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Part-time work income while studying
The Residence Act (§ 16b) allows 140 working days a year. A day with up to 4 hours counts as half a day (so 280 half days), or a week of up to 20 hours in lecture time counts as 2.5 days. The minimum wage is €13.90 an hour from 1 January 2026.
Gross pay before any tax or deductions. Student assistant jobs at the university are not counted against the 140 days. Your residence permit may state other conditions, so read it. The mini-job limit (€603 a month in 2026) comes from the SGB IV formula; the law text used here does not state how mini-jobs are taxed, so ask the employer.
The rules in short
| Rule | Figure |
|---|---|
| Working days per year | 140 (Arbeitstagekonto) |
| Day with up to 4 hours | counts as ½ day → 280 half days |
| Week in lecture time, up to 20 h | counts as 2.5 days |
| Minimum wage from 1 Jan 2026 | €13.90 gross per hour (€14.60 from 2027) |
| Mini-job limit | €603 per month (13.90 × 130 ÷ 3, rounded up) |
The older “120 full / 240 half days” rule was replaced; the current law text says 140 working days.
Frequently asked questions
How many days can a Pakistani student work in Germany?
Up to 140 full working days a year under § 16b (3) of the Residence Act. Days of up to four hours count as half days. The full quote and link are in the Sources box on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Germany in 2026?
€13.90 gross per hour from 1 January 2026 (Fifth Minimum Wage Adjustment Ordinance).
What is the mini-job limit?
The limit is the minimum wage × 130 ÷ 3, rounded up to full euros (SGB IV § 8): €603 a month at €13.90.
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