Exchange in Germany: is it possible to work legally?
The European country not only offers renowned educational institutions, but also allows international students to work legally during their studies. This combination makes Germany an increasingly sought after destination for Brazilians who wish to boost their careers.
Work permit for international students
German legislation is quite favorable for foreign students who wish to reconcile their studies with professional experience. As an exchange student in Germany, you have the right to work up to 120 full days or 240 partial days a year, which is equivalent to approximately 20 hours a week during the academic period. During academic holidays, this restriction is relaxed, allowing you to work full time (40 hours a week). This policy reflects the German government's understanding of the importance of practical experience for academic training.
The program Study and Work in Germany offers full support for those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity. Students with a student visa automatically receive permission to work within these established limits, without the need to request additional authorization. It should be noted that internships related to the course are counted separately and, in many cases, do not count the hours allowed, further expanding your possibilities of gaining professional experience.
Minimum wage and salary expectations
For 2025, Minimum wage in Germany was set at €12.82 per hour, one of the highest in Europe. This amount represents a monthly compensation of approximately €2,222 for a standard 40-hour working week, providing a solid base for international students who wish to supplement their income while studying.
Compensation possibilities for international students vary according to several factors:
- Professional qualification: Students with specific skills or previous experience can achieve higher-than-average salaries
- Work region: Cities like Munich and Frankfurt offer higher salaries but also have a higher cost of living
- Sector of activity: Technical areas, IT, and engineering tend to pay better, even for part-time positions
- German level: Mastering the local language significantly expands opportunities and can result in better salaries
- Type of work: Internships at large companies often pay above minimum wage
Many Brazilian students manage to earn between €800 and €1,500 per month working within the allowed limit, which is generally sufficient to cover a large part of the cost of living, especially in smaller cities.
How to find a job in Germany
Finding work during your exchange in Germany may seem challenging at first, but the country offers several tools and resources to facilitate this search. The German labor market values qualified professionals and, even for part-time positions, there is a constant demand for talent in various sectors.
One of the main tools for job search is Jobsuche app, developed by the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). This free app available for Android and iOS offers access to over one million vacancies and is constantly updated with new opportunities. For international students, the application is particularly valuable, as it includes a wide range of part-time vacancies and internships, perfectly aligned with legal work restrictions during the study period.
Cost of living in major German cities
O cost of living in Germany varies significantly depending on the city chosen for your exchange. Understanding these differences is essential to properly plan your finances while staying in the country. In general, monthly expenses include rent, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
See the comparison between the main German cities:
- Berlin: Still considered one of the most affordable European capitals
- Rent (shared room): €400-600
- Rent (small apartment): €850-1,300
- Monthly transport pass: €93
- Monthly food: €250-350
- Munich: The most expensive city in Germany, but with the best salaries
- Rent (shared room): €600-800
- Rent (small apartment): €1,200-1,600
- Monthly transport pass: €89
- Monthly food: €350-450
- Frankfurt: Financial center with a high cost of living
- Rent (shared room): €500-700
- Rent (small apartment): €1,000-1,400
- Monthly transport pass: €98
- Monthly food: €300-400
- Hamburg: Combination of quality of life and moderate costs
- Rent (shared room): €450-650
- Rent (small apartment): €900-1,300
- Monthly transport pass: €95
- Monthly food: €280-380
- Leipzig: More economical option with a growing labor market
- Rent (shared room): €300-450
- Rent (small apartment): €500-800
- Monthly transport pass: €74
- Monthly food: €250-350
Students are generally able to keep their monthly expenses between €800 and €1,200, depending on the city and lifestyle, which makes it feasible to cover a large part of the costs with part-time work.
Germany vs Brazil: comparison of work and compensation
When comparing working conditions and compensation between Germany and Brazil, the differences are significant and explain the growing interest of Brazilians in professional experiences abroad. In Germany, even working at minimum wage for 20 hours a week (limit for students during the academic period), an exchange student can earn approximately €1,024 per month. This amount, converted to the Brazilian reality, is substantially higher than the Brazilian minimum wage, which in 2025 is around R$ 1,518, even considering a full working day of 44 hours a week.
Benefits other than salary
In addition to the attractive compensation, working in Germany during the exchange offers advantages that go far beyond the financial aspect. The European country provides a structured work environment, with legislation that guarantees solid labor rights even for temporary and part-time jobs. Students have access to a quality health system through public or private insurance, efficient public transportation, which significantly reduce the cost of living. International experience adds inestimable value to the curriculum, opening doors both in Brazil and abroad after completing studies.
Be Easy
A Be Easy offers complete programs for studying and working in Germany, with support at every stage of the process. Our specialized team assists in choosing the ideal course, preparing the necessary documents, providing guidance on work permits, and adjusting to life in the country. Through our Exclusive Exchange Community, you can also connect with other Brazilians who are already in Germany, facilitating your integration and expanding your network of contacts. Contact us and make your exchange dream in Germany a reality!
