Ready for Labour Law: Students + Employers

Citizens of EU and EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland have unrestricted access to the German labour market and do not require a special permit.

The following regulations apply to citizens of other countries:

• A residence permit must allow employment, or approval from the immigration office is required.

1. Secondary employment (without the need for approval, up to 140 full or 280 half working days in a calendar year):
   • Student trainees
   • Extended practical phases
   • Voluntary internships
   • Marginal/short-term employment

Study preparation measures are also included – here too, up to 20 hours per week are allowed.

If the quota is exceeded, an exemption can be applied for with the approval of the immigration office.

Alternatively, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period.

Study-related activities (approval-free and independent of the working day quota):

• Compulsory internships
• Activities in the context of a final thesis

The 140 full or 280 half working days can be used flexibly. Alternatively, it is possible to count 2.5 working days per week if the employment is for up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. Full-time work during the semester break is also permitted.

• EU / EEA / Switzerland: In principle, freedom of movement applies on the German labour market. No additional permits are required.
• Third countries: The employment requires either an explicit permission in the residence permit or an approval by the immigration office

Students have to count their own working days or hours and comply with the quota:

• Up to 140 full or 280 half working days per calendar year are allowed.
• Alternatively: up to 20 hours per week during term time.

• Not eligible: activities that are part of the course, such as compulsory internships or the preparation of a final thesis, do not require approval and do not count towards the quota of working days.
• Eligible: all other part-time jobs count towards the quota and must be recorded.

• The type and scope of the employment, e.g. weekly working days and target hours.
• The actual hours worked should be recorded accurately, as they are crucial for ensuring that the quota is not exceeded.

• Different legal regulations apply to these students depending on their purpose of residence.

• A residence permit is issued or extended by the immigration office at the student's place of residence.
• Asylum seekers or those with other residence permits may require an additional work permit. Companies should contact the immigration office together with the students.

• Tax identification number: This is issued automatically when the first place of residence in Germany is registered.
• Social security number: can be applied for by the first employer or by the students themselves at the statutory health insurance or the German Pension Insurance.
• Work permit: issued by the immigration office at the student's place of residence in consultation with the employment agency.
• Sozialversicherungsnummer: Kann vom ersten