📅 Last Updated August 2026
👨💻 Reviewed By LearnViaHub Editorial Team
⏱️ Reading Time Approximately 10–13 minutes
🇩🇪 Applies To International students planning an internship in Germany before or after graduation.
🔄 Update Frequency Reviewed whenever German work or visa rules change.
📚 Sources Reviewed German Federal Foreign Office, Make it in Germany, Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), and official German labour guidance.
Internship rules in Germany depend on whether you are currently enrolled, where you are from, and whether the internship is required by your degree. This guide explains the work allowances, Federal Employment Agency rules, post‑graduation options, and when internships must be paid.
BA Approval Process
18‑Month Job‑Seeker Permit
Minimum Wage & Pay
EU vs Non‑EU Students
FAQ
Quick Answer
Do international students need a visa for an internship in Germany? EU/EEA/Swiss students can work without a visa or work permit. Non‑EU students generally need a student residence permit or a residence permit for the purpose of an internship. If you are already studying in Germany, your student residence permit may cover your internship.
How many days can you work? Non‑EU students can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year without Federal Employment Agency approval, or alternatively up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods. University holidays are unrestricted.
What should you do next? Confirm whether your internship is mandatory or voluntary, because this affects work limits, pay, and approval requirements. For the wider international internship picture, see our internships for international students guide.
Student Residence Permit Work Provisions: 140/280 Day Rule
If you are a non‑EU international student in Germany on a student residence permit, you can usually work without the Federal Employment Agency’s approval for:
- 140 full days or 280 half days per year, or
- Up to 20 hours per week during lecture periods.
Important details:
- A working day of up to 4 hours counts as a half day.
- During official university holidays (semester breaks), students can work unlimited hours.
- Student assistant roles at universities (Hiwi positions) are generally exempt from the 140/280‑day restrictions.
- Mandatory internships required by your study programme are generally exempt from Federal Employment Agency approval, but they may still count toward the 140/280‑day work allowance unless they are student assistant roles.
- Voluntary internships usually count toward your work allowance.
If you exceed the 140/280‑day allowance or the 20‑hour weekly rule, you may need approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Your local foreigners authority can confirm how the rules apply to your residence permit.
Federal Employment Agency Approval for Voluntary Internships
Whether you need approval from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) depends on whether your internship is mandatory and where you are from.
| Internship Type | EU/EEA/Swiss Students | Non‑EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory internship (Pflichtpraktikum) | No approval required | No approval required if you have a university confirmation that the internship is required by your programme |
| Voluntary internship | No approval required | May be exempt from BA approval if closely related to degree and you have completed at least 4 semesters; however, it still counts toward the 140/280‑day work allowance. Employer may need to apply for BA confirmation. |
If approval is needed, the employer usually applies to the Federal Employment Agency. Always clarify this with your employer and your local foreigners authority before starting a voluntary internship.
Post‑Graduation 18‑Month Job‑Seeker Permit
After completing a German university degree, non‑EU international graduates can apply for a job‑seeker residence permit valid for up to 18 months.
- During these 18 months, you can take up any type of job — including internships related to your field — while you search for qualified employment.
- The permit is not renewable.
- Once you find qualified employment, you can switch to a residence permit for qualified work or an EU Blue Card.
- EU/EEA/Swiss graduates do not need this permit and can stay and work freely.
Tip: Use internships during the job‑seeker phase to build German work experience and professional contacts, but start your qualified‑job search early because the 18 months cannot be extended.
💡 Funding note: If you’re exploring scholarships to support your study or internship period in Germany, see our Scholarships for International Students guide.
Minimum Wage Thresholds and When Internships Must Be Paid
In Germany, interns must generally be paid at least the statutory minimum wage, unless an exception applies under the Minimum Wage Act.
| Internship Type | Minimum Wage Obligation |
|---|---|
| Mandatory internship required by your programme | Usually exempt from minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Act |
| Voluntary internship over 3 months | Generally subject to minimum wage |
| Voluntary internship of 3 months or less | May be exempt in specific circumstances, but clarify with your employer |
The current statutory minimum wage in Germany is €13.90 per hour (effective 1 January 2026). Always confirm your payment terms in writing before starting an internship.
📘 For how Germany compares to other countries on paid and unpaid internship rules, see our Paid vs Unpaid Internships Legality Guide.
EU/EEA/Swiss Students vs. Non‑EU Students
Your nationality determines whether you need a visa or work permit for an internship in Germany.
| Student Category | Visa/Work Permit Needed? | Work Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Swiss students | No | Same employment rules as German students; no further restrictions |
| Non‑EU students with a student residence permit | Usually covered by student residence permit | 140 full days / 280 half days or 20 hrs/week; mandatory internships exempt from BA approval but may count toward day allowance |
| Non‑EU students coming specifically for an internship | Yes, residence permit for internship | Can intern up to 6 months without Federal Employment Agency approval |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international students need a visa for an internship in Germany? ▼
How many days can international students work in Germany? ▼
Is Federal Employment Agency approval required for internships? ▼
How long is the German post‑graduation job‑seeker permit? ▼
When must internships be paid in Germany? ▼
Can non‑EU students do an internship after graduation? ▼
Official Sources & Further Reading
- Make it in Germany — Prospects after Graduation
- Make it in Germany — Study and Work
- Federal Employment Agency — Study‑related Internships for Foreign Students
- German Federal Foreign Office — Student Visa FAQ
Editorial Disclaimer
This guide is published by LearnViaHub for educational and informational purposes only. German immigration and labour rules are complex and subject to change. Always confirm with the Federal Employment Agency, your local foreigners authority, and your university’s international office before starting any internship.
Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education, GPA systems, and study-abroad guidance for international students.Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.