Exchange in Berlin: is it possible to work legally?

The German capital is not only one of the main cultural and artistic centers in Europe, but also a hub of innovation and technology that attracts students from all over the world. For Brazilians who dream of an international experience, Berlin offers the perfect combination: renowned educational institutions and the possibility of working legally while studying, making the exchange more accessible and enriching.

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Work permit for international students in Berlin

German law is extremely favorable for exchange students who wish to complement their studies with professional experience. As an international student in Berlin, you are entitled to work up to 120 full days or 240 partial days a year. In practice, this means approximately 20 hours a week during the academic period, allowing you to perfectly reconcile studies with a part-time job.

During academic holidays, this restriction is considerably relaxed, and you can work full time (40 hours a week). This policy reflects the German government's understanding of the importance of practical experience in the academic education and cultural integration of international students.

The program Study and Work in Germany offers full support to take advantage of these opportunities. With a student visa, you automatically receive permission to work within these limits, without having to request additional authorizations. An extra benefit: internships directly related to your course are generally not counted in this quota of hours, further expanding your professional possibilities.

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The Berlin job market for exchange students

Berlin stands out as one of the best European destinations for students who wish to work during their exchange. Some factors make the Berlin market especially attractive:

• International city: With over 180 nationalities, many companies hire students who speak only English
• Startup Hub: Berlin is the European startup capital, with new companies constantly emerging and seeking international talent
• Expanding technological sector: Companies like Delivery Hero, N26, and SoundCloud provide opportunities for technology students
• Demand for Portuguese: Multinational companies with operations in Brazil often seek native Portuguese speakers
• Flexibility: Berlin's work culture is known for being more relaxed and adaptable to the needs of students

O German minimum wage for 2025 is set at €12.82 per hour, one of the highest in Europe. Working the maximum allowed during the term (20 hours a week), this represents a monthly income of approximately €1,100, enough to cover a large part of the costs of living in the city.

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Cost of living in Berlin: the most affordable capital in Western Europe

Despite being a vibrant European capital, Berlin maintains a surprisingly affordable cost of living, especially when compared to cities like London, Paris, or even Munich. This makes the German capital even more attractive for international students:

• Rent (shared room): €400-600
• Rent (small apartment): €850-1,300
• Monthly transport pass: €93 (with student discount: €65)
• Monthly food: €250-350
• Internet and basic services: €80-120
• Leisure and social life: €150-250

Students are generally able to keep their monthly expenses between €800 and €1,200, depending on their lifestyle. With a part-time job, it is quite possible to cover a large part of these costs, making the exchange in Berlin a financially viable option.

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Be Easy partner universities in Berlin

Berlin is home to some of the most innovative and international institutions in Germany, many of them partners of Be Easy. These universities not only offer excellent courses, but they also maintain strong connections with the local labor market:

University of Europe for Applied Sciences (EU)

Located in the heart of the city, EU Berlin provides an academic experience integrated with the capital's dynamic startup and innovation ecosystem. The university is especially renowned for:

• Practical approach: Real projects with local companies throughout the course
• International faculty: Teachers with global experience and industry connections
• Bilingual programs: Courses in English and German adapted to the international market
• Focus on creativity and technology: Areas such as Business, Design, Sports, Media and Event Management

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Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)

BSBI offers a truly international experience in the center of Berlin. With its modern methodology and multicultural student body, the institution stands out for:

• Global environment: Students from over 100 nationalities
• Courses fully in English: It is not necessary to master German to join
• Comprehensive language support: Free German courses to improve your chances in the local market
• Active business connections: Strategic partnerships for internships and practical projects

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IU International University of Applied Sciences

With its modern campus in Berlin, IU has established itself as the largest university in Germany, combining academic rigor with innovative methodologies:

• Pioneering hybrid system: Flexibility between in-person and digital learning
• Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs: Wide range of study options
• International recognition: Diplomas valued in the global market
• Advanced technological support: AI-based learning tools

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GISMA University of Applied Sciences

GISMA has gained a position among the global educational elite through its commitment to academic excellence, being one of the 2% of business schools in the world with AMBA certification:

• Pioneering Hyflex system: Integration between physical and virtual environments
• Integrated corporate programs: Partnerships with giants like TATA, Deloitte and Zalando
• International approach: Courses in English preparing for global careers

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How to find a job in Berlin

Finding employment during your exchange in Berlin is made easy by a number of tools and resources. The city has a welcoming work culture for international students, with numerous opportunities in various sectors:

• Digital platforms: OR Jobsuche app from the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) is an excellent free tool, with thousands of part-time vacancies updated daily
• Specialized sites: Berlin Startup Jobs, AngelList, and Indeed are popular for English-language jobs
• University Job Fairs: All partner universities hold regular recruitment events
• Networking: Berlin has dozens of meetup groups for professionals from various fields
• Social networks: Facebook groups like “Jobs in Berlin” and “Brazilians in Berlin” frequently publicize opportunities

Tip: Build your LinkedIn profile in English and German (even if basic) before arriving in the city. Local recruiters often search for candidates through this channel.

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Sectors with the highest demand in Berlin

The German capital has a diverse job market, with opportunities for students from virtually every field. The most promising sectors include:

• Technology and IT: Web development, UX/UI, technical support, data science
• Hospitality and tourism: Hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions (especially for those who speak Portuguese)
• Startups and entrepreneurship: Digital marketing, product development, customer service
• upbringing: Teaching Portuguese and English, tutoring for students
• Creative economy: Design, media, music, visual arts

Brazilian students often find opportunities in companies with operations in Latin America or that seek to expand to Portuguese-speaking markets, taking advantage of their cultural and linguistic knowledge.

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Understanding German labor law

The German system offers strong protection for all workers, including students in part-time jobs. When working in Berlin, you will be entitled to:

• Formal employment contract: Even for part-time or temporary jobs
• Proportional paid vacation: Accumulation of approximately 2 vacation days per month worked
• Protection against dismissal: Clear rules and defined notice periods
• Subsidized health insurance: Extensive medical coverage included in most contracts
• Overtime compensation: Additional payment or compensatory time off

It is important to understand that all income must be declared to the German tax authorities. For students, there is an annual exemption limit (around €10,908 in 2025), below which it is not necessary to pay income tax.

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Advantages of combining study and work in Berlin

The experience of studying and working simultaneously in Berlin offers benefits that go far beyond the financial aspect:

• Accelerated language immersion: Practicing German in a professional environment accelerates your learning
• Professional networking: Valuable connections for your future career, both in Germany and Brazil
• Development of intercultural skills: Competence increasingly valued in the global market
• Differential in the curriculum: International experience that highlights your professional profile
• Possibilities of permanence: Basis for potential immigration after completing studies

Many Brazilian students are able to transform their part-time jobs into full-time career opportunities after graduation, taking advantage of the 18-month visa offered by Germany for job search after completing studies.

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Be Easy: make your exchange dream in Berlin a reality

Na Be Easy, we are specialists in transforming exchange dreams into transformative experiences. Our team offers full support for your journey in Berlin, from choosing the ideal university to guidance on work, accommodation, and cultural adaptation in the vibrant German capital. With our Study and Work program in Germany, you receive all the necessary support to make the most of this unique experience.

Contact us today and discover how we can help you carry out your exchange in Berlin safely and with peace of mind, combining quality education with valuable international professional experience.

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