Legal:

18. Do I need a visa for Germany?

This depends on your nationality. You can find out more on the websites of your country’s websites, the responsible local German Mission (embassy or consulate) in your home country, the website of the German Foreign Federal Office or the international office of your home university.

19. How long am I allowed to work as a student in Germany?

The amount of days you are allowed to work depends on where you are from and on whether you internship is compulsory or not.

Generally EU-citizens have unlimited access to the German labour market. For students from the new member states Rumania and Bulgaria enrolled at a German university the following interim regulation applies: They are allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days per calendar year. Work as research or student assistants and compulsory internships do not fall under this regulation and may exceed 120 full or 240 half days.
Jobs and voluntary internships exceeding 120 full or 240 half days requires the approval of the Federal Employment Agency.

For more information please see the following websites:
Internships in Germany-DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Overview Working in Germany-DAADhttp://www.daad.de/imperia/md/content/de/deutschland/downloads/info_employment.pdf
Federal Employment Agency
Working in Germany- Foreign Employment Agency
German Federal Foreign Office

20. I am a EU student. Do I need a work permit for an internship in Germany?

Citizens from EU member states do not need work permits for internships in Germany. Exempt from this rule are students from Rumania and Bulgaria: voluntary internships longer than 120 full or 240 half days need to be approved by the Federal Employment Agency.

Compulsory internships and internships up to 120 full or 240 half days do not require a work permit.


21. I am a non-EU student. Do I need a work permit for an internship in Germany?

The answer to this question depends on what kind of internship you are doing.

Compulsory internships:

Non-EU students do not need a work permit or approval for internships that are compulsory/required as part of their studies. A statement from the University confirming this is required.

Voluntary internships:
Non-EU students may take up a voluntary internship lasting up to 120 full or 240 half days. Internships exceeding this duration require approval by the Federal Employment Agency (ZAV approval). The International Office at Ingolstadt University supports students from partner universities in case they should need the ZAV approval.
If your internship is part of an exchange programme or a scholarship it also does not need the ZAV approval.


22. Can I work more than the 120 days allowed in my residence permit?

You may work more that the approval-free 120 full or 240 half days if your job counts as research or student assistant or if it is a compulsory internship that is required as part of your studies. If your question refers to an internship lasting longer than 120 days, please see question 19-21.

23. What documents do I need for my employer?

  • In case your internship is required by your home university you will need a document confirming this
  • Copy of your passport (and visa if applicable)
  • Confirmation of enrolment
  • Bescheinigung für den Lohnsteuerabzug/Lohnsteuerkarte (please also see question 24)

24. I am told I need a "Lohnsteuerkarte". Where can I get this?

Instead of a Lohnsteuerkarte you will need a Bescheinigung für den Lohnsteuerabzug. This document can be obtained from the responsible tax authority (Finanzamt Ingolstadt).

25. Where do I get my social insurance number?

Students with a German health insurance (AOK, Techniker Krankenkasse) may ask their health insurance for their social insurance number. Students who have a travel insurance need to apply for a social insurance number at Soziales Rathaus in Ingolstadt. Appointments are necessary and can be made via telephone (0841 305-1611).

26. My salary is lower than 670 € so I don’t get a visa/residency permit. What can I do now?

The application for a visa for Germany includes proof of financial resources to support your stay (Finanzierungsnachweis). The authorities accept the following options to prove sufficient financial resources (please check with the German embassy in your home country which option they prefer with your application):

  • Internship contract with a minimum salary of 670 € per month
  • Written confirmation (in German or English) from your parents stating that they will cover all expenses related to your stay in Ingolstadt/internship destination. In addition to this confirmation parents have to prove sufficient funds by presenting a bank statement.
  • Scholarship confirmation by the organisation granting the scholarship. If the scholarship is less that 670 € per month an additional proof of financial resources covering the difference is necessary.
  • Formal written commitment from relatives or acquaintances living in Germany (§ 68 Aufenthaltsgesetz) submitted to the German diplomatic mission in your home country or to the responsible registration office in Germany. Those signing this commitment need to prove that they are able to maintain this commitment.
  • Blocked account from a German bank (Sperrkonto) from which allows the withdrawal of a fixed amount per month (670 € or more). This service is not offered by all banks and is restricted to certain countries (e.g. PR China)

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