Question 1

Do I have to pay taxes as a working student?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Working students are generally subject to income tax. Our working student calculator allows you to estimate in advance what deductions will be made from your salary. However, if your annual income is below the basic tax-free allowance of €12,348, no income tax will be due, and any wage tax already paid can be reclaimed via your tax return.

Question 2

Do I, as a working student, pay unemployment, health and long-term care insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, as long as you meet the requirements for student employment status, these three contributions are waived for the employee. Only the pension insurance remains in place with an employee contribution of 9.3 percent. Our student employment calculator automatically takes these deductions into account when calculating your net salary.

Question 3

How many hours am I allowed to work as a student trainee?

Accepted Answer

During the lecture period, a maximum of 20 hours per week is permitted, and during semester breaks, up to 40 hours per week. Additionally, no more than 26 weeks or 182 calendar days may be worked with more than 20 hours per week within any twelve-month period.

Question 4

When do I, as a working student, need my own health insurance?

Accepted Answer

As soon as your regular monthly income exceeds 565 euros, or 603 euros in the case of a pure mini-job, free family insurance usually ends and your own, usually discounted, student health insurance becomes necessary.

Question 5

Do I have to file a tax return as a working student?

Accepted Answer

However, if you paid income tax monthly and your annual income was below the basic tax-free allowance, you should consider filing a tax return to get any overpaid tax back. You can use the student employee calculator to estimate your expected net salary in advance.

Question 6

Can I, as an international student, use the computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the calculator works regardless of nationality for all students who are employed as working students in Germany and pay income tax in Germany.

Question 7

Can I claim a tax refund even after I graduate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A tax return can be filed retroactively for up to four years. If you paid too much income tax during your studies, you can reclaim it even after graduation.

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