and studies together.
Balancing Work and Studies
Though a side job for students in Germany can be profitable, it is not recommended to mix it up with the main academic duty. Plan your working schedule carefully so that it fits between the classes and studying. Keep in mind, you've come to Germany for a successful study affair after all.
In short, it is possible to work as a student in Germany, but this requires a great deal of attention towards the rules and regulations stipulated. The 120/240 day rule is highly important for non-EU/EEA students, while the EU/EEA students have greater flexibility. You can really make the most out of your time as a student in Germany if you keep these guidelines in mind and correspondingly balance the work with your studies.