Procedure descriptions
Applying for a work permit for international students
The main purpose of the residence permit for international students is to study. If you come from certain countries, you are only permitted to work within strict limits:
- a maximum of 140 days or 280 half-days in a calendar year
- part-time student work
This is usually carried out at universities and other academic institutions. This also includes, for example, university-related work in organisations affiliated with universities.
This is also stated on your residence permit.
In all other cases, the relevant authority must authorise you to take up employment or an internship.
This applies, for example, to
- taking up gainful employment on a larger scale during the semester holidays or due to a financial emergency, or
- undertaking work placements, even if you are not paid for them. This does not apply to work placements that are prescribed in study or examination regulations or are demonstrably necessary to achieve the educational objective.
Please note: You may only start working once you have received authorisation from the relevant authority.
If you are a national of an EU or EEA country, you may work without restriction.
Responsible authority
The Immigration Office
The Foreigners’ Registration Office is:
- if you live in an urban district or a large district town: the city council
- if you live in a town or municipality within a district: the district administration
Details
Prerequisite
- Work permit for the purpose of studying
Procedure
You must apply in writing to be authorised to undertake the desired work placement. To do this, you will usually need an application form, which you can obtain from the relevant department. You can hand in the completed form in person or send it by post to the relevant department.
For subject-related work placements, the host organisation will complete a registration form and a work placement plan.
You will be granted authorisation for a fixed period covering the duration of the placement.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- Depending on the individual case
Please check with the relevant authority beforehand.
Miscellaneous
As an international student enrolled at a higher education institution abroad, you can also arrange and have an internship approved. The Central Job Placement Office (ZAV) of the Federal Employment Agency is responsible for this.
Legal basis
Aufenthaltsgesetz (AufenthG):
- § 4a Zugang zur Erwerbstätigkeit
- § 16b Studium
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Justizministerium Baden-Württemberg, 28.07.2026