Engaging in part-time work is a great way to fund your expenses in Germany. While it may not cover the full cost, it still brings extra cash you can use daily.
Taking a part-time job is also beneficial for your growth. You’ll learn relevant work skills and you can also practice your German.
However, part-time work can be challenging for international students. If you want to work while studying in Germany, you need quick information to get started.
Here’s a guide to part-time work in Germany for international students:
Who Can Take Part-Time Work in Germany
In general, students who hold a residence permit can take a part-time job. But there are certain limitations depending on your citizenship.
If you’re a non-EU national, you need a visa to be eligible for part-time work. The type of visa you need depends on your purpose for entering Germany.
Upon arrival in Germany, you need to obtain a residence permit. A key thing to remember is that you need to have an employment offer to get a residence and work permit.
EU/EEA students must only present a valid ID to work in Germany. If they’re residing in the country, they must register the address of their place.
Students from the following countries can enter Germany without a visa. Upon arrival, they can get a residence permit:
- US
- New Zealand
- Korea
- Japan
- Canada
- IsraelĀ
- Australia
General-Part-Time Job Requirements
Different German employers want different documents per applicant. If you’re interested in a job, you can look at the job requirements as a reference.
In general, you will need the following documents:
- CV or Resume (must detail both educational and professional qualifications)
- Academic records / certificates
- Cover letter
- Language skills (particularly German for jobs involving interaction with locals)
After sending in your requirements, an interview will take place. You’ll usually receive a call or email after the employer has reviewed your application.Ā
Finding a Part-Time Job in Germany
As mentioned, non-EU students cannot get a work and residence permit without a job offer. Fortunately, this isn’t a difficult thing to accomplish.
There are plenty of job postings online as long as you know where and how to find them. You can navigate through European Employment Service or EURES. You can also browse jobs through job portals.
Most jobs ask for language requirements like proficiency in German. If you’re eager to land a job, make sure that you can speak and German. Note that you can work for 38 to 48 hours each week.
Part-Time Work for International Students
The most typical part-time work for international students is in retail and customer service. However, you can also tap into more sophisticated industries.
As long as you possess the skills and qualifications, you can apply as a health practitioner. You can also look into part-time IT specialist roles.
If you want jobs in retail and services, make sure your German is adequate. You cannot take jobs that involve interaction if you can’t communicate well.Ā
Having part-time work is a great opportunity to grow and develop as an individual. Browse our blogs here at MSM Unify to find more opportunities in Germany.