Exchange in Hamburg: is it possible to work legally?
The second largest city in Germany and one of the main ports in Europe, Hamburg combines the charm of canals reminiscent of Venice with a cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere. Known as the “Gateway to the World”, this Hanseatic city offers a unique experience for international students, combining maritime tradition, impressive architecture and a modern lifestyle. For Brazilians who dream of a full international experience, Hamburg stands out not only for its excellent educational institutions, but also for its ample opportunities for legal work during the exchange.
The city of Hamburg: tradition and modernity in harmony
Hamburg is a city of fascinating contrasts. Its impressive historic warehouses in the Speicherstadt district (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) coexist with the futuristic Elbe Philharmonic. The city has more canals than Venice and Amsterdam combined, in addition to extensive green areas that occupy almost half of its territory.
With a population of approximately 1.8 million, Hamburg is an important economic center, home to the second largest stock exchange in Germany and headquarters of major companies such as Airbus, Beiersdorf (Nivea) and important publishing groups. This characteristic transforms the city into fertile ground for students who wish to complement their education with professional experience.
Work permit for international students in Hamburg
As in the whole of Germany, international students in Hamburg enjoy favorable conditions for reconciling studies and work. The German student visa allows you to work up to 120 full days or 240 partial days a year, which is equivalent to:
- Up to 20 hours a week during the term
- Possibility to work 40 hours a week during academic holidays
- Course-related internships generally don't count against this quota of hours
The program Study and Work in Germany from Be Easy offers comprehensive guidance on how to take advantage of these opportunities. A significant advantage of the German system is that this permission is automatically granted with the student visa, without the need for additional authorizations, considerably simplifying the process.
The job market in Hamburg for exchange students
Hamburg offers an extremely dynamic and diverse job market for international students. The city has characteristics that make it especially attractive:
- International logistics center: The port of Hamburg, the third largest in Europe, creates numerous opportunities in the international trade and logistics sector
- Media and communication hub: It houses the largest publishers and media companies in the country, such as Der Spiegel and Gruner + Jahr
- Strong Brazilian presence: Companies with operations in Brazil maintain offices in the city, valuing Portuguese speakers
- Booming tourism: Growing demand for multilingual professionals in the hospitality sector
- Aerospace industry: Airbus' presence creates an ecosystem of suppliers and associated services
With the German minimum wage set at €12.82 per hour for 2025, students in Hamburg can earn a monthly income of approximately €1,100 working the maximum allowed during the term (20 hours a week). This amount is generally sufficient to cover a large part of the local cost of living.
Cost of living in Hamburg: realistic financial planning
Hamburg has a slightly higher cost of living than the German average, but offers an excellent quality of life. Consider these average values for your financial planning:
- Rent (shared room): €450-650
- Rent (small apartment): €900-1,300
- Monthly transport pass: €95 (with student discount: €69)
- Monthly food: €280-380
- Internet and basic services: €100-140
- Leisure and social life: €150-250
Students are generally able to keep their monthly expenses between €900 and €1,300, depending on their chosen lifestyle. With a part-time job, it is quite possible to cover a significant part of these costs, making the exchange more financially accessible.
Be Easy partner universities in Hamburg
Hamburg is home to renowned educational institutions that combine academic tradition with innovative approaches. Among Be Easy's partners with a campus in Hamburg, the following stand out:
University of Europe for Applied Sciences (EU)
The EU campus in Hamburg is located in the vibrant HafenCity area, Europe's largest urban development project. The university stands out for:
- Connection with the commercial hub: Strong integration with the Hamburg business sector
- Modern facilities: Campus designed to facilitate practical and collaborative learning
- International programs: Courses taught in English and German
- Focus on innovation: Areas such as Business, Media, Sports Management and Design
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)
Although it has its main campus in Berlin, BSBI has expanded its educational presence to Hamburg, offering:
- 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
How to find a job in Hamburg
Hamburg offers several tools and resources to facilitate the job search during your exchange. The city has a dynamic business culture open to international talent:
- Official platforms: The Jobsuche app from the German Federal Employment Agency offers thousands of vacancies, including part-time positions ideal for students
- Local specialized sites: Portals like Stellenwerk Hamburg specifically focus on vacancies for university students
- Alumni networks: Partner universities maintain active alumni networks that frequently share opportunities
- Career fairs: Regular events like the Hanseatische Karrieremesse connect students directly with employers
- Brazilian community: Groups such as “Brazilians in Hamburg” often share job opportunities
Practical tip: Consider getting a “Minijob” (tax-free job of up to €520 per month) as a gateway to the local labor market while improving your German and building your network of contacts.
Sectors with the highest demand in Hamburg
Hamburg's diverse economy offers opportunities in various sectors for international students. The most promising fields include:
- Logistics and international trade: Logistics operators, customs clearance, supply chain
- Media and communication: Digital marketing, design, content production, translation
- Technology and startups: Web development, UX/UI, analytics, technical support
- Tourism and hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, cruises, events
- Maritime sector: Port administration, data analysis, sustainability
Brazilian students often find great opportunities in companies that have business relations with Brazil or Latin America, taking advantage of their linguistic and cultural knowledge as a competitive advantage.
Understanding German labor law
Germany offers a structured work environment with well-defined rights, even for temporary and part-time jobs. When working in Hamburg, you will have:
- Formal contract: Clear documentation of your duties, schedules, and compensation
- Guaranteed rights: Proportional vacation, protection against unjustified dismissal, overtime compensation
- Subsidized health insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage included in the employment relationship
- Additional benefits: Many companies offer food stamps, transportation assistance, and other benefits
It's important to be aware that all income needs to be reported. For students, there is an annual tax exemption limit (approximately €10,908 in 2025) - below this amount, there is generally no need to pay income tax.
Advantages of combining study and work in Hamburg
The experience of studying and working in Hamburg provides significant benefits for your personal and professional training:
- Practical German experience: Accelerated development of language skills in a real environment
- Creation of international networking: Valuable connections with professionals from different sectors and nationalities
- Understanding the German corporate environment: Exposure to Germanic business culture, highly valued in the global market
- Partial financial independence: Ability to cover a significant part of living costs with one's own work
- Competitive differential in the curriculum: International experience that highlights your professional profile upon returning to Brazil
Many students are able to transform their work experience during the exchange into permanent career opportunities. Upon completion of the course, Germany offers an 18-month visa to search for employment, facilitating the transition to a full-time position.
Be Easy: make your exchange dream in Hamburg a reality
At Be Easy, we understand that the decision to do an exchange goes far beyond choosing a city or university - it's a life project that can transform your future. Our team offers full support for your journey in Hamburg, from selecting the ideal institution to guidance on work, accommodation, and cultural adaptation in this fascinating port city.
With our program Study and Work in Germany, you receive all the necessary support to successfully combine quality education and valuable international professional experience. Nossa University Abroad offers personalized paths for your academic development in Hamburg.
Contact us today and discover how we can help you carry out your exchange in Hamburg safely and with peace of mind, turning this experience into a game-changer for your career.
