Internships in Germany 2026: How it Works for International Students
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Students in engineering, IT, or health sciences who research internships in Germany often reach the same crossroads: German law distinguishes two internship types with completely different rules for visas, pay, and working hours. Understanding that distinction before you go saves time and prevents incorrect paperwork.
This article explains how internships in Germany work in 2026 for international students, from the visa type required to what the market pays, based on the rules in effect after the update to the German Residence Act in March 2026.
Two internship types, two completely different rule sets
Internships in Germany fall into two categories with distinct legal implications.
Pflichtpraktikum: the mandatory curriculum internship
The Pflichtpraktikum is the internship required by the university curriculum. It does not count toward the international student's annual work-day limit, which means it can be completed full time without consuming the quota available for other jobs.
For Pflichtpraktika lasting up to three months, German law (Mindestlohngesetz, §22) exempts the employer from paying the minimum wage.
Freiwilliges Praktikum: the voluntary internship
The freiwilliges Praktikum is done on the student's initiative, outside what the curriculum requires. This format counts toward the annual limit of 140 full-time days, in force since March 2026 for students from outside the European Union, under §16b of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (German Residence Act).
For this format, payment of the Mindestlohn of €13.90 per hour is mandatory, according to the Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales.
| Type | Counts toward annual limit? | Minimum wage required? |
|---|---|---|
| Pflichtpraktikum (up to 3 months) | No | No (exempt) |
| Pflichtpraktikum (more than 3 months) | No | Yes: €13.90/h |
| Freiwilliges Praktikum | Yes (140 days/year) | Yes: €13.90/h |
Anyone at the start of planning who is evaluating an exchange project for Germany needs to define early which internship type belongs in the path.
The curation for study and work in Germany details how visa, city, and arrival fit into that plan.
Are internships in Germany paid? What to expect on remuneration
The answer depends on type and duration.
- Freiwilliges Praktikum and Pflichtpraktikum longer than three months: Mindestlohn is mandatory. The floor in 2026 is €13.90 per hour, according to the Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales. Working 20 hours a week at that floor results in roughly €1,112 gross per month. Technology and engineering firms often pay above that floor for technical roles.
- Pflichtpraktikum of up to three months: the company may offer the internship unpaid. Public organisations and non-profits often use this practice.
- Freiwilliges Praktikum with income of up to €603 per month: can be formalised as a mini job, with income tax exemption for the intern, according to the Minijob-Zentrale.
The mini job rules in Germany in 2026 include social security implications worth mapping before signing the first contract.
Which visa is required for an internship in Germany?
It depends on where you are when the internship starts.
Already studying in Germany on a student visa: the Pflichtpraktikum is covered automatically. For the freiwilliges Praktikum, the student visa also covers it, as long as the annual limit of 140 full-time days is respected.
Coming specifically for the internship: a national internship visa issued by the German consulate is required. Required documents include:
- Internship contract signed by the company
- Proof of funds or remuneration of at least €992 per month on a 40-hour schedule
- Health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
- Approval from ZAV (International Placement Service of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit), when applicable
- Consular fee of €75 (source: Federal Foreign Office of Germany)
The visa has an initial validity of 90 days, and processing takes about six weeks on average from full document submission, according to the German consulate.
The legal work regime during exchange in Germany varies by visa type and contract format used.
How to find an internship in Germany as an international student
Students enrolled at a German university have the most direct path: institutional career centres connect students to partner companies, especially in engineering and IT. That channel is often underestimated by people who go straight to open platforms.
From outside the country, the most used channels to find internships in Germany are:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): database of internships and programmes with a practical component for international students
- Make it in Germany: official portal of the German federal government, with openings and guidance specifically for interns from outside the EU
- LinkedIn and Xing: platforms where German companies post openings regularly; Xing has especially strong local market penetration
- Sector portals: logistics, health, and construction have their own platforms with openings for international students
Internships in Germany by sector vary in format and pay depending on the field and contract length.
To structure the project with support from the start, the exchange to Germany covers visa, language, and professional insertion as integrated parts of one plan.
Is German mandatory for internships in Germany?
Not universally, but more sectors require it than most people expect.
- Information technology: companies in Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg run selection processes in English. A solid technical profile is enough at most startups.
- Health, mechanical engineering, and services: German from B1 is expected both in interviews and in day-to-day work.
The guide on part-time work for international students in Germany details language requirements by sector and contract type.
A common strategy is to combine an intensive German course with a parallel internship search, arriving in the country with at least A2 to B1 level.
Frequently asked questions about internships in Germany 2026
Does the Pflichtpraktikum need extra visa authorisation?
No. For anyone who already holds a student visa in Germany, the mandatory curriculum internship is covered automatically. No additional documentation is required.
Can I do a voluntary internship and a mini job at the same time?
Yes, as long as total hours respect the 20-hour weekly limit during term time. The Pflichtpraktikum does not count toward that total; the freiwilliges Praktikum counts toward the annual limit of 140 full-time days.
What is the minimum wage for interns in 2026?
The floor is €13.90 per hour since 1 January 2026, according to the Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales. The exception is Pflichtpraktika lasting up to three months, which are exempt from the Mindestlohn under German law.
How long does it take to get an internship visa?
On average six weeks from full document submission, according to the German consulate. Planning at least two months ahead is essential so the internship start date is not at risk.
Does an internship in Germany help with hiring after graduation?
Yes. Companies that host interns often prioritise those profiles in internal hiring processes. The internship also builds a direct network in the local market, accelerating the job search after graduation.
Be Easy: boutique exchange consultancy
Be Easy supports international students who want to structure a real project in Germany, from language programme choice through arrival support. If you are evaluating how to combine studies and practical experience in the country, we have the curation so that each step makes sense. To explore the available options and speak with a dedicated senior consultant, contact us.
