Top Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Germany in 2025

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, and one of the biggest advantages for international students who choose to study in Germany is the opportunity to work part-time while studying. With no tuition fees in most public universities and a strong economy, part-time jobs help students cover living expenses and gain valuable work experience.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about part-time jobs in Germany for international students in 2025, including types of jobs, salaries, work regulations, and how to find them.

Can International Students Work Part-Time in Germany?

Yes, international students are legally allowed to work part-time in Germany. According to German student visa rules, you can work:

• 120 full days or 240 half days in a calendar year
• Up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester
• Full-time during semester breaks

In 2025, the minimum wage in Germany is approximately €12.41 per hour (subject to updates), ensuring that students earn a fair wage for their work.

Top 10 Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Germany

Below are the most common and well-paying part-time jobs international students can pursue in Germany:

1. Research Assistant (HiWi – Wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft)

• Average Pay: €12–€15 per hour
• Where: University departments, labs, research institutes
• What You Do: Assist professors or researchers with data collection, literature reviews, lab work, or academic publications.
• Why It’s Good: On-campus, flexible hours, closely related to your field of study, and great for CV building.

2. Library Assistant

• Average Pay: €10–€12 per hour
• Where: University or public libraries
• What You Do: Manage book checkouts, returns, help students find materials, and organize shelves.
• Why It’s Good: Quiet environment, minimal physical strain, and usually predictable shifts.

3. Waiter/Barista

• Average Pay: €9–€12 per hour + tips
• Where: Cafes, restaurants, bars
• What You Do: Serve food and drinks, take orders, clean tables, interact with customers.
• Why It’s Good: High demand, fast hiring, and a good way to improve your German language skills.

4. Delivery Driver (e.g., Lieferando, Flink)

• Average Pay: €10–€14 per hour + tips
• Where: Food delivery platforms or local restaurants
• What You Do: Deliver food orders using a bike, scooter, or car.
• Why It’s Good: Flexible work hours and independence; some platforms allow English-only communication.

5. Tutor (Online/Offline)

• Average Pay: €15–€25 per hour
• Where: Private tutoring agencies, online platforms, or university tutoring programs
• What You Do: Teach school or college-level subjects, help with exam prep, or teach English.
• Why It’s Good: High pay, flexible scheduling, great for those with teaching experience or strong academics.

6. Babysitter / Nanny

• Average Pay: €10–€15 per hour
• Where: Private households
• What You Do: Look after children, help with homework, prepare snacks or meals, light household tasks.
• Why It’s Good: Often evenings or weekends, relatively relaxed, and can pay well with regular clients.

7. Warehouse Assistant / Stockroom Helper

• Average Pay: €11–€13 per hour
• Where: E-commerce companies, supermarkets, logistics firms
• What You Do: Unload trucks, stock shelves, pack orders, inventory checks.
• Why It’s Good: No customer interaction, shift-based roles (great for night or early morning workers).

8. Call Center Agent

• Average Pay: €10–€14 per hour
• Where: Customer support agencies, telecom companies, survey firms
• What You Do: Answer calls, assist customers, conduct surveys, or provide tech support.
• Why It’s Good: Often no physical work; English-speaking roles are available in multinational companies.

9. Content Creator / Intern (Marketing, Social Media, etc.)

• Average Pay: Varies (€12–€18 per hour or stipend-based)
• Where: Startups, digital agencies, NGOs, or university social media teams
• What You Do: Write blogs, manage social media, create videos, help with digital campaigns.
• Why It’s Good: Work-from-home options, great for portfolio building, and aligns with long-term career goals.

10. Retail Store Assistant / Cashier

• Average Pay: €10–€12 per hour
• Where: Grocery stores, clothing outlets, department stores
• What You Do: Assist customers, stock shelves, operate cash registers, manage store displays.
• Why It’s Good: Steady work hours and reliable income; customer interaction helps improve German fluency.

How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Germany as a Student?

There are several reliable sources to find student jobs in Germany:

• University Job Portals (especially for research assistant roles)
• Job Portals: Indeed.de, StepStone, Zenjob, Jobmensa
• Apps: Jobino, NebenJob, Zenjob mobile app
• Walk-in Applications at cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets
• Career Services at your university
• Facebook Groups & LinkedIn: Local expat and student job communities

Tips to Get Hired Faster as an International Student

1. Learn Basic German: A2 or B1 level can boost your chances significantly.
2. Create a German-Style CV: Simple, professional, and targeted.
3. Apply Early: Begin searching at the start of the semester.
4. Use University Resources: Many institutions have internal job boards.
5. Network: Ask friends, classmates, or professors for leads.

Work Permit, Tax, and Health Insurance Rules

• Anmeldung (residence registration) is mandatory before you work.
• Apply for a Tax ID to avoid emergency tax deductions.
• Students earning less than €10,908/year (as of 2025) are usually tax-free.
• Students working under 20 hours/week don’t pay into social security.
• Ensure valid student health insurance is in place.

Do International Students Need to Pay Taxes in Germany?

You may need to pay taxes if your income exceeds the tax-free threshold. If you work multiple jobs or work full-time during vacations, your income may be taxable. However, most students are eligible for tax refunds at the end of the year by filing a return.

If you’re freelancing (e.g., tutoring, content creation), you’ll need to register with the Finanzamt (Tax Office) and handle your taxes differently.

Which Part-Time Job Is Best for You as a Student?

This depends on your skills, schedule, language proficiency, and long-term goals. For example:

• Research or university jobs are ideal for academic experience.
• Tutoring or internships align with long-term career growth.
• Restaurant or delivery jobs are flexible and available without German skills.

Is Working Part-Time in Germany Worth It?

Absolutely! Part-time work allows international students in Germany to earn extra income, gain valuable work experience, and integrate into the culture. With the right planning and preparation, students can balance work and studies successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions